The big benefits of being a Chicago crossing guard
The city is in need of more crossing guards. Chicago novelist Eden Robins found a part-time job as a crossing guard with health insurance last year, finding it a great experience. The position requires just 10 hours of work a week, with a starting wage of $16, and benefits both the worker and their dependents. Robins, who wrote the novel "When Franny Stands Up," found that many artists and writers have applied to be crossing guards after her article was published. Despite Crossing Guard Appreciation Month ending a few weeks ago, nominations for CPS Crossing Guard of the Year remain open until April 15. Her new novel "Remember You Will Die," which she wrote while working as a cross guard, is out in the works.
Published : a month ago by Monica Eng in Finance
When Chicago novelist Eden Robins was looking for a part-time gig with health insurance last year, she took a job as a CPS crossing guard and loved it, she writes in Slate. Why it matters: Chicago needs crossing guards — there are currently 23 open positions around the city, CPS officials tell Axios.
Zoom in: The job requires just 10 hours of work a week at a starting wage of $16, but it offers benefits to both the worker and their dependents.
What they're saying: "After my essay ran in Slate, I learned that a bunch of people — particularly artists and writers — have applied to be crossing guards," Robins, who wrote the celebrated novel "When Franny Stands Up," tells Axios.
• "One of them even approached me on the street with questions about the interview. Honestly, I haven't felt like I've done this much of a public service since I sold sex toys."
What's next: Although Crossing Guard Appreciation Month ended a couple of weeks ago, nominations for CPS Crossing Guard of the Year remain open until April 15.
• Also Robins' new novel "Remember You Will Die," which she wrote while working as a crossing guard, comes out this fall. It's available for pre-order.