Workers are happy to share what they love about their jobs

I was really sweating it for a while after I wrote that column last week insisting I have the best job in the world and asking people who feel the same way to tell me about it.

What if I was a voice in the wilderness? What if our tough economy and gray winter skies had soured everybody’s disposition?

Then the e-mails started popping up – from Carol Ova in Arlington, Rose Mansfield in Snohomish, Jennie Lindberg in Edmonds and a host of other folks. Your notes made my day and saved my bacon. Thanks for letting me share some of my favorite passages.

Here goes:

“I get to spend my days helping kids learn how to read. There is absolutely nothing more exciting or rewarding than seeing the ‘light bulb’ come on as a student puts it all together and exclaims with a huge smile, ‘Mr. Kusler, I can read!’ …There is nothing I would rather be doing. I always tell my students, ‘I’m the luckiest person in the world!’ “- Bill Kusler, kindergarten teacher, Skyline Elementary School, Lake Stevens

“Some people refer to them as ‘special needs’ children. I just call them special. Sure, it’s a challenge on some days. But the thrill when they learn, their true innocence and their little smiling faces is worth anything. To me, these children are angels on earth.” – Carol Ova, teachers aide in life skills, Arlington

“It is my passion to make life better for our elders, and that is what I do, whether I am washing out a coffeepot or attending a county meeting. I also love the variety of my job. No two days are ever the same. Plus, it’s a very challenging job and requires lots of different skills and creativity. I feel stretched in what I do, as well as getting to feel competent.” – Krysta Gibson, director of the East County Senior Center in Monroe

“They are compassionate, caring and truly a group of men and women who have pride in their jobs, while understanding that people have lives and are humans, not just numbers. This Thanksgiving was the first year that I can remember actually getting a turkey and a ‘Happy Thanksgiving,’ and it sounds like Christmas will be a time of joy and friendship as well. I feel more blessed than most, and I’m one of the lucky ones.” – Rose Mansfield, talking about her new co-workers at Glacier Bay boats in Monroe after leaving a corporate job where people were often rude and inconsiderate

“I believe our agency is ethical and focused on providing the best possible service for our clients. The staff I supervise are excellent clinicians and easy and fun to work with. Our clients are people who deserve and are getting another chance. I feel honored to be able to work with them. I put in long hours because I believe in what I do and because I am making a difference in people’s lives.” Jennie Lindberg of Edmonds, clinical manager at Evergreen Manor, a chemical dependency treatment agency in Everett

“Never before have I had a job that I love so much. I spend my day with students ages 5 to 11. These children keep me young, teach me something new every day and make me laugh. If I’m ever having a bad day, there’s always a little voice saying, ‘Hi, Mrs. Larson.’ ” – Stephanie Larson, reading assistant at Whittier Elementary School in Everett

“A little over two years ago, a hotly debated decision to leave the rigors of the daily Seattle commute put me in the ‘Happy in my job’ category. My sometimes more than 2 1/2hour round trip daily bus commute south from Mariner Park and Ride was exchanged for a 15-minute drive north to Everett. … Working with the Snohomish County Campus Redevelopment Initiative team for a great boss, with great people, building a great new county seat and doing it in partnership with a great organization is, well, great.” – Connie Lewis, communications coordinator

“Working with seniors is the most fun! They are funny, wise and have great common sense. … At least once a day I think to myself, ‘I can’t believe I get paid to do this!’ And the really funny part is they think I’m doing it for them, when they are so fun. I can’t wait to go to work each day.” – Cindy Crossman, program coordinator for Sunrise Assisted Living in Snohomish

“When the power comes on and all the lights and machines work without any trouble, it’s a good feeling. … When that construction worker comes up to you and says your design looks good and I can build from it, that’s a good feeling.” – Don Marable of Marysville, who does electrical design work for King County’s Metro Transit

Last but not least is this missive from Terry Asiala, a former Everett resident who manages a title agency in Scottsdale, Ariz., and reads The Herald on the Internet.

“I love putting people into their new homes, closing for the seller on the sale of their old home, or watching the smile on the faces of the borrowers when they receive a great interest rate to reduce their payments. P.S. Don’t worry about me, it’s 78 degrees today.”

Many thanks to all for sharing the great parts of their jobs.

I’m not ready to give up the notion that my job is the best in the world, but I have to tell you, Bill and Stephanie, you’ve got me on the ropes.

Mike Benbow, 425-339-3459; benbow@heraldnet. com.