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#109 choosing a feeling of optimism

posted by Chris Dukes on May 21, 2009, in postcode 2022

Nepalese man calls at workshop of small business, seeking work.  Small business owner changes his response and chooses a feeling of optimism in his offer to the man 

Yam approached my workshop on Sunday afternoon

Last Sunday, a Nepalese man called by my workshop seeking employment while i was working. My first comments were that it was going to be difficult to offer him anything, let alone a share of the decreasing work available at the moment. But something changed in that moment, i felt a sense of possibility of what i could do...

I suggested he return the at 10 am the following day... 

In the morning I put together a hamper, and some clothes...

As I could only spare $80 for wages, and I believe in a fair wage, that meant $20 for him and his wife for 2 hours, I put together a food hamper, a warm down jacket and some pants that i don't need. 

(I've heard that 30 percent of food, that the average consumer buys, is then discarded.)

Yam and his wife arrived on time and in good spirits

I welcomed them and offered some food but they were keen to get on with it. Yam and his wife performed the tasks that a small business owner rarely has time to do. Simple things like washing up, sweeping and mending. While they were working i took their photo and made a flyer with a testimonial for their great work and printed 50 copies for them to distribute... 

Again, as a matter of positive thinking, i gave them a 10 minute early mark and fed them lunch and explained that i thought this type of casual work is valuable and should be highly sought after... 

Yam & Manju 0403 704 296

Comments (6)

What an awesome way to improve your community!

Caryn Wilson 21 May 2009 at 16:04
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That's great.  I reckon I'd feel a bit nervous, but I suppose, as you say choosing to be optimistic must liberate one from this learned fear of strangers.

Just reading about this experiment; I can feel the positivity flowing through me.  Thankyou.

Well done Chris!

Piers Dawson-Damer 21 May 2009 at 16:18
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Picture of user vaike neeme

oh, it brings a tear. good luck yam and manju! and good on you chris! how were their spirits afterwards?

Vaike Neeme 21 May 2009 at 18:13
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Picture of user Camille

This is gorgeous - what a simple but incredible thing to do. Inspiring.

Camille Blyth 26 May 2009 at 21:06
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Nice work mate. That's really encouraging to see, especially in times like today. Good luck Yam and Manju! 

Luke Ford 24 June 2009 at 14:17
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Picture of user Nature at Play

Hi Vaike,

Thanks for your post, their spirits were good :) and they are now friends, and they are still casual employee's in my business...

+ thanks for everyone else's comments

Chris 

Chris Dukes 24 June 2009 at 22:34
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