Today I went to the ARC which is where the pool I used to work at is. It just recently opened up after renovations, and I found myself a bit sore in my shoulder. Thus I figured let's go swim and sit in the hot tub.
The moment my feet touched the wet tile on the pool deck, I felt myself flashing back to when I was a lifeguard. The people I used to see, and the actions I had to enact when on duty.
Recently, I also went through my old yearbooks, and so a lot of the people I used to guard with were fresh in my mind too.
I spent 3.5 years or so as a lifeguard, the last year-ish was also including pool manager. Which while I wasn't appreciated for with all that I did, there was a lot of good experiences then too.
Over the eleven years I worked there I did a number of roles. From the aforementioned lifeguard/manager, to swim instructor for all ages (6mo to elderly), and even doing water aerobics and move your joints classes.
Essentially any role I could get my hands on.
I left the pool in late 2021, which was my home away from home. Last roles were personal trainer and supervisor of the building. However I later left those in June 2023.
One thing that it all made me realize is that most places, employers, will not care if you dedicate yourself to their org. Staying with one place for a long time does not help you. It only helps them.
I mainly stayed as long as I did honestly for the people I was teaching. The last 6mos where I was supervisor was only because I needed an income at that point.
Just so many memories of teaching people, their faces when they made progress, the guards I shared my downtimes with.
The people I grew up around.