I’ve had a lot of jobs. So many, I’ve lost count. So, I don’t say this lightly.
Delivering pizza is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.
I spent a whole summer getting paid to play ping pong with 12 year old kids and old Russian guys. I was once the manager of an ice cream shop.
Still, delivering pizza easily ranks in my top five jobs. If someone had offered me 100K a year to do it forever, I would have done so happily. I didn’t know why I liked it so much (except for the constant supply of cheap pizza).
But, now I know… it was a kick ass job for introverts.
Here’s why:
AUTONOMY.
Being micro-managed always makes me feel like I’m living a real life version of Office Space. I loved that no one was keeping track of where I was or what I was doing. (PSA: For all I know, everyone is GPS’d to the hilt now. RUN for the hills if you suspect this.)
ALONE TIME.
So. much. alone. time. I was paid to drive around listening to the radio for several hours with (mostly) my own company. The radio dial in my car was broken and stuck on an Atlanta station that only played songs from the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Now, I can’t hear 96 Tears without smelling pizza pies.
MEETING NEW PEOPLE.
I bet you weren’t expecting this one. Don’t introverts hate people? Of course not! I love meeting new people. I just don’t always enjoy idle chit chat or prolonged interactions. Delivering pizza allowed me to keep it short and interesting….like that time I was invited in to play Twister while they scrounged around for my tip or when I accidentally became part of a student film.
NO DRESS CODE.
The uniform was a gray t-shirt with Gumby on it that you could wear “if you felt like it.” That shirt was highly coveted and working at Gumby’s was the only way to get one. There is something about being casually dressed that makes the entire work day better and I think this is something we should all embrace. Casual Everydays!
NO SIGNAGE.
I loathe drawing unnecessary attention to myself and nothing screams “pay attention to me” like a huge glowing sign on the roof of your car. I felt like a stealth secret agent who happened to deliver delicious pizza instead of a dork who was basically asking for someone to rob them.
NAVIGATION.
Ok, I’m a maps nerd. There are few things I find more relaxing than finding my way around. No, not with Waze or Google maps. Just actually winging it and learning a town on my own through trial and error. I realize, for many of you, this post just turned into an entry in the “horror” genre. But, making your own way makes for far more interesting stories.
FREE PIZZA.
I admit, this is probably a gig best suited for students, writers looking for interesting stories, retirees, or side hustles.
If all of this sounds great, but you have five kids, hate your job and everyone who works there, and cannot live on $90 day delivering pizza but need a new job stat?
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. To what degree am I basically left alone to do my job without interference and micromanagement?
2. How much time do I have to myself each day? How many meetings? Do I have my own office?
3. How much engagement, particularly group engagement, is required? What form does this engagement take?
4. Do I have to dress in a way or advertise myself in a way that makes me feel uncomfortable or feel like an idiot?
5. Do you actually dig the job? Do you feel energized at the end of your shift, or miserable?
6. Bonuses, free food, alkaline water, (I live in LA!) vacation time. How much of this is there? And, be advised that NO amount of perks will offset a problem in the other five areas.
How about you? Do you or have you ever worked in the pizza delivery arts? Ever worked at Gumby’s? Have any fun stories to share? Tell us in the comments!