Without these hard workers, Valentine's wouldn't be the same.
Each February, our shopping centers are flooded with pink and red as people try to imagine new ways to show their affection for one another — knowing how to make Valentine's Day special can be difficult. Unfortunately for some with Valentine's Day jobs, the big day means a long day of work, not romance.
It's not as bad as you might think. Many of those people who are working on Valentine's Day have an opportunity to make someone else's holiday extra special. Just like a CPA prepares for tax season, these professionals know that the season of love is their time to shine. Here are six Valentine's Day jobs and how those who do them help make the day amazing for other people.
1. Florist
“Love is the answer, and you know that for sure; Love is a flower, you've got to let it grow.” — John Lennon
This one seems like the most obvious of Valentine's Day jobs, right? But that doesn't mean it's simple. A great florist doesn't just run a sale on a dozen red roses — they will help you think outside of the box and perhaps suggest a different flower that will dazzle your significant other. A great florist knows their stuff.
For example, did you know that nearly every flower has a symbolic meaning? Some of them overlap, so there are several flowers that indicate love besides roses. Chrysanthemums and carnations also signify love. Gardenias represent a secret love. Things not going as you hoped? The daffodil is there for you to express your unrequited love.
Don't take your local florist for granted. They know their flowers and the ideal arrangement doesn't happen by accident. It's a trained skill. With a great florist's help, you can find the flower that says exactly what you want it to say and then build a gift idea around it.
While you're at it, make sure to say thank you. They work like crazy this time of year!
2. Massage therapist
“I love a massage. I'd go every day if I could. I don't need to be wrapped in herbs like a salmon fillet, but I do love a massage.” — Jason Bateman
Who doesn't love a great massage? The feeling of someone digging deep into the muscle tissue and releasing all of the pent-up tension and chronic aches can be heavenly.
It's no coincidence that professional massage sessions are a popular Valentine's Day gift. Want to dial up the romance? Get a couple's massage where you can both enjoy the same experience at the same time.
Like a great florist is more than a flower picker, a great massage therapist is more than just a person who rubs your calves. The massage therapists can read your body and your body language to adjust the level of pressure and find your trouble spots.
Sound like one of the easy Valentine's Day jobs? When was the last time you gave your significant other a good shoulder rub? How long did you last? Five, ten minutes? Try doing that for an hour and then when that person leaves, start on your next one. Then repeat it for days on end during the season of romance.
Not sure what to do or if you should tip? Read up ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy the experience. That's why you're there.
3. Hotel concierge
“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.” — Confucius
Are you thinking of a trip out of town with a stay at a luxurious hotel? Go for it — it's one of the best ways to make Valentine's Day special! Hotels love holiday visitors and Valentine's Day is no exception. One hotel employee in particular is perfectly suited to help you make the most of your little getaway.
If you are in a new town, chances are you don't know where to find the best cheesecake or scenic views. Luckily for you, most hotels have just the person to help you out. Your hotel concierge specializes in knowing the area. They know where to find the best food, drinks, dancing, and quiet spots. Need a ride? They can call a cab or recommend a service.
You don't have to go crazy trying to research and reserve everything for your trip. The hotel concierge is like having Google right there in the lobby. Take advantage of their skills and watch your evening unfold spectacularly. Just make sure you know what you want to ask before you talk with them.
Related: Administrative Professionals Day: 8 Ways to Show Your Appreciation
4. Greeting card writer
“So many ways to say, 'I love you', never enough to say how much.” — Cameron Rand
It can be amazingly difficult to put your emotions into words. That's where greeting cards come in. Have you ever picked up a greeting card, read it, and thought “Wow! That says exactly what I want to say!” or “That is so us!”
How do they do that? Here's the greeting card writer's dirty little secret: Your situation is probably not unique; others have felt that way before. The writer's job is to discover these thoughts, feelings, and experiences and then find fun and meaningful ways to put them on a card.
Sound easy? It's not. For every card that gets printed, there are hundreds of failed ideas. Drawing on common human experiences, like a new love, and then creating a card that is unique and meaningful is very difficult.
That's why you don't just buy a blank card and write it yourself. These guys are good and they're happy that their Valentine's Day jobs are to help you make your card perfect.
5. Waiter
“A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.” — Dave Barry
Restaurants make a killing on Valentine's Day. Does that mean working there is an easy Valentine's Day job? Absolutely not. A great waiter not only makes great tips, they can make your night.
Have you ever left a restaurant and felt overwhelmingly happy with the experience? Chances are that the food was only a part of the equation. A great waiter is fun and friendly, maybe even a little bit playful. They know their menu and wine lists inside and out. They know when to embellish and when to be honest. (Don't tell us that the salmon is exquisite when it's really average!)
When it comes to having the perfect romantic meal, pay attention to your waiter. They're there to help your evening go well. And if you're on a date with a relatively new romantic interest, be aware that you're being watched. How you treat waitstaff says a lot about you as a person.
6. Chocolatier
“Chocolate, I am sure, is the concrete manifestation of love.” — Geneen Roth
What would Valentine's Day be without chocolate? As you pick out your favorite selections this year, take time to thank a chocolatier. They've slaved over their creations to help make your holiday special. That's right, their job is to make chocolate all day, every day. Quite the gig, right?
When it comes to the day of love, they have to step up their game. People purchase 58 million pounds of chocolate over the week of Valentine's Day in the U.S. alone.
To make Valentine's Day a memorable event that will wow your significant other, be sure to plan ahead, make reservations, and make use of those who know best. The people who hold down these six Valentine's Day jobs are experts in making romance happen. Thank them and tip well!
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