Lockdown job, A thread:

So during lockdown, when all acting, performing and directing work dried up overnight, I applied for a job as a delivery driver for @Argos_Online
Today was my last day.

I don’t regret it for a moment; it felt like a worthwhile thing to do and the extra money was useful. Also, I’m not too old or ashamed to admit I have learned a few things, among them:

If you have to support a family on minimum wage, it’s tough. I’m lucky to be better off than many but for some it must be a real struggle: be kind and considerate to people doing these jobs - they might just be keeping their head above water.

I’m used to mixing with actors and creatives but the other drivers consisted of engineers, driving instructors, recent graduates, HGV drivers, soldiers and some who had had a stressful job previously & just wanted a simpler, less pressured way of life.

They were all funny & interesting and, although as a group there was a lot of bravado, get them alone and they all had a story to tell. (If you’re writing and need characters, all life was here).

If you see an Argos van on a hot day it is probably at least half full of paddling pools and fans...

...which is ironic because none of the vans (even the new ones!) have air conditioning and the driver inside is almost certainly roasting.

If you live at an address with a house name rather than a number or you live in somewhere out of the way, jot down some instructions/directions for the driver because...

...Google maps is still relatively shit.
Top tip: if you put your address into google maps and it doesn’t direct you right to your house then the driver is going to be delayed finding you.

Finally, I am very lucky to have some work starting to come back. I know many are not so lucky but, just so you know, theatre people are very resourceful and often make great employees (temporary or otherwise)

Some of that work is directing/producing a very exciting project for the wonderful @fairfax_house featuring the writing of @PaulBirch5 and the talents of @EdithKirkwood #julianFinegan and @inkblotfilms

More to follow on this soon.
Thank you and good night x