Micro-Interview with Anthony the Sign Spinner

Anthony (who declined to give his last name) is a sign spinner. Despite Tuesday's frigid temperatures and icy conditions, he was stationed dutifully on the corner of Route 1 and Knox Road, sign in hand. Patch stopped Anthony for a minute to ask him about his job, and what it's like to work outside in weather that keeps most people under their covers.

Patch: How long do you have to stand out here?

Anthony: It depends on how many hours the client wants me to work for them.

Patch: How many hours will you be out here today?

A: Today it will be two shifts, from 10 to 12 and then from 2 to 4.

Patch: How bad does the weather have to be for you to get out of work?

A: It depends. If the weather is really, really bad we can’t work. But like say, if it’s raining, we can still work but only if it’s a drizzle. If it’s raining too hard, then we find some shelter and wait until the rain is gone, and then we work outside again.

Patch: Have you worked in worse weather than this?

A: Yes.

Patch: Tell me about it. 

A: It was like, three years ago, in December of ’08. I had to work, and was windy the whole time, and it was winter. The wind just wouldn’t stop.

Patch: I imagine that would make spinning a sign hard. Do you mind being out here in the cold? Are you freezing?

A: Not really. It's not really a big deal. Like all you have to do is, after you get to your corner, get your things ready, get your music, and you just start moving. The only way to keep warm is to keep moving, you know?

Patch: Indeed. I'll let you get back to work. Stay warm!