New Job

My stress level dropped tremendously this week. A few weeks ago, I applied for a couple of jobs and was interviewed for both. First, I interviewed to be a receptionist. I met with three people who were highly professional in appearance, who asked me weird questions about myself and not about my qualifications for the job. As a result, I didn't feel it went well. I felt weird and uncomfortable, so I didn't feel positive about it. But that was ok because I didn't really want that job anyway. It seemed like I would still be surrounded by high maintenance, whiny primadonnas who demand everything be their way no matter what. I'm really not into ass kissing, but I really just wanted to find something to get me out of the job I had at the time. They said they would let me know their decision within a week. I thanked them for their time and consideration, and for the opportunity to interview with them.

The very next day, I interviewed for a tech support position - setting up and troubleshooting computers, projectors, etc. The two people I met with were much different from the three the day before. These two were relaxed, laid back, warm and friendly, which helped me to relax too. Things went well in the interview I thought. My schedule allows me to work when they need me, and I'm good with technology. I felt confident. This sounded like the perfect job for me - very low stress. They said they would let me know their decision in 3 days. I thanked them for their time and consideration and the opportunity to interview with them as well.

Today I received an email from the lady who called me for the first interview. It said they found someone to meet the qualifications for the position. I just about fell over laughing. I'm bewildered what sort of qualifications one needs to sit at a desk, answer a phone, use a copy machine, etc. The job consists of basic receptionist/secretarial duties. Honestly. I've done all that for a long time. I felt insulted. To be completely honest, I'm over qualified for that position. I simply responded that I'm glad they found someone who fulfills the needs of their department and that I already have another job anyway.

The day I was supposed to find out about the job I wanted came and went. My hopes and confidence began to wane and I felt that maybe I would just be stuck in the position from hell for another year. But the next day, I got a call that I was chosen for the tech position. I was so excited. They needed me to start fairly quickly, so I immediately quit the job I was in, and started yesterday.

I can't believe the difference. I can do anything I want while I'm at work, as long as my job is done. That means I can do my homework or surf the net, play games, even listen to music. Any of those things are grounds for dismissal in my last job. Surfing the web and playing games are things I can see as deal breakers or reasons to be fired, but not listening to music and definitely not homework. It's an on campus work-study position for crying out loud. Homework should definitely be allowed. There are few positions I can think of where it would be inappropriate to play music. If it is kept at a low volume so that pretty much no one else can hear it, no problem. I know a lot of people who work better when they have music playing in the background. I'm one of those people. Music makes the day go faster and the work easier.

I feel for my former co-workers. They are stuck in a bad situation, and none of them are willing to risk speaking up. I completely understand. If you speak up, you risk losing your job or being targeted in some way. That's neither fair nor appropriate. There should definitely be some sort of intervention. I've personally been to student employment about the situation, but I was told that unless I am (or the others were) willing to say something to our superior, there was nothing they could do - which seems a bit shady, especially when they told me that student employees in years past have come to them with the same problems, complaints and concerns. It's really not a good place to work while trying to get through school with a good GPA and juggling life. It has to be the most unreasonable and difficult student job I've ever encountered.

As a result of my new job, I am feeling better about myself and getting through my final year with my mind intact. I am getting caught up on my assignments too - mostly just reading. (Boy do I have a lot of reading to do this semester!!) Thankfully, I haven't missed anything that had to be turned in.