A purpose
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,251
A purpose
I have struggled to find meaningful work here in Italy. The economic crisis coupled with the fact that I am a foreigner from outside the EU has made it difficult. I have struggled with depression, loneliness, poverty and boredom... and drank because of all of those things.
However, about a month ago I finally found a great job. It is with an American company doing English conversation lessons on an online platform.
I initially did not want work online because I felt leaving the house and interacting with other people was important, but with this work I never feel alone.
It is actually quite fun and interesting. Yes, some calls are boring and difficult but I also speak to a lot of people who broaden my knowledge of the world. I love learning about the new year customs in Japan, or hearing the joy of the young Vietnamese woman who just opened her own pilates studio after working for others for years, or the guy in Turkey who survived a terrorist attack, losing two fingers and an eye, only to push on and become a software developer for IBM. I was so interested and humbled when the guy from Saudi Arabia opened up to me about how his father had two wives and 23 children and he hated it, he felt having multiple wives was emotionally distressing for all involved and he was glad to see things changing. I asked him anything and everything about this situation and he was completely open and honest, explaining how the household works, how the sex is doled out between the wives, how the children interact with one another..... I've shared book recommendations with the introvert in South Korea, I've felt the absolute peace and happiness of the retiree in Costa Rica who just welcomed his first grandchild into the world, I cleared up some misunderstandings of my hometown with a guy half-way around the world in China.... and on and on. It has been a real pleasure to talk to these people and Im even getting paid for it!
If anyone is looking for some extra work- or full time (I am literally booked solid for every hour I open!) send me a message and I can direct you to the site I work for or other similar sites. The only requirement is that you are a native English speaker but all accents are welcome- US, British, Scottish, Irish, Australian, New Zealand, South African, etc.
However, about a month ago I finally found a great job. It is with an American company doing English conversation lessons on an online platform.
I initially did not want work online because I felt leaving the house and interacting with other people was important, but with this work I never feel alone.
It is actually quite fun and interesting. Yes, some calls are boring and difficult but I also speak to a lot of people who broaden my knowledge of the world. I love learning about the new year customs in Japan, or hearing the joy of the young Vietnamese woman who just opened her own pilates studio after working for others for years, or the guy in Turkey who survived a terrorist attack, losing two fingers and an eye, only to push on and become a software developer for IBM. I was so interested and humbled when the guy from Saudi Arabia opened up to me about how his father had two wives and 23 children and he hated it, he felt having multiple wives was emotionally distressing for all involved and he was glad to see things changing. I asked him anything and everything about this situation and he was completely open and honest, explaining how the household works, how the sex is doled out between the wives, how the children interact with one another..... I've shared book recommendations with the introvert in South Korea, I've felt the absolute peace and happiness of the retiree in Costa Rica who just welcomed his first grandchild into the world, I cleared up some misunderstandings of my hometown with a guy half-way around the world in China.... and on and on. It has been a real pleasure to talk to these people and Im even getting paid for it!
If anyone is looking for some extra work- or full time (I am literally booked solid for every hour I open!) send me a message and I can direct you to the site I work for or other similar sites. The only requirement is that you are a native English speaker but all accents are welcome- US, British, Scottish, Irish, Australian, New Zealand, South African, etc.
Life Goes On
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 6,069
Wow, Mera
That's really cool.
I might be hitting you up for information "for a friend." LOL, no seriously, I have a daughter who might be interested in doing this sort of work - it's right up her loving soul's alley.
On the flip-side, I have a connection who teaches English to Chinese (or primarily Chinese?) children. I believe quite young children. So if anyone is interested in that, feel free to PM me.
Ok, business out of the way...
Mera, I'm a big fan of yours and am always in your corner. I hope things are on the upswing for you, or at least moving in that direction. Happy New Year!
O
That's really cool.
I might be hitting you up for information "for a friend." LOL, no seriously, I have a daughter who might be interested in doing this sort of work - it's right up her loving soul's alley.
On the flip-side, I have a connection who teaches English to Chinese (or primarily Chinese?) children. I believe quite young children. So if anyone is interested in that, feel free to PM me.
Ok, business out of the way...
Mera, I'm a big fan of yours and am always in your corner. I hope things are on the upswing for you, or at least moving in that direction. Happy New Year!
O
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 165
Wonderful update!
Happen to see your update, Mera, whilst dealing with some insomnia tonight and lovely to read about such positive news for you! I have followed your story for the 4 or so years I’ve been part of this community. Although I don’t post much these days, I’m rooting for you!
I’m 3+ years sober with the help of rehab, AA and SR! Keep doing the next right thing, girl!
I’m 3+ years sober with the help of rehab, AA and SR! Keep doing the next right thing, girl!
Blue Belt
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Soberville, USA
Posts: 4,174
Originally Posted by Meraviglioso 
I have struggled to find meaningful work here in Italy. The economic crisis coupled with the fact that I am a foreigner from outside the EU has made it difficult. I have struggled with depression, loneliness, poverty and boredom... and drank because of all of those things.
However, about a month ago I finally found a great job. It is with an American company doing English conversation lessons on an online platform.
I initially did not want work online because I felt leaving the house and interacting with other people was important, but with this work I never feel alone.
It is actually quite fun and interesting. Yes, some calls are boring and difficult but I also speak to a lot of people who broaden my knowledge of the world. I love learning about the new year customs in Japan, or hearing the joy of the young Vietnamese woman who just opened her own pilates studio after working for others for years, or the guy in Turkey who survived a terrorist attack, losing two fingers and an eye, only to push on and become a software developer for IBM. I was so interested and humbled when the guy from Saudi Arabia opened up to me about how his father had two wives and 23 children and he hated it, he felt having multiple wives was emotionally distressing for all involved and he was glad to see things changing. I asked him anything and everything about this situation and he was completely open and honest, explaining how the household works, how the sex is doled out between the wives, how the children interact with one another..... I've shared book recommendations with the introvert in South Korea, I've felt the absolute peace and happiness of the retiree in Costa Rica who just welcomed his first grandchild into the world, I cleared up some misunderstandings of my hometown with a guy half-way around the world in China.... and on and on. It has been a real pleasure to talk to these people and Im even getting paid for it!
If anyone is looking for some extra work- or full time (I am literally booked solid for every hour I open!) send me a message and I can direct you to the site I work for or other similar sites. The only requirement is that you are a native English speaker but all accents are welcome- US, British, Scottish, Irish, Australian, New Zealand, South African, etc.
However, about a month ago I finally found a great job. It is with an American company doing English conversation lessons on an online platform.
I initially did not want work online because I felt leaving the house and interacting with other people was important, but with this work I never feel alone.
It is actually quite fun and interesting. Yes, some calls are boring and difficult but I also speak to a lot of people who broaden my knowledge of the world. I love learning about the new year customs in Japan, or hearing the joy of the young Vietnamese woman who just opened her own pilates studio after working for others for years, or the guy in Turkey who survived a terrorist attack, losing two fingers and an eye, only to push on and become a software developer for IBM. I was so interested and humbled when the guy from Saudi Arabia opened up to me about how his father had two wives and 23 children and he hated it, he felt having multiple wives was emotionally distressing for all involved and he was glad to see things changing. I asked him anything and everything about this situation and he was completely open and honest, explaining how the household works, how the sex is doled out between the wives, how the children interact with one another..... I've shared book recommendations with the introvert in South Korea, I've felt the absolute peace and happiness of the retiree in Costa Rica who just welcomed his first grandchild into the world, I cleared up some misunderstandings of my hometown with a guy half-way around the world in China.... and on and on. It has been a real pleasure to talk to these people and Im even getting paid for it!
If anyone is looking for some extra work- or full time (I am literally booked solid for every hour I open!) send me a message and I can direct you to the site I work for or other similar sites. The only requirement is that you are a native English speaker but all accents are welcome- US, British, Scottish, Irish, Australian, New Zealand, South African, etc.
I am also interested in online work. Please pm me. I never get PM's so it should be gtg.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,251
Thanks everyone for your support!!! It feels great! I really do love this job because I feel like I am doing something meaningful and helpful but also learning so much myself. In addition I’m making a little money.
Today I spoke to a man in Seoul SK about his life coaching business and how it has been difficult to get started as Koreans are suspicious of things like life coaching or therapy. A student from China who is studying graphic design and hopes to get a second degree in the UK or US, a Saudi Arabian woman who lost her true love 10 years ago but recently remarried... her uncle (her aunt died) and a man from Peru who hopes to move to Canada one day and is in love with the English language. This evening I have my usual meeting with the guy from Turkey who works for IBM.
It is so interesting and SUCH GOOD MOTIVATION to stay sober. Not just to be able to show up for work sober, but often I hear of difficulties and struggles that remind me of how fortunate I am.
Today I spoke to a man in Seoul SK about his life coaching business and how it has been difficult to get started as Koreans are suspicious of things like life coaching or therapy. A student from China who is studying graphic design and hopes to get a second degree in the UK or US, a Saudi Arabian woman who lost her true love 10 years ago but recently remarried... her uncle (her aunt died) and a man from Peru who hopes to move to Canada one day and is in love with the English language. This evening I have my usual meeting with the guy from Turkey who works for IBM.
It is so interesting and SUCH GOOD MOTIVATION to stay sober. Not just to be able to show up for work sober, but often I hear of difficulties and struggles that remind me of how fortunate I am.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,251
It is also a good reminder to not judge and be open to other cultures. I spoke with a young man from Iraq who told me of his upcoming wedding. I asked how he met her and he told me he saw her in a cafe, but as women in his town are generally covered he could only see her eyes. He said “I knew those eyes and I knew I loved them. I immediately asked my family if they would ask her family to give her to me as a bride. It is my cousin. I know in your culture this is very strange but it is not here”.
While marrying a cousin (or uncle) or having a woman “sold off” into marriage seems strange to me it is so nice to go into every conversation with an open mind and respect for a different culture and to learn the hows and whys of such culture.
While marrying a cousin (or uncle) or having a woman “sold off” into marriage seems strange to me it is so nice to go into every conversation with an open mind and respect for a different culture and to learn the hows and whys of such culture.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: German Village, Columbus with my love ♥
Posts: 88,449
I am SO SO happy for you!!! How exciting....I love every part of this.....my spidy senses are tingling. 
I PM'd you love....
Congrats honey....this is just such a wonderful thing to do....a job that helps people, and well, just so happy that it is filling your soul with joy and purpose. 
s ❤️❤️
I PM'd you love....Congrats honey....this is just such a wonderful thing to do....a job that helps people, and well, just so happy that it is filling your soul with joy and purpose.
s ❤️❤️
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,251
I just wanted to share again what a special experience this has been. I am coming up on the three year anniversary of a very bad event and was feeling crazy, anxious and well... like drinking. Having this job- or actually- this connection to other people has helped me so much. I didn't drink and got myself together to be prepared to talk to other people. It is not so much the paid work as much as it is the connection to other people.
The other day, the day when I was really on the verge or drinking over my troubles I went ahead with my lessons instead (thinking I might go out afterwards to drink) And this woman, a woman I have been meeting with for some time opened up to me in a way that just changed everything for me. She is a doctor in Saudi Arabia, she specialises in radiology at the main hospital in the capital. She usually calls me when she is in the car on the way home from work. Women there are not allowed to drive so she has to call a driver so she sits in the back seat during traffic and does her English conversation with me. We've talked about her having a driver- she thinks it is annoying and a stupid waste of money for her family. But this day she called me on a day off. She always has the camera off (most calls are video calls but some arabic women prefer no video). I had never seen her. We were just chatting when she said "can I do something? Do you want to meet me?" I said "yes, of course, what do you mean?" She said "wait." then she turned on the video. I saw her in her full burka, only her eyes showing behind a pair of glasses. But even with the glasses I could see the smile in her eyes, she said "it is me! This is me!" She then showed me the view off her balcony onto massive traffic and confusion in the streets, then briefly back to her eyes for another smile and then closed the video. I don't know why but this touched me in a way that I felt like I had to be wrong that day and I did not drink. I have not drank. I don't think I will drink.
Today was amazing. a Turkish woman writing her thesis on Iran/Syria relations for her masters, another Turkish woman who works as an air traffic controller at the airport in Istanbul, a Brazilian biologist studying molecules to find a cure for a Brazil specific disease (who also got the Zika virus herself!), a guy from Jordan just studying as his new year's resolution, a guy from Saudi Arabia and his mom- the guy's dream is to go to Disneyworld but mom won't let him go unless he learns some basic English....
Again, it is not really the job, but rather the real connection with people that give me such hope and desire to be better,
Whether you find that in a job, with friends, in AA or here, connection is everything.
The other day, the day when I was really on the verge or drinking over my troubles I went ahead with my lessons instead (thinking I might go out afterwards to drink) And this woman, a woman I have been meeting with for some time opened up to me in a way that just changed everything for me. She is a doctor in Saudi Arabia, she specialises in radiology at the main hospital in the capital. She usually calls me when she is in the car on the way home from work. Women there are not allowed to drive so she has to call a driver so she sits in the back seat during traffic and does her English conversation with me. We've talked about her having a driver- she thinks it is annoying and a stupid waste of money for her family. But this day she called me on a day off. She always has the camera off (most calls are video calls but some arabic women prefer no video). I had never seen her. We were just chatting when she said "can I do something? Do you want to meet me?" I said "yes, of course, what do you mean?" She said "wait." then she turned on the video. I saw her in her full burka, only her eyes showing behind a pair of glasses. But even with the glasses I could see the smile in her eyes, she said "it is me! This is me!" She then showed me the view off her balcony onto massive traffic and confusion in the streets, then briefly back to her eyes for another smile and then closed the video. I don't know why but this touched me in a way that I felt like I had to be wrong that day and I did not drink. I have not drank. I don't think I will drink.
Today was amazing. a Turkish woman writing her thesis on Iran/Syria relations for her masters, another Turkish woman who works as an air traffic controller at the airport in Istanbul, a Brazilian biologist studying molecules to find a cure for a Brazil specific disease (who also got the Zika virus herself!), a guy from Jordan just studying as his new year's resolution, a guy from Saudi Arabia and his mom- the guy's dream is to go to Disneyworld but mom won't let him go unless he learns some basic English....
Again, it is not really the job, but rather the real connection with people that give me such hope and desire to be better,
Whether you find that in a job, with friends, in AA or here, connection is everything.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: NSW - Australia
Posts: 14,550
It IS about the connection hey, Mera?. Alcohol so isolates us, and can never, will never, substitute for real, living, breathing, people. Drinking took me away from people. I'm trying to reconnect too.
Your job sounds incredibly interesting. Not many people have the opportunity to speak with people from so many different cultures.
It touched me too when the doctor from Saudi Arabia showed you her smiling eyes.
Keep smiling back Mera.
Your job sounds incredibly interesting. Not many people have the opportunity to speak with people from so many different cultures.
It touched me too when the doctor from Saudi Arabia showed you her smiling eyes.
Keep smiling back Mera.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,251
Originally Posted by Steely
It IS about the connection hey, Mera?. Alcohol so isolates us, and can never, will never, substitute for real, living, breathing, people. Drinking took me away from people. I'm trying to reconnect too.
Your job sounds incredibly interesting. Not many people have the opportunity to speak with people from so many different cultures.
It touched me too when the doctor from Saudi Arabia showed you her smiling eyes.
Keep smiling back Mera.
Your job sounds incredibly interesting. Not many people have the opportunity to speak with people from so many different cultures.
It touched me too when the doctor from Saudi Arabia showed you her smiling eyes.
Keep smiling back Mera.
It was an incredibly touching moment. I do not know that culture at all, but could tell this was something very big and important for her. It felt so special and I was glad I was sober to share it with her- even just 30 seconds, I knew it was an important moment. For both of us.
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