For many people, taking a minimum-wage or part-time job is often seen as a last resort. But for Sarah Kendzior, a 48-year-old American author and journalist, working at a local garden centre became far more than a way to supplement her income. Earning $17 (£12.50) an hour, she discovered a renewed sense of purpose, community and joy in a role that she says became one of the best jobs she has ever had. Speaking to CNBC, Kendzior reflected on how an unexpected career detour transformed her outlook on work and life.
Who is Sarah Kendzior and why did she trade her desk job for a $17-an-hour garden centre job
Sarah Kendzior is an American journalist, author and political commentator known for writing about authoritarianism, politics and social issues. She has written several bestselling books, including The View from Flyover Country, Hiding in Plain Sight and They Knew.Alongside her writing career, Kendzior has contributed to numerous publications and built a reputation as a respected public commentator. Despite her professional success, like many freelancers and independent writers, she has faced periods of financial uncertainty.In an interview with CNBC, she explained that taking a part-time retail job was a practical decision to help make ends meet.
Why did she choose to work at a garden centre
Rather than seeing the role as a step backwards, Kendzior embraced the opportunity to do something completely different from her usual work. She joined a local garden centre, where she spent her days helping customers, caring for plants, watering flowers and learning about gardening.The position paid $17 an hour, but she says the experience offered rewards that went well beyond the pay cheque.Working outdoors, staying physically active and interacting with customers in a friendly environment gave her a sense of satisfaction that contrasted with the solitary nature of writing.‘I loved every minute,’ says Sarah as she looks back at the experience
Looking back on the experience, Kendzior told CNBC, “I loved every minute.”
She described the garden centre as one of the best workplaces she had experienced, praising both her colleagues and the customers she met each day. Unlike many high-pressure professional roles, the work offered immediate, tangible results, whether it was helping someone choose the right plant or watching flowers thrive under proper care. The job also encouraged a healthier routine, allowing her to spend less time behind a computer and more time outdoors.
Lessons from an unexpected career move
Kendzior believes her experience challenges the idea that success is defined solely by prestigious titles or high salaries. She argues that every form of honest work deserves respect and that meaningful employment can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.Her story also reflects a wider reality in today’s economy, where many professionals take on additional work to manage rising living costs or supplement freelance incomes. Rather than viewing these jobs as failures, Kendzior sees them as opportunities to learn new skills, meet different people and gain a fresh perspective on life.For her, a part-time job at a garden centre was not simply a financial necessity, it became a reminder that fulfilling work can come in many forms.
