The robust economy has painted a rosy job picture throughout the San Fernando Valley. Some workers are taking advantage of the situation by jumping to new companies. Others are staying put and still others are striking out on their own to pursue their dream business. With all the re-evaluation going on, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal asks: What do you like most about your job, and what do you like the least? Louise Marquez General Manager Panorama Mall I get to do a lot of community events through my work. I like being able to brainstorm with local civic leaders and leaders from the non-profit and government sectors on what we can do to make this a better place. I love doing that. I hate the multitude of reports I have to do. Barry Pascal Owner Northridge Pharmacy and Gift Gallery I love making things work, organizing systems and helping people. It’s a very rewarding, satisfying, gratifying emotional high. That is also the worst thing about this job. It’s very difficult to make things work, organize systems and help people in the current health-care climate. In some respects the joy of being a professional has been removed from the system due to the way the health-care system is being managed. Marty Cooper Cooper Communications Inc. What I love most about my job is the freedom and challenge of running my own business. And what I like the least is the responsibility of running my own business. I’ve worked for Disney, Playboy Enterprises and Universal Studios, and the nice thing about jobs with major corporations is the support staff and systems they have in place. When you run your own firm, that’s one of the things you miss. But you get used to it. Gloria Lopez Director of Communications Alzheimer’s Association What do I like most? I think it’s the idea of being able to reach out in the community and make a difference, even if it’s in a small way. Whatever I can do in communications and marketing to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s that can maybe lead to a cure someday, that’s a hell of a thing. What do I hate? The commute. And we’re not talking a long distance. It’s not like a 100-mile drive a day or anything. I just despise the commute. It’s constantly bumper-to-bumper traffic. Mario Matute Director Pacoima Workforce Development Initiative I guess it’s knowing that I’m able to make a difference in someone else’s life. To me that’s most significant. The least is the paperwork. Everything here has to be tracked. I like contact with human beings, and talking to people and seeing the needs and finding solutions.
