charlesboyer: blog 
charlesboyer's blog
what's your dream job (or life?)
Published Aug. 13, 2008
Yesterday's post about the beach stirred up an old daydream for me: quitting working in an office, selling everything and moving down to an island in the Caribbean and buying a beachfront Tiki Hut bar, where I would spend my days pouring cold drinks and serving them up to thirsty tourists.
My "hero" did exactly that. I met Robert (pronounced Row Bear) at his bar, the Tex Mex, on Orient Beach in Saint Martin, in the French West Indies. Take a look at the picture in the post, that's the Tex Mex. It's beachfront and on an island paradise. Not a bad place to be. Not a bad place at all. If you ever go, look for a NC license plate -- it's mine from my old convertible. See it and you'll understand why I decided to give it to Robert, it fits the Tex Mex perfectly.
Robert related to me the story of his life, something I could really relate to. "Charles," he said in his heavy French accent, "I woke up one day, took my shower, got dressed and ran to catch the train from my house in Le Grande Couronne to my job downtown in an inner office at Crédit Lyonnais. No windows. Telephone ringing non-stop." Robert closed his eyes, and shuddered. I could tell this was not his favorite memory.
"As the train sped through tunnels and the edges of the city," Robert continued, "I decided that, enough was enough! Fin! That's it!" Robert shurgged and smiled. "So I get off at the train next Metro station, and I call my boss and quit, exactly then."
"I sell my house, my car, everything but my clothes, my television and stereo and come here, where I buy this bar." He smiled, and handed me a frozen drink. "This is what I do all day, my friend. It is not work!"
I asked him if he missed home. "No! Let the rats run the race! Everyone leaves here on Saturday. Monday, they are so happy. Friday, not so much. They know they have to work on Monday! Vacation over!"
Then he laughed. "Me, I will be here. THIS..." he waved at the gorgeous azure water, the white beach, the tourists enjoying it all and added "THIS...is my OFFICE!"
Robert looked happy. Content. Exactly where he wanted to be.
I have to admit I was jealous. I like my job, love my home, and hold each friend dear. But I do have to admit not enjoying getting up for work on Monday, knowing that five days of corporate mayhem and chasing the Almighty Dollar are about to begin. I then think about my friend Robert, raise my steaming cup of coffee in a silent salute and say to him from over one thousand miles away, "one day, my friend, one day."
So what's your dream job?
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August 13, 2008 2:37 p.m.
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:-/
Beth
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