Inspired by the recent blog post of a friend, I have decided I will take the time to sit and update about some stuff that has been happening over the course of the past week.
Let's start out by saying, it's been a lot. A lot of decisions and a lot of stress. This week, as I continued with my training at a certain coffee establishment as a barista (hooray for staying true to my degree), I made the decision to quit my job at Apartment Savvy. Now, this is something I had been pondering for a while, though I was trying to keep the job, knowing how much Andy and I need the money. Since I started the job, I have absolutely hated it. At times, I have tried to convince myself that it was something that would do nicely for a while or that I could deal with because it was easy and relatively mind numbing. The more I worked, however, in an office that is poorly managed, with two bosses who don't know how to communicate effectively with employees other than to send out passive aggressive e-mails to everyone when there is an issue, the more I realized that this job was not what I thought it was going to be at the time I was hired. When I was hired for a job as an "administrative assistant," I did not think my title would be interchangeable with 8 other girls, all working part time so that the owners did not have to pay anyone the benefits of a full-time employee.
Anyway. I have a lot of complaints about the place; the work, the bosses, the other employees...but I guess there is something to be said for a job that shows you what you DO NOT want to do. I know that I want to be doing something where I am making even the smallest difference in someone's day (even if that is just serving them coffee).
So I handed in a letter of resignation (can it even be called such a thing at a job like that?) and now must wait to hear back during this work week on whether they want me to work for the next two weeks or if yesterday was my last day. Although it wouldn't hurt to have the extra bit of money from working there a little more, it would be SO nice to never go to work there again.
On the flipside, I am (and I say this hesitantly, for I would hate to have to eat my words) enjoying my cafe work--to the degree that cafe work can be enjoyed. Although it is very close to my previous job and involves, at times, interacting with individuals from that office (awkward...for them!), the people there seem, well, just that: PEOPLE. They are humans and they like to talk and interact with others, which is just GREAT. I am still training training training (I should finish up this Thursday), but that does involve FINALLY learning to make (and taste!) all of the drinks we make in the store. I really like working in fast-paced environments where there is always something for me to make or clean or do in some fashion, so I think this will serve that purpose nicely for at least a little bit.
Also, things MIGHT be looking up in terms of hours there, as another employee, who works almost full time, recently gave his two weeks' notice, and so more hours shall be opening up for me to gobble away!!!!!
In the realm of trying to make something of my life...I am going to be flying home for the last weekend of August so that I can take my written EMT exam. Since today is the first day of the month when I will take the exam (AHHHH!), I am going to TRY very hard to force myself to start studying just a little bit every day. Hopefully I have not forgotten everything. Hopefully.
In improv news, things have been going well with my class. I really like it a lot and we are now coming to three classes left in this level. This means soon (this week), I will be signing up for Level 2. I am excited for that, although I am still hoping to be able to eventually take more than one class at a time. I am interested in taking the writing classes they offer at iO, but one session is $300 and I just can't afford that right now in addition to the improv class. There is an Improvised Shakespeare workshop that I really want to take, though I will not be able to take it during the next session, as it begins when I will be in Massachusetts. Luckily (?), the class is only 4 weeks long and so I should be able (if it is offered again in 4 weeks' time) to take the class when I am halfway through Level 2. This will also give me a chance to try to save up the $125 it will cost me to take that class.
UGH. This is endlessly frustrating, as I want to be taking several classes (since I have the time), but simply cannot afford to do so.
In the world of Andy, things seem to be going well. Last night he told me he has been promoted to "dough boy," whatever that means. I think it means he just makes all the dough for the pizza. How exciting. But really, he loves it. He is starting to make friends with his co-workers and he likes going to work. Things are still hard with our schedules being so opposite, but we are working on trying to coordinate our days so that we see each other as much as possible.
It's weird to think that sometimes we don't speak to each other really for days and I will realize that so much has happened that I haven't gotten to tell him about yet.
This week has been stressful, but we will be able to manage and soon we will have things better figured out, I hope.
Overall, I am glad I quit that terrible job. To me, it is not worth it to be so unhappy for so many hours of the day when you are barely making minimum wage.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Settling In
Well friends, it has been a couple of weeks since I have posted, but things have certainly been hectic.
I am now working at Apartment Savvy and Borders (which I will now refer to as Job 1 and Job 2, as APPARENTLY there is a clause in the employee handbook saying I am not allowed to BLOG about Borders...HOW ODD!).
Andy is now in the swing of things with his job at The Boiler Room; he is working about 5 nights a week, while I am working about 6 days per week--which means we rarely get to see each other.
It's very hard and we are trying to get out schedules to match up a little bit so we can actually ever spend more than an hour together (aside from all that unconscious time we spend together).
They are going to have Andy start learning stuff to be a "line cook" (whatever that means!) and he is really excited about it. I, on the other hand, am slightly less enthused by the requirements of my job. Actually, strike that. So far, Job 2 is decent--pretty easy (aside from all the reading I have to do about the origins of coffee and how to mix sanitizer)--and I am excited to actually get to do stuff for that job, once my training is done. Job 1 on the other hand...well, let's just say...I'm pretty positive that I am going to quit.
It is driving me slightly insane and I'm not sure if I can handle working there for another day. The job is not at all what it was made out to be when I was hired and I am incredibly unhappy doing it. I figure if I quit #1, I will still have #2 and Andy has his job. This means we will still be making the same amount we were making before and I can devote more energy into finding a better job to replace #1. Thoughts? I think this sounds like a good plan. I just have to figure out how to quit. I have never quit a job before because it makes me feel so awkward...HOW DO YOU EVEN DO IT?!
In other news, I have received my postcard in the mail saying that I passed my EMT practical and can now take the written exam! This means I will be flying home for a weekend at the end of August to take the exam and hopefully see some friends!!! Hooray for friends!
Our housewarming party was last weekend and it was a good time. Our roommate invited a bunch of his friends and I invited some people from my class. It was nice to have people come over and see our place. If only it wasn't so hot in here with all those people!
Other things? My class at iO is going really well. It's a lot of fun and the teacher is absolutely great. There are some great people in my class and I am slowly making some friends here.
I noticed the other night that I am really starting to get used to and to get to like our neighborhood. It is starting to feel like the place where we belong, which is nice. :)
I feel like I haven't said a lot, but that's pretty much the news for now.
Hopefully next time I write it will be to talk about all of the wonderful jobs I have been offered.
I am now working at Apartment Savvy and Borders (which I will now refer to as Job 1 and Job 2, as APPARENTLY there is a clause in the employee handbook saying I am not allowed to BLOG about Borders...HOW ODD!).
Andy is now in the swing of things with his job at The Boiler Room; he is working about 5 nights a week, while I am working about 6 days per week--which means we rarely get to see each other.
It's very hard and we are trying to get out schedules to match up a little bit so we can actually ever spend more than an hour together (aside from all that unconscious time we spend together).
They are going to have Andy start learning stuff to be a "line cook" (whatever that means!) and he is really excited about it. I, on the other hand, am slightly less enthused by the requirements of my job. Actually, strike that. So far, Job 2 is decent--pretty easy (aside from all the reading I have to do about the origins of coffee and how to mix sanitizer)--and I am excited to actually get to do stuff for that job, once my training is done. Job 1 on the other hand...well, let's just say...I'm pretty positive that I am going to quit.
It is driving me slightly insane and I'm not sure if I can handle working there for another day. The job is not at all what it was made out to be when I was hired and I am incredibly unhappy doing it. I figure if I quit #1, I will still have #2 and Andy has his job. This means we will still be making the same amount we were making before and I can devote more energy into finding a better job to replace #1. Thoughts? I think this sounds like a good plan. I just have to figure out how to quit. I have never quit a job before because it makes me feel so awkward...HOW DO YOU EVEN DO IT?!
In other news, I have received my postcard in the mail saying that I passed my EMT practical and can now take the written exam! This means I will be flying home for a weekend at the end of August to take the exam and hopefully see some friends!!! Hooray for friends!
Our housewarming party was last weekend and it was a good time. Our roommate invited a bunch of his friends and I invited some people from my class. It was nice to have people come over and see our place. If only it wasn't so hot in here with all those people!
Other things? My class at iO is going really well. It's a lot of fun and the teacher is absolutely great. There are some great people in my class and I am slowly making some friends here.
I noticed the other night that I am really starting to get used to and to get to like our neighborhood. It is starting to feel like the place where we belong, which is nice. :)
I feel like I haven't said a lot, but that's pretty much the news for now.
Hopefully next time I write it will be to talk about all of the wonderful jobs I have been offered.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Apparently there is a limit to the number of photos you can insert per post.
More to follow. When this blog no longer hates me.
I've almost forgotten!
I took a bunch of photos today to document the progress my apartment is making in the way of becoming a home.
One day, we want to paint the walls funky colors, but for now, white prevails.
OH also!
Note the numerous couches we now have. Andy and I went on a bit of a Craigslist spree this week. We got two white couches (well, a couch and a loveseat) for free from a couple who is moving to New York.
In other furniture news, I've acquired a desk (hooray for a place to shelve things!) and a dresser! The desk was free, the dresser was only $40.
All of these things, in addition to the couch Alex already had (AND he told us he might be getting the loveseat counterpart to that selfsame couch!) are starting to make our apartment look (and feel) like a home.
Please note the inspiration of "living-room style kitchen" we got from our last week at 934.
Don't think twice, it's alright.
Alone at last. Surprisingly (or maybe not), I don't get very much time to myself here with two roommates.
Things are moving along here in old Chikiggy (as I like to call it) and I am definitely starting to feel more at home. The neighborhood feels more familiar and I am getting used to the routine of going to work.
Work is getting a little better, though I am still searching for something with a bit more...substance to it. I've begun talking to people at work, so that's a good thing I suppose. It makes the time go by somewhat faster, despite the fact that all I am doing is updating listings on Craigslist all day long. I'm glad my talents are being put to such good use.
Speaking of work of substance--I still have yet to hear back on my EMT practical. Ugh. I am told there are ways to bypass the system and figure out if you have passed before the state tells you, but first I would have to figure out the name of the company that does the testing. Hm indeed.
Incidentally, I read yesterday that Massachusetts has changed its laws regarding serving alcohol on Sundays; you can now get a bloody Mary starting at 10am. Glad you have your priorities in order, Massachusetts.
In line with my thoughts about jobs that matter: I am thinking seriously about some possibilities for jobs with AmeriCorps. I had applied for a program called America SCORES Chicago, in which I would basically be working for non-profit that works to give at-risk youths activities to do after school instead of getting into trouble. They have soccer programs and poetry, stuff like that. The job would start in September and I would only get a stipend, even though I would be working 40-hour weeks. On the flipside, I would be getting healthcare, which is also a big plus. And I would be doing something worthwhile. Anyway, I got an e-mail with the second portion of that application process sent to me and I am just waiting to hear back on that for now.
I was also sent a letter in the mail about an AmeriCorps job that would be more of a commitment--something I would have to travel to do, which I am not sure I could actually commit to at this point (having just moved and all).
In other news, I got an e-mail yesterday from the woman at Borders saying she was checking my references and would be in touch within a few days. WHO KNOWS WHAT THAT MEANS.
I hate applying for jobs. It is the absolute worst.
This week I had an interview at a casting agency, as it was suggested to me that this might be a good way to make connections and get comfortable in "the biz." I'm not actually sure I want to be a part of "the biz." But anyway, the interview was ridiculous. They made me wait for about 45 minutes past my appointment time and then had me fill out a questionnaire with such queries as "What is your biggest fear?" and "What won't I like about you?" I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was signing up for a reality show. I just wanted an internship. Then they had me tell them all of those same things aloud, after I had taken the time to write them down. The nerve!
In the end, the woman basically told me the internship is a big commitment (either 2 days per week for 3 months or 3 days per week for 2 months...9 hour days...WEEK days...for FREE) and I should wait until I have a more set schedule or full-time job to call them and let them know I am ready to work with them (which I don't get because how could I possibly have an internship there if I am working a full-time job?!). Then there were some veiled threats about starting the internship and not finishing. Something along the lines of "When people quit here, they regret it later." It was rather awkward.
Last night Andy and I went to The Annoyance to check out Messing with Friends. It's a show where Susan Messing has a different friend play with her every week. This week's guest was Brad Morris, so who is the nephew of the Clark Alum I met at Clark in April. WHEW! Networking! He's a cool dude and his improv is pretty great, I must admit. He was really big at Second City and iO (he has a show with Tim Meadows), and he recently moved to LA to do some improv stuff out there (he knows Molly Hale!). He is certainly a good contact for me to have out here.
It was cool to see The Annoyance, as so far I have mostly been frequenting iO (hell YES my student ID gets me into free shows). It is a much different theater physically and I know the teachings there are much different as well.
Tonight there is a tasting at Andy's restaurant, The Boiler Room. It is having its grand opening next week, so each of the employees were allowed to bring two guests. Alex and I are going and we are very excited about free pizza! Perhaps after I will go to see Shakespeare if I am back in time. I do love improvised Shakespeare.
I guess that's it for now. I think the lesson of this week is really something along the lines of: "I should have been an astronaut, after all."
Perhaps there is still time.
Things are moving along here in old Chikiggy (as I like to call it) and I am definitely starting to feel more at home. The neighborhood feels more familiar and I am getting used to the routine of going to work.
Work is getting a little better, though I am still searching for something with a bit more...substance to it. I've begun talking to people at work, so that's a good thing I suppose. It makes the time go by somewhat faster, despite the fact that all I am doing is updating listings on Craigslist all day long. I'm glad my talents are being put to such good use.
Speaking of work of substance--I still have yet to hear back on my EMT practical. Ugh. I am told there are ways to bypass the system and figure out if you have passed before the state tells you, but first I would have to figure out the name of the company that does the testing. Hm indeed.
Incidentally, I read yesterday that Massachusetts has changed its laws regarding serving alcohol on Sundays; you can now get a bloody Mary starting at 10am. Glad you have your priorities in order, Massachusetts.
In line with my thoughts about jobs that matter: I am thinking seriously about some possibilities for jobs with AmeriCorps. I had applied for a program called America SCORES Chicago, in which I would basically be working for non-profit that works to give at-risk youths activities to do after school instead of getting into trouble. They have soccer programs and poetry, stuff like that. The job would start in September and I would only get a stipend, even though I would be working 40-hour weeks. On the flipside, I would be getting healthcare, which is also a big plus. And I would be doing something worthwhile. Anyway, I got an e-mail with the second portion of that application process sent to me and I am just waiting to hear back on that for now.
I was also sent a letter in the mail about an AmeriCorps job that would be more of a commitment--something I would have to travel to do, which I am not sure I could actually commit to at this point (having just moved and all).
In other news, I got an e-mail yesterday from the woman at Borders saying she was checking my references and would be in touch within a few days. WHO KNOWS WHAT THAT MEANS.
I hate applying for jobs. It is the absolute worst.
This week I had an interview at a casting agency, as it was suggested to me that this might be a good way to make connections and get comfortable in "the biz." I'm not actually sure I want to be a part of "the biz." But anyway, the interview was ridiculous. They made me wait for about 45 minutes past my appointment time and then had me fill out a questionnaire with such queries as "What is your biggest fear?" and "What won't I like about you?" I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was signing up for a reality show. I just wanted an internship. Then they had me tell them all of those same things aloud, after I had taken the time to write them down. The nerve!
In the end, the woman basically told me the internship is a big commitment (either 2 days per week for 3 months or 3 days per week for 2 months...9 hour days...WEEK days...for FREE) and I should wait until I have a more set schedule or full-time job to call them and let them know I am ready to work with them (which I don't get because how could I possibly have an internship there if I am working a full-time job?!). Then there were some veiled threats about starting the internship and not finishing. Something along the lines of "When people quit here, they regret it later." It was rather awkward.
Last night Andy and I went to The Annoyance to check out Messing with Friends. It's a show where Susan Messing has a different friend play with her every week. This week's guest was Brad Morris, so who is the nephew of the Clark Alum I met at Clark in April. WHEW! Networking! He's a cool dude and his improv is pretty great, I must admit. He was really big at Second City and iO (he has a show with Tim Meadows), and he recently moved to LA to do some improv stuff out there (he knows Molly Hale!). He is certainly a good contact for me to have out here.
It was cool to see The Annoyance, as so far I have mostly been frequenting iO (hell YES my student ID gets me into free shows). It is a much different theater physically and I know the teachings there are much different as well.
Tonight there is a tasting at Andy's restaurant, The Boiler Room. It is having its grand opening next week, so each of the employees were allowed to bring two guests. Alex and I are going and we are very excited about free pizza! Perhaps after I will go to see Shakespeare if I am back in time. I do love improvised Shakespeare.
I guess that's it for now. I think the lesson of this week is really something along the lines of: "I should have been an astronaut, after all."
Perhaps there is still time.
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