Text by: Maryla Adamčíková, Věra Janošová | Photo: Lukáš Duspiva
In the Christmas issue of Finidrak, we bring you an interview with a descendant of the von Resteuher family, Ms. Věra Janošová. At first glance, this petite brunette is a master of a machine that is otherwise operated exclusively by men. Do you know which one? You can read about that, as well as her joys and the approaching holiday season at their home, right here.
Before we conjure up the Christmas spirit in today’s story, let’s start with something unusual and intriguing. When I asked Věrka for her email address so I could send her the interview for proofreading, it was so strange that I had to ask her what was going on, and I’d like to share this interesting tidbit with you.
It is a combination of my grandmother’s name, who came here after World War I, after the economic crisis, with her parents as a child from Germany, and they stayed here in Chotěbuz. At that time, they came with nothing. Her father, my great-grandfather, was Baron von Resteuher, so with his title and the crisis, they lost everything. They started over here, and his wife, my great-grandmother, was named Vinniefred Marie Unucek von Resteuher. My grandmother then found my grandfather, then came my father, and then me. At that time, they wanted me to be named after her, Vinniefred Marie, but that wouldn’t have been possible during communism, so I at least gave myself that email address.
It’s interesting how roots from the First Republic extend into the 21st century in the form of email. Let’s move on to your beginnings at FINIDR, Věrka.
I have been working here since June 17, 2009. I remember it exactly because there was a crisis at the time and I was looking for a new job after my maternity leave. I started here two months later.
Věrka, both myself and our readers would certainly be interested to know what your first job with us was?
I started out on the board machine. Some of the machine operators had just left, but the men didn’t want to hear about a woman being a machine operator. However, the former forewoman, Monika Stadherrová, recommended me, showed me the machines, and I’ve been here for over 16 years now. And I’ve been working on the board machines ever since I started here. First in the old hall and then in the new extensions. Board machines are my destiny.
Have you ever wanted to try a different machine?
Once they were looking for a process technician, but I wouldn’t be qualified for that. Fixing machines is really a man’s job. I can handle simpler repairs on the machine myself, and of course I can guide the maintenance technician, but I’m not a mechanic.
What do you like about working as a board machine operator?
The job is great because I work alone on the machine. When there are people in teams, there can sometimes be arguments. But whatever you mess up, you have to fix yourself. Now it’s different in that there are machine operators who are struggling because they don’t have as much experience yet. The repairs are then left to us more experienced ones. I do simple repairs myself, and for more complicated repairs, maintenance is called in.
Věrko, how has your work changed over the past 16 years?
Unless you buy a machine that you go to and there are new technologies, you basically still do the same job. You set up the machine, adjust the order, dispatch what comes out of the machine, and move on to the next order.
What is the most difficult part?
The work is not easy exactly because we are on our own. When you prepare the cardboard, load it onto the conveyor belt, and remove it, you are constantly lifting quite a heavy weight with your hands. I feel that, compared to the production line and the finishing line, this work is really physically demanding.
Are you the only woman on the board line? How is it possible that such a petite woman can handle it?
Yes. I trained as a machine operator, so I can work with machines, but to be honest, given my age, I get physically tired.
Are you looking for another position at FINIDR?
I have a young daughter, and because of her, I would prefer to work only morning shifts. I was allowed to do that once when my daughter started school, but I understand that it’s not standard practice here. Shifts are generally a problem if you want to take your child to clubs, performances, and afternoon activities.
What do you enjoy about your job?
What I enjoy about my job, and I have to emphasize this, is the team of guys. When I treat them with respect, they help me. When I need their physical strength, they are really willing and helpful, and we often have a laugh together. In a team of women, it’s sometimes the case that women don’t really like each other or even dislike each other. I used to live for my work, but that doesn’t mean that the work is bad for me now. However, I am at an age where I enjoy spending time with my daughter, going to the gym, walking my dog, with whom I used to do canicross. As you get older, you start to broaden your horizons and discover other things that are more important than work.
We would love to hear more about your family, Věrka.
I have been married for ten years and am happy with my life. Of course, we all have our faults, my husband and I, and everyone else. I respect my husband in many ways. Life has its ups and downs, but then you realize who you live with, that they won’t turn their back on you. At our age, it’s no longer about happiness and love, but above all about support and being there for each other when things are really bad, and helping each other. I have a son, Vojta, who is 19, and a daughter, Rosalia. Vojta is an adult and has his own world. My daughter is eight, she likes horses, goes swimming, likes to draw, bakes with me, and is very creative.
What are your hobbies?
I used to play in an amateur badminton league. Then we got a retriever, so I started running canicross. That’s running with your dog in the countryside against the clock. It’s an amateur and leisure activity, although we did take part in about two races. Given the time constraints—work, children, life—you can’t stretch it any further. I did it for myself and for my dog Lily, because these dogs are very active.
My great passion is cardio fitness and gardening at home. My neighbors tell me I have green fingers and that I can grow anything. The gym is my bubble, where I can hide away and get rid of my frustrations, while also feeling good about losing weight. Next year, we would like to finish the covered terrace, where I would like to create a winter garden. I planned the entire garden around the house myself. It brings me joy. When we are at hobby markets, my husband reminds me to keep my hands on the cart, but he accepts my love of flowers. I go to the gym twice a week, and even if I only manage to go once, I’m still happy. It’s not possible to do everything, especially because of the night shifts. Children and family are an addiction. I know I need them and they need me. Even though I feel like I’m cheating them after those shifts, sometimes I’m grumpy, but that’s the price I pay.
In autumn, I love going to the forest and picking mushrooms. I really enjoy going there with Lily, she may be a senior dog, but she loves the forest too. I also like saunas and wellness centers, basically anything warm.
How do you spend Christmas with your family, what are your traditions?
I love Christmas. I love the Christmas atmosphere when the house is decorated. I love candles and cookies, which are part of that atmosphere. I like it when you come home and feel the spirit of Christmas. Last year, my daughter still believed in Santa Claus. The sight of her running to the tree and seeing that genuine, amazing joy is such a wonderful feeling for me when she believes in Christmas and Santa Claus. Before we put the presents under the tree, we go and feed the cat and the dog and put food out for the birds, and in the meantime, Santa Claus arrives, and then you see those eyes.
On Christmas Eve morning, we go for a walk in the woods and hang apples and carrots on trees for the animals. We also visit my grandparents’ graves. Our Christmas Eve dinner is traditional: carp, potato salad, preceded by beef broth with homemade liver dumplings, noodles, and vegetables. Then we have cookies, watch Cinderella and Pelíšky, our two favorite movies. I make tea to go with it, and even though it’s something we already know, it’s peaceful and relaxing.
What Christmas wishes will you send to the people at FINIDR?
I would wish people not happiness, but health, which is the be-all and end-all. If we are healthy, we can go to work, earn money, take care of our loved ones, and be practically satisfied. I also see it from my own perspective, when something happened to me and I was physically limited and couldn’t function at 100%. I remember how limiting it was. Health is the most important thing, it’s everything. It’s the pillar of our lives.
Wishing you good health and happiness, not only at Christmas, Věrka, and thank you very much for the interview.
Věra Janošová
Zodiac sign: Virgo
What do I appreciate most in my colleagues?
That they have stuck with me for so long.
Longest distance and location of a canicross race with Lily
6 km – voluntary amateur run in the Beskydy Mountains
What was my biggest surprise at Christmas?
I have a beautiful memory of my father hanging my first white gold ring on a branch of the Christmas tree, which I still wear today as a reminder of him.
My favorite Christmas cookies
Vanilla crescents
