Under the Statehouse

First off: This blog will catalog and archive some of my thoughts about my experiences in central Ohio as I work towards the next step of my journey. It may be a short one, depending on how my job prospects go as I keep reaching out for that next step.

So. I found part-time intermittent work under the Ohio Statehouse Capitol building. Literally underneath. I am a parking garage attendant. The arrangement is actually quite nice. I work as a state employee, therefore I am a government employee. (Student loan forgiveness baby!) My main responsibilities include: cleaning stairwells, operating gates and troubleshooting pay-on-foot stations. The experience has actually been a lot better than I was expecting.

The Statehouse, and Capitol Square, are totally different places from a workers standpoint. There is clearance needed, officials to keep appearances up for, and lots of events at the theaters around the square. No longer are you marveling at the map room or the rotunda. No tours for the workers. Your job is to make sure the people coming in to park are sought after and have the easiest and best time they can for a parking garage. Your main portion is spent underground, and what you do see of upstairs, it is usually while you are emerging from tunnels to deliver/receive different things.

I do like it though. There's something about being subterranean for eight hours of the day. The position is easy enough, and I have great company to pass the slow times with. It's ideal for working and focusing on your life and others, and to keep your mind working and in shape. (Also keeping my body in a little bit of shape because there is so much walking to do.)

For now I'm underground four days a week, and I don't mind it at all. I'm proud to be the first line of response when someone needs help on how to park, and where to go for events. It gives me some income, keeps me active, and best of all, lets me start to think on next steps for my life.