Life has a funny way of throwing surprises our way. Whether it is a leaky roof or a new employment opportunity, we never really know what to expect until it happens. The same principle applies to Richard, a retired teacher we recently spoke with about an exciting new career transition. His story is a testament that regardless of your age and experience, there is a wonderful opportunity waiting out there with your name on it.
Creative Beginnings
Richard’s story begins with his early career. “I was a teacher in an art school in France, specializing in teaching adults all different types of Trompe l’oeil techniques,” he says in our recent interview. “I did a fair bit of supervising and teaching, demonstrating painting effects on walls, wooden doors and ceilings.”
Richard notes that he is particularly proud to have helped assist a great many mature students in graduating to become Peintre Décorateurs. His passion for creativity and mending worn-out materials to look brand new was what drove him to pursue such a career.
Transferrable Skills
What Richard learned in his field, he applied to his home life. “I was always working with my hands and loved getting into projects,” he adds. “At work, I dealt with high-end plaster and painting projects, while at home I was able to experiment with everything else. I received my training in plaster and painting at Peintre Décorator diploma.” His credentials from an environment fluent in old Venetian palace painting techniques, frescoes, faux wood, marble, and stone effects behave as the calling card of a master artisan. When it became time for Richard to retire, however, he struggled to find a way to remain content without the hands-on work he had become so accustomed to. He had no intentions of giving up work, so instead of outright retiring to a stale and stagnant life, he began a new career as a To-Do Done handyman.
A New Beginning
“I never really retired,” Richard adds. “I merely shifted my focus from having to simply work in a field I was comfortable with to working for enjoyment and fulfillment. There’s no other way to live.” To him, this felt like a no-brainer – Richard loves keeping busy, enjoys making people happy and showing them what is possible. To-Do Done consists of separate teams for larger renovation projects, and others, like Richard, who take on smaller tasks. There is no shortage of clients seeking the odd small job taken care of, and Richard’s experience and abilities make him a much-treasured member of the team.
So, What Does it Take to Be Handy?
Richard’s story is a huge inspiration to our team at To Do-Done. We’re proud of every single handyman and expert renovator we have on staff, and our customers are continually impressed with how much passion they have for the work they do. That said, what does it take to be handy and useful to others in this sort of field, experience and skillsets aside as everyone comes from a different background?
First, you need to love what you do in order to make the biggest impact and market your skills. Additionally, compassion is equally essential – our workers don’t just stomp through a client’s beautiful home in muddy shoes, for instance. We pride ourselves on polite, friendly and truly professional service and the folks who trust us appreciate this approach. Also, it’s important to be willing to learn, try new things, and expand your skill set through continued knowledge – nobody wants their mind to go stagnant, making them a less desirable worker! No matter your age or background, if you’re willing to do your bit and are passionate about great results, we’d love to have you aboard!
What a Handyman or Renovations Expert can Do for You
To Do-Done is proud to offer a long list of handyman and renovation services to suit all of your project needs, for both residential and commercial properties. Folks like Richard are always ready to help local residents take care of their own to-do lists with quality service you can count on! Whether you’re in need of help with painting, removing an annoying stipple “popcorn” ceiling, electrical and plumbing work, or worry-free maintenance, our team is fully prepared to lend a hand and take care of things properly for our clients.
It’s important to do what you enjoy, particularly if you’re still fit and healthy. Richard’s story is tangible proof that if you’re looking for something to do after retirement, a part-time handyman career is a perfectly respectable and richly rewarding path to embark upon. Contact us today for job openings, and maybe you’ll discover a bright new beginning!