The Wicked World of Selling Windows

Exposé: Week 6

Norman Rockwell Tired Salesgirl

Readers: The gloves are off. What many dismissed as the life of just another worker, I meticulously documented each job I have had over the years in my journals. I have now begun the process of sharing the untold truth of everything I've witnessed: the triumphs, struggles, moments of humor, and the gut-wrenching conditions I and others experienced in the workplace.

My exposé into the job world for the working class will form the basis of my next book, set for release in early 2026. To speak candidly about my experiences, the work is behind a paywall, and some names have been changed to protect those involved.

Paid membership is only $5 monthly so that as many people as possible can learn what REALLY happens in various workplaces.

---

Quote of the week:

“Strong women don’t have ‘attitudes’; we have standards.”

— Marilyn Monroe

---

Blind Date Gone Bad

I was kinda feeling myself.

I had lost 30 pounds, returned to Denver, and signed up for Stitch Fix. I wasn’t always a broke struggling artist. In between attempts to make art full-time, I would get a job and have a few bucks.

My daughter and her friend Misty had the cutest clothes. Like, freakin adorable. I asked her about her flawless style, and she mentioned a company that sends you styled outfits via mail, and you keep what you want and send the rest back.

Since my living expenses were low, I went for it! I was renting a bedroom from a hot fire chief who made art in his spare time. (Nothing happened; he was more like a brother than a potential mate.)

I had cute clothes and my figure back, and I lived near downtown Denver, which had a completely different vibe from the rugged mountain men of the front hills and the Rocky Mountains.

The closer to the metropolitan area, the more effeminate or ‘metrosexual’ the men were. At the time, I didn’t mind because what drew my interest was an intelligent man. If he happened to get manicures or his eyebrows done, eh…who am I to judge?

After 2020, that cavalier attitude towards effeminate vs masculine men changed and will never go back. A country without strong men is easily toppled.

I met a guy on a dating app who was pretty interesting. He asked me out for dinner at a small family-owned Italian restaurant in a trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood just west of downtown.

He was cute, a bit smug and short, but a good conversationalist.

When he asked me about my profession, I told him what it was.

Me: “I’m an artist.”

Dude: “An artist, like a graphic artist?”

Me: “No. A fine artist.”

Dude: “But what do you do?”

Me: “Aside from my day job, I make art.”

Dude: “I’m confused.”

Me: (still insecurely trying to validate my work) “I mostly draw portraits. “I am fascinated with the human face and history. Each portrait represents a unique story, and I believe the cliché a picture is worth 1000 words.’”

Dude: “So you have a career from the 1500s?!” he said mockingly with a smirk and a laugh.

Me: (Dignity restored) “Hey, thanks so much for dinner; I don’t think we're a match, but best of luck.” As I walked out in my perfectly matched outfit, I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye.

My struggles over the years of balancing art with making a living have been a heavy emotional weight.

I know I know…most people would’ve given up years ago.

Not me. And while wanting to do work that satisfies one soul but barely makes ends meet isn’t challenging enough, 90% of the people I encounter feel compelled to suggest a different line of work or, like the dude from above, openly mock my pursuit.

This journey has given me a layer of thick skin, and lordy Moses, did I need it during the Window jobs mentioned below.

If you enjoy my writing or art, you can buy me a cup of coffee by clicking the link.

(I drink a TON of it!) Thanks!

buy a coffee

Please be forewarned of any profane language intended to preserve the emotional authenticity of the situations I have encountered; therefore, I kindly advise you to exercise caution if you are sensitive to the expressions employed.