Work work work work work…

When I moved back, I told my mom I would only need a month to get on my feet. Boy, was I wrong.

I put in at least a hundred job applications. I think I went to five interviews. I received a few job offers, but didn’t accept them because I was “guaranteed” a job at our local hospital after an interview. I was told that I would be making x amount of money and would hear back soon. He told me that he wanted me for x position because there was room for growth and he wanted me in a position of management. I waited and waited. And waited some more. I never heard back from them. In fact, it’s now been six months, and I still haven’t heard back.

I ended up taking a job at a bar as a server to make some money while I was waiting for the hospital job to come through. I made decent money as a server in South Dakota, and I figured a bar would be better. My first night, I made $30. Thirty dollars. What?? Ok. Maybe it was a fluke. No. It definitely wasn’t. I made about the same the next shift. Time to find something else.

I put in some more applications. Family Dollar called me in for an interview. It lasted about two minutes. I was hired as an assistant manager. The pay was low, but it was better than what I was making. The only problem was, that it was in a really sketchy neighborhood in Huntington, WV. The manager told me, during my interview, that customers aren’t allowed to bring in purses or backpacks and that this store had the highest theft. I was a little concerned. Could I handle telling people they couldn’t bring their purse in or asking someone to leave the store? I don’t know. I was a little scared. The manager texted me and told me to come in on Monday to fill out my paperwork. Texted me. She didn’t call. She texted me. Kind of unprofessional. Anyway, after some thought and conversations with my parents, I decided to tell her that I wouldn’t be accepting the position. She sent me a nasty text and said that they found someone else more qualified anyway. I laughed and went on with my day.

I was still working at the bar while looking for a new job. Well, I usually worked 4-5 days a week. I came in on a Monday one week and found out that TWO MANAGERS OD’D AT THE BAR ON SUNDAY!! What. The. Actual. Heck?!?! Apparently they had done some cocaine in the bathroom that was laced with fentanyl. One of them had to be narcanned EIGHT times!! I was like, I HAVE to get out of here.

I had an interview at a locally owned pharmacy. I was offered the job, but the pay was low. I told a him that I needed more money. He offered me a dollar more and told me that I would be eligible for a raise after 90 days. I took a few days to think about it, and decided I’d try to find something “better”. That night I saw a post on Facebook for a position at the DMV across the river in Ohio. The next day I dropped off my resume and crossed my fingers. I was called in for an interview. I GOT THE JOB!!!

I was so excited. The pay was low, and there were no benefits, but it seemed like a great job.

Honestly, I couldn’t be happier. I literally love my job. I don’t dread going to work. I don’t mind working overtime. I love my (new) coworkers. My boss is great. We’re like a family.

There was a whole other crew when I first started. They were nice, and kind of included me in things, but it was a little hostile feeling in here at times. They didn’t care much for our boss, and weren’t afraid to voice their opinions. Well, I started on March 10th. I was learning quickly and catching on to everything. I had training on May 5th so I could start doing drivers licenses. On May 8th, we got paid. As soon as our boss handed us our paychecks, I heard one of the girls say “it’s time”. They got up and walked to the state rep that was here and told her their grievances. Then they went to our boss’ office and told her they were quitting. After a bit, the three of them came out, grabbed their belongings, and walked out. They left me there, alone. I was just standing there, jaw dropped, in the middle of the room, watching them walk out the door.

We had to close for a day because it was just me and my boss, but we got a few others to come in and help, so we could open back up. We finally hired a few people and it was going great. I was working open to close, six days a week, but I didn’t mind. I got promoted to office manager and got a $1.50 raise. Things were looking up.

Well, one of the new girls lasted about a month. She went back to her old job. We hired two new girls about two weeks ago. They’re doing pretty well, so we’ll see if they last. This job isn’t for everyone. Working with the public can be brutal at times. But, honestly, this is my favorite job I’ve ever had.. and I’ve had quite a few. I love it!!

So.. sorry mom. It actually took me 7 months to move out. 🤦🏼‍♀️