This month we share a special interview – with our colleague Iraida, who has been working at SOL for 25 years. Her energy, sense of humor and dedication inspire and delight everyone around her. We talked to her about how it all started, what her working day is like today and how she enjoys life in her free time.
How did you get to work at SOL?
Before that, I worked as an economist, but when the factory where I worked was closed, I had to start looking for a new path. I didn’t want to just sit at home, so I was invited to work at Eesti Gaas. There were such nice people there! Maybe because I am a pretty active person myself – I used to do rhythmic gymnastics, always moving. I started to like it right away and didn’t even feel like I was getting tired. That’s how it all started – and now I’ve been working for 25 years. It feels good to be appreciated here.
What does your workday look like now?
I currently work in the men’s department at a clothing store called NUDE. My workday starts at 9 am and lasts about two hours. I enjoy my job.
What do you like most about your job?
I like cleanliness — and the fact that you can see the result right away. It’s very satisfying. I feel like a specialist. We have a very good relationship with the girls and sometimes I help them too.
What is the most difficult thing about your job?
There is a spiral staircase in the store, quite narrow, and it has a large warehouse. The goods come from Lithuania in large boxes. And you have to carry these large boxes up this narrow staircase. I don’t like that part that much.
What did you dream of becoming as a child?
I wanted to be a doctor, a surgeon. I’m still interested in healthy eating — what’s good and what’s bad. Sometimes I even argue with my family doctor. He says: “Iraida, don’t argue with the doctor!” (laughs)
How do you spend your free time?
I really like reading crime novels. I used to read romance novels, but not anymore — now only crime novels. I read every night. I take two or three books from the library at a time. I’m also lucky with my friends — they’re all about the same age as me. We always celebrate New Year’s together — we make costumes, organize competitions, have fun. My daughter says: “Mom, stop working!”, but I like it. I don’t want to just stay at home.
Have you had any funny moments at work?
I like playing with words. When I say some strange or funny, but completely literary word, everyone starts laughing: “Oh, Iraida, how exactly you said it!” It’s nice when you can make others laugh.
How would your colleagues or friends describe you?
My colleagues speak well of me — that I’m honest and responsible. I can’t imagine it being any other way. Friends… well, I have a complicated character. I am a Scorpio and also a Snake according to the Eastern horoscope. If I see someone doing something wrong, I say it — even if I regret it later. But I simply cannot do otherwise.
Would you recommend working at SOL to others?
Of course I would! I live alone — my children live on their own, I also have grandchildren. But being alone is boring. At work, there is communication, exercise, company. We celebrate birthdays together, we support each other. This is important.
🎉 Many thanks to Iraida for the warm conversation and great contribution to our team! It is people like her who are the heart of SOL.