Scratch That

Perhaps I (we) was a bit too hasty. Needless to say, we're staying in Hamilton and will both continue to job-search daily. I still have my "local coffee shop" job, and we still have the apartment. I'm not going to get into details about the circumstances, but when a company hires an inventory control assistant, the new employee doesn't expect to be swabbing out toilets.

I finished almost all my Christmas knitting. I didn't finish the socks for my mom. I've set a goal for this next Sunday ('cause I'm guaranteed to see her then). In the meantime, I've started a couple things:

Fair Isle Tam

I've never done fair isle before and I'm falling dangerously for it. I call this a stash-busting project, but I bought the yarn with this pattern in mind, so ....

February Lady Sweater

This actually is stash-busting. It's solely coincidence that I got 13 balls of nice yarn for $20. (3 balls Bernat Cashmere, 10 balls Sirdar Peru Naturals, remember?)

I haven't finished the second striped scarf for my friend yet, because I'd like to know if it's going to be another waste of my time. (Regarding the other scarf, my "friend" wants it again. I haven't yet told her that it's for sale and she can have it for $20.)

I've also done a few quick projects in the last week. A couple of Simple Purses (one cranberry, one raspberry), and a cowl and wristwarmers for the Secret Santa at work.

There are projects I'd like to start, but I'll finish up what I have now first (yeah, right).

Roots

We moved to Hamilton from Brampton over seven months ago. I pulled up tons of roots because I'd lived in Brampton for over 22 years. Now we'll see how many roots I've put down in Hamilton.

That's right. Someone got a job. But it wasn't me.

My dad got a job with a company in Guelph. Since the commute is about an hour, we figure we ought to move there. Guelph is nice. My mom isn't happy, but things have a way of working out.

That scarf I made for a friend? Well, long story short, I had to work instead of going to her birthday party, so she's "furious" with me and refused to accept it. It's currently for sale on my Facebook group, "Knarly Knitting".

I also finished the sweater for my sister. The sleeves are a touch too tight where I sewed them to the body, and the hood is a little lopsided, but it's not bad.

Now I'm working on a pair of Honeycomb mittens and a Snowboarder's Hat. And my mom's socks. I'm past the heel, which was my first short-row heel. Might be too deep, but I'm sure it'll stretch.

I finished a drop-stitch scarf last night with some Silk Garden that I absolutely needed. (Insert sarcasm here.)

Which brings me to my resolution: No buying yarn until I catch up on my UFOs. This isn't a New Year's one, just a general, I-have-too-much-yarn one. Besides, I don't want to move more than one large container of yarn. (Aside: As stashes go, mine's small but it still bothers me.)

I Am Not The Little Engine That Could

I didn't get the receptionist job. Contrary to what my interviewer told me, I did not get a call telling me I didn't get the job. I just sorta assumed thus after two weeks of no call. Why tell me that you'll call either way, then not?

Also, since I look for jobs online every single day, I tend to start judging them. For example, why is the job for a payroll clerk paid based on commission? How does that work? And why does an administrative assistant (which is what I have my certificate for) need a bachelor's degree? It's a college course, for pete's sake!

I finished the red and gold striped scarf for my friend. I should take a picture of that one ....

I'm about halfway done the hood for my sister's sweater. I finished her hat and now I just have to finish her second wristwarmer and start on her convertible mittens.

I'm trying to deplete my stash, but that isn't working very well because I keep going to yarn stores and seeing things I like.

Catching Up

There's hope for me after all!

Not on the job front, although my interviewer will call back next week to tell me if I've been chosen. Did it go well? They always do. And I always get a good feeling. I've learned to ignore those feelings. I keep my hopes down so they don't get injured when they fall again.

I finished those three hats. I still have two to make for a co-worker, but she never brought in the yarn she wants me to use.

I'm almost done the sleeves for my sister's sweater. I had to buy another ball of Homespun last night. When I first read the pattern, I thought it said I'd only need two balls. Now I know to read the fine print! We're on ball #4. I've also started her red hat and black-and-red wristwarmers. She's also getting a pair of wristwarmers that'll match the hat (done in Homespun that my mom gave me to knit with).

Last night my dad and I went to a convenience store to buy a lottery ticket (we didn't win). As we were walking back to the car I must've stepped in something ... something bad. Needless to say, the poo was all over my green shoes. I had to throw them out. Now I'm down to six pairs (one is winter boots, one is my work shoes, one is sneakers [yay] and the other three are fancy). It's time to go shopping, I suppose. I hate buying shoes and jeans.

When I was out shopping for more yarn last night, I impulsively bought five colours of Vanna's Choice so I can knit the Fair Isle Tam (it's for a KAL on the Paton's blog). I'll take pictures and update in a few days.

Maybe This Time?

I got a call from a potential employer. I had a phone interview with them yesterday (Monday), and I have a face-to-face interview with them 9am on Thursday. It's been over a month since my last interview. I really want an office job.

I'm almost finished those hats. One of them turned into three, and I don't have the yarn for the ones with words on them so those will have to wait. Time for me to start working on my sister's things.

Long Time

It's been a busy last couple of weeks. Oh, wait, it's only been a week and a half. I don't feel so bad now.

I finished felting that bag for my aunt and managed to sew in a lining three hours before delivering it personally.

Everyone seems to want a hat. Not just any hat; no, they want the Snowboarder's Hat (by Bernat). It's not difficult to make, but after knitting a dozen or so I'm getting bored. I have three more to knit. The last two should be interesting because the recipient wants words on them. I like a challenge.

It's also scarf season. I have two friends who have asked for "Harry Potter" scarves. Now, this took some research because I had no idea what they were talking about. Now I know.

I'm still working on my mom's green socks. I'm about halfway to the heel.

I never finished that pumpkin for Hallowe'en. Oh, well. Next year, perhaps!

I'm also still working on those two hooded sweaters. I just have the sleeves and the hoods to knit, but with all the other requests, I'm not even sure if I'll finish my sister's in time for Christmas. I still have to knit her hat and wristwarmers.

And I'm still working at the "local coffee shop". Actually, today is my three months. Now they can't fire me without a (good) reason.

Next!

I finished the wristwarmers. I have to find my camera because a blog post without pictures is kinda boring. I like how they turned out.

I'm still working on my aunt's little purse. I'm using this pattern: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter08/PATTlittlebird.php. I'm knitting with Paton's Classic Wool in brown. Because I hate seaming I've adjusted it a little and knit it round, with an i-cord for the handle.

I don't think I'll have the pumpkin ready for tomorrow. That's okay. I'll keep it for next year.

When I find that piece of technology that's hidden in my car somewhere, I'll post with pictures.

Procastination

I should probably update more often than once a week.

I haven't yet heard back from the interview I had two weeks ago, but I'll give them until Thursday. The lady did say that she wouldn't finish interviewing for a couple of weeks.

I definitely have to get out of the food industry. My fingers are going numb from the hot-to-cold, freezer-to-oven environment. Not good for knitting (or playing oboe, my other hobby).

I finally finished all those wristwarmers and hats for my co-workers (I almost called them colleagues) but I neglected to photograph them. Good riddance. I also finished my first order (breast cancer bag, two cabled wristwarmers, one newborn hat).

Now I'm working on a small felted bag for my aunt, a pair of lacy wristwarmers for a friend who shares my birthday, a pumpkin, and a scarf for another friend. Not to mention the three pairs of socks, winter hats, and baby clothes that are being put on hold for now.

Maybe it's frostnip. Still, not good. I can't afford to lose any fingertips.

My Wrists Hurt

Nothing new on the job front. Whatever. I've got something in the meantime that'll keep me until something better comes along.

I finished the wristwarmers for my co-workers. They loved them and actually paid me for them. Bonus. Now I'm focusing on my next order: newborn hat, two cabled wristwarmers, and a breast cancer bag.

I've finished the knitting end of the bag, but now I have to felt it. This isn't the first time I've felted a project, but I always seem to underfelt. I don't use a machine (I live in an apartment and it costs two dollars a load). In the past I've used the kitchen sink filled with really hot water. Any suggestions on a better way to hand-felt a knitted project? I'd appreciate any feedback.

Short post, I guess. Still working on the brown sweater and the baby layette. I'm thinking of knitting a giant pumpkin out of some orange sport-weight yarn I have. Time to go felt that bag.

Patience Is A Virtue

I did get all of Wednesday off. They didn't do much in the way of renovation; it actually looks worse than it did before! I keep telling them all they need to do is push out the back wall about four feet and bring the freezer indoors. Let's not go there.

On Wednesday I got another call for an interview for Thursday at 2pm. I decided to cancel the 8am interview because the job would've been in Mississauga and this new one would be in Hamilton. Problem? I couldn't call my manager and tell her, because the store was closed. So, I called her the next morning at 8am. She asked why I didn't call her yesterday (the store was closed). She asked why I didn't call her at home (I don't have her home number!). She told me that everyone should have her home number (well, that isn't going to help anyone now, is it?) and told me to come in at 11am. When I got there, she refused to speak to me. I left work at 1pm and came back at 4pm. Nothing's been said yet, so whatever.

I've started selling my knitted items on Facebook. Already I've gotten orders for the Breast Cancer Bag, the Cabled Wristwarmers, and a newborn hat. I've also started my winter knitting (I started and finished two hats yesterday). Oh, yeah, yesterday was Thanksgiving and I had to work but they kicked me out three hours into my shift.

Last Wednesday I went with my mom to the Needle Emporium in Ancaster. Yarn heaven. I finally got her to pick out some sock yarn so I could knit a personalized pair for her. She picked Mini Mochi, in a green colourway.

On the needles right now:

Black wristwarmers for two co-workers;

Mom's basic socks, toe-up;

Brown hooded sweater for either me or my sister;

Baby layette in pink;

Breast Cancer Bag;

and those two pairs of socks I started but which are not important right now.

Far out.

I Give Up

It's Wednesday. Last Friday, we were told we had today off because of renovations. On Monday, we were told that we had to work because the renovations were being done at night. Yesterday there was a sign on the door telling the customers that the store will be closed between 10am Wednesday and 6am Thursday. That's right. The powers-that-be changed their minds again. I am going yarn shopping now, even if they call me up and tell me that the store isn't closing.

Remember those cabled wristwarmers I knit for my mom? That pattern was based on this pattern:

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/60053.html?noImages=

(I knit the scarf, too.)

Therefore, I bring you Cabled Wristwarmers:

Yarn: Bernat Soft Bouclé (or any chunky to bulky yarn)
Needles: Set of four dpns, size 4.5 mm.

LEFT HAND

CO 30 sts. Arrange 12 sts. on first needle and 9 sts. on second and third needles each.

Cable Pattern (Left Hand)

Row 1: K3, P3, K6, P3, K15.
Rows 2, 3, 4: rep row 1.
Row 5: K3, P3, C6F, P3, K15.
Rows 6, 7, 8: rep row 1.

Wristwarmers Pattern (Left Hand)

K2, P2 K1, P1 for four rows.
Commence cable pattern, repeat three times. On second repeat, knit rows 1-5.
Make thumbhole (rows 6, 7, 8, and rows 1, 2, 3 on third repeat): continue pattern, but knit back and forth; do not knit round.
Row 4 (of third cable repeat): knit round, continue pattern.
K2, P2 K1, P1 for three rows. Bind off in pattern. Weave in ends.

RIGHT HAND

CO 30 sts. Arrange 9 sts. on first and second needles each and 12 sts. on third needle.

Cable Pattern (Right Hand)

Row 1: K15, P3, K6, P3, K3.
Rows 2, 3, 4: rep row 1.
Row 5: K15, P3, C6F, P3, K3.
Rows 6, 7, 8: rep row 1.

Wristwarmers Pattern (Right Hand)

K2, P2 K1, P1 for four rows.
Commence cable pattern, repeat three times. On second repeat, knit rows 1-5.
Make thumbhole (rows 6, 7, 8, and rows 1, 2, 3 on third repeat): continue pattern, but knit back and forth; do not knit round.
Row 4 (of third cable repeat): knit round, continue pattern.
K2, P2 K1, P1 for three rows. Bind off in pattern. Weave in ends.

Enjoy!

Dude, That Sucks

Yeah, no more mini-renovation at work. They changed their collective minds. Some of us are really pissed off because we made plans! That's right, when given a day off in the middle of the week, some people actually do something with their lives! That's okay, because I have another interview on Thursday.

On a completely different note, I've decided to post the pattern for the Little Spider Scarf. It's not difficult.

Yarn: Any colour of worsted weight yarn.
Needles: Pair of 5.5 straight needles (or another size of your choice – experiment!)

Pattern (multiples of 5 plus 6):

Rows 1, 3, 5, 7: K3, *move yarn forward, slip 5, move yarn back, k5*. Repeat * to * until 3 sts. remain. K3.
Rows 2, 4, 6: K3, purl across to last 3 sts., K3.
Row 8: K3. *P7, Pick up loose strands on RS with right needle and slip onto left needle. Purl these strands with next st. P2.* Repeat * to * until 3 sts. remain. K3.

Rows 9, 11, 13, 15: K3, *K5, move yarn forward, slip 5, move yarn back.* Repeat * to * until 3 sts. remain. K3.
Rows 10, 12, 14: K3, purl across to last 3 sts., K3.
Row 16: K3. *P2, Pick up loose strands on RS with right needle and slip onto left needle. Purl these strands with next st. P7.* Repeat * to * until 3 sts. remain. K3.

These 16 rows make up the pattern.

Scarf:

CO 36 sts. Knit garter st for 6 rows.
Knit pattern until scarf is 58 inches long.Knit garter st. for 6 rows. Bind off. Weave in loose ends.

I'd appreciate any feedback, if anyone decides to try this.

Will This Never End?

So, after my dad's interview on Wednesday, he got a call for another interview for Friday. And then another for Tuesday. And again, for yesterday. Whoa. So far, he's gotten the typical "we've decided on another candidate" response from Wednesday's and Friday's jobs. We also went driving around today and dropped off resumes at several potential workplaces.

I, on the other hand, was called for an interview for this past Monday through a placement agency. I've already ranted about them. I'm no longer applying through them. The lady I spoke with who set up the interview said that she would be e-mailing me some forms to fill out right away, with the interview being on Monday. Well, she never sent the forms, and I never went to no interview! I figured that if they couldn't follow through with sending a simple e-mail, how could I possibly trust them to find me a job?!

I also got a call today for a Monday interview ... right when I'm supposed to be at work. Now, I don't see any sense in jeopardizing my current job for one that I probably won't get, so I asked if the interview could be held on Wednesday (which we all get off -- mini renovation at work). She said she'd call me back.

Yeah, right. They all say that.

I'm going to take this opportunity of a day off in the middle of the week and visit my old co-workers in Brampton. And maybe I'll talk to the HR manager, just in case they're looking for someone. I love Hamilton, but I need a job.

I finished my mom's poncho and her wristwarmers. I had a lot of trouble finding a good pattern for them because of the yarn I was using (Bernat Boucle). Most other patterns were for worsted weights and I had chunky.

I'm halfway through one of the sweaters I'm knitting for me and my sister. I've run out of yarn for the green-blue one, so I'm working on the brown one until I run out of yarn for it. I like the yarn, even though it takes a while to get used to.

I wore my snowboarder's hat to work last week because the freezer is really cold. Now I have four orders for them from co-workers and one for wristwarmers. Add to that the socks I have to finish for October 17 (for my grandpa), the two toe-up pairs I'm knitting casually, and the baby clothes. I think I might have startitis. Maybe.

Round and Round We Go

My dad had an interview yesterday. This one was in Cambridge and had something to do with aircraft assembly. They'll have their decision within two weeks.

Why don't most companies phone back? I mean, they'll phone if you're the lucky candidate who was picked, but isn't it just common curtesy to phone and tell you that you weren't picked? At least that way I'm not sitting at home, twiddling my thumbs and waiting for a call that will never happen. If I was a secretary, I'd always phone back.

But they don't want me ... yet.

Some guy outside is coughing up a lung. I keep wanting to go out there and ask him if he's succeeded yet.

I finished the Little Spider Scarf.

I think it turned out rather well.

I've started working on the other half of mom's poncho. I really like that yarn. It's Bernat Harmony, in green and white, and it's chunky. Nice stuff.

I went to another LYS (well, not local for Hamilton. It was Mary Maxim's in Paris). My dad picked out yarn for another sweater. I promised him that this one would fit him better. He picked something Marble, in DK weight. I also picked up some large dpn's, some Maxim baby yarn for my nana, and a ball of Sirdar that was on sale due to it being an "odd dye lot". It's orange, nothing too odd, I think!

I'll find out what my nana thinks of this baby yarn. She's hated Mary Maxim yarn for years.

Hope Springs Eternal

I didn't get the job. They called back yesterday and said they'd decided to "move forward with another candidate". Blech. Oh, well. But they did say that they'd like to see me again for another position. I called the number back and had to leave a message because, being a Friday, everyone in an office position cuts work early. Meh. I can wait.

In other news, I finished the first half of Mom's poncho and I've cast on the second part. I'm working mostly on the scarf, which has now been christened "The Little Spider Scarf". It was pointed out to me at Wednesday's band practice by another knitter that the Little Butterfly pattern resembled arachnids, not pretty flying insects. I think she's right.

I still don't know what I'm going to do with that pink yarn. I want to include the grey, because I'm pretty sure they were sold together for a reason. I'm thinking either a cardigan or a vest, or maybe ... ?

I also caved and bought a ball of Bernat Roving in some blue colour. It's pretty and would make a nice pair of mittens.

Time to knit!

Let's Play The Waiting Game ...

... Again!

On Thursday I got a message from a job I applied for a couple of weeks ago. I called back on Friday and spoke with the Human Resources person about a potential interview. She wanted me to come in on Monday at 3pm. Shot down.

I told her that I work from 11am to 7pm, but that I would try and arrange something, then get back to her. When I got to work, I told my manager that I had an appointment Monday at 3pm that I'd been trying to re-arrange, but to no avail. To my great surprise, she said that it was fine.

I called back the HR lady and told her the good news. Then I waited in anticipation all weekend.

So, Monday (yesterday) I went in to work for two hours, then left. Y'see, this interview was being held at the company's head office in Waterloo, an hour away. Needless to say, the interview went well (they always do) and I got a good feeling (I always do). Now I have to keep my hopes down and wait for a response, sometime this week. They said they'd get back to me either way.

It's an office job, similar to my last (good) job at Speedy in Brampton. :) I want.

We now return to the knitting end of my life. I went to Shelburne Saturday and took that opportunity to go to the LYS. I ended up buying 10 balls of Sirdar Peru and three balls of Bernat Cashmere ... all for $20! Now I have to figure out what to do with it. The Sirdars are pink and the Bernats are grey. Hmmm ....

I'm almost done the first half of Mom's poncho. I've about 10 inches left. I had to stop knitting the first sweater because I ran out of yarn. The pattern deceived me; told me I only needed two balls. If only I'd read the small print ....

I've started three pairs of socks: a grey pair for my step-dad, in worsted weight yarn, a blue-ish pair (toe-up - first time!) and a grey-ish pair (also toe-up, and both at once).

Perhaps I've bitten off more than I can chew? Maybe. The scarf is coming along well, too. No pictures this time.

No Change Here

Well, I haven't found a new job yet. The "local coffee shop" will do for now. Besides, at least I can pay my rent, right?

I'm getting a little frustrated (again) with these employment agencies. Every day I see the same jobs pop up for two particular agencies. I've applied three or four times for both, but I've never received a response. I've given up; they obviously aren't looking to fill any positions but to get as many resumes in as possible so they can make money (refer to earlier posts).

In other news, I finally finished those "knee-high" socks. I've blocked them and now I'm just waiting for them to dry. I also finished the cabled scarf for my mom. So, currently on my needles are the following:

The poncho for mom, about a quarter finished;
Two sweaters, one for me and one for my sister;
Various baby bootees and a layette;
A Little Butterfly scarf for a friend.

Having never done the butterfly stitch before, I'm intrigued. It's not difficult, but I do have to pay attention, which means it's not a very good TV-watching project.

Hopefully I'll have better job news next time.

Update

Well, this job isn't too bad. I've done worse.

I have to be the least supervised employee there. I don't have to talk to any customers, and on the odd occasion that they do need me to help out front, I just make coffee or do sandwiches. I don't know the till very well. They usually shove me out of the way and tell me to go back to my baking (if you could call it that).

I'm also gonna tell you all (that is, no one) about my current knitting projects; I've already mentioned my habit, so why not, eh?

Knee-high socks. I've been working on these for three months. They are not actually knee-high; I ran out of patience. I've also run out of yarn again. I'll be on my third ball of Patons Kroy Sock yarn.

Cabled scarf. This one's for my mom. She buys yarn and then tells me what she wants. I'm about a third of the way there.

Poncho. Also for mom. I've got about 5 inches done.

Baby items. I received a lot of baby yarn when I started knitting last October, and I've just about worked it all up into various bootees and layettes.

Scarf. A friend of mine wants me to make her one, black, about 5 feet long. I haven't started it yet for two reasons: no money for yarn and no time right now.

I've got a ton of future projects, like a couple of sweaters and hats and mittens for this winter. Speaking of which, our hot weather is a distant memory now. The corn is high, the CNE is on, and it's getting dark earlier. Fall is here.

Start Again

Well, I got the job at the "local coffee shop". I am their new afternoon baker, except for Wednesdays. They knew perfectly well when they hired me that I have a commitment every Wednesday evening an hour away. I am leaving my shift today (which is usually 11am to 7pm) at 5pm, 5:30 at the very latest. I can't wait for my education to finally come through for me!

My dad hasn't found anything yet. He's being more careful after the last job fiasco. At least he only wasted two days.

So it's really hot here right now. We don't have an air-conditioned apartment or car, but we do have a large fan and Dad finally remembered the small window air-conditioner in the closet, which he promptly installed into his room. I can sleep no matter how hot it is, but no one else can handle this heat. My mom and step-dad had to have their furnace replaced due to a flood three weeks ago, and they now have air-conditioning in their home.

My only setback is my knitting. I haven't bought yarn (or anything else) for about a month. Every time I go into the department stores with other people ('cause I certainly won't go alone) I have to avoid the yarn sections. I don't need any; I have too many projects I need to finish. It's still very tempting, though ....

Well, I'm off to work, where I will microwave donuts and bagels and get covered in glaze again.

A New Record

Well, we both quit our jobs.

On Thursday I asked my dad when he was supposed to start (it was his third day). Apparently they never bothered to tell him when to come in. He called in and quit. Pretty good excuse, too. The job was crappy, to say the least.

I applied to another "local coffee shop" on Wednesday. Because of my previous experience, the manager was rather encouraging. She basically said she wanted to hire me, but she needed feedback from the other manager who would be in today (Friday). So, instead of waiting for her to call me, I decided to go to the restaurant and ask her. Now I'm in for an interview tomorrow morning and potentially a shift on Sunday.

I was apprehensive about calling the supermarket and telling them I wouldn't be in for my shift tomorrow, but it had to be done. I liked working there, but I wasn't getting enough hours. I told them I had bad news and would have to quit. No one asked for more information (yet), but the Human Resources manager left a message on my cell saying that he wanted to have an exit interview with me. I guess they want to make sure they didn't do anything to make me leave.

So, I'm about to start another temporary (for me) job. I will continue to look for the Job (don't ask me what it is, I don't know) but at least now I'll be making enough to pay my bills.

I saw something funny and true yesterday: "Retired takes all the meaning out of weekends." So does unemployment.

Takes a Little Time

Well, my dad got his job and started today. He called me at lunch; it's starting to sound like the exact job he quit almost a year ago.

I'm still waiting for feedback from the "local coffee shop" I applied to on Sunday. If I don't get a call from them soon, I'll have to apply to a different "local coffee shop". There have to be at least 50 stores in Hamilton alone, maybe more.

I don't work at the supermarket bakery until Saturday now. I'm trying to decide whether or not to talk to my manager there about why I want to leave. But then I think that maybe I should keep my hand close right now, just in case. I remember my last job and how I couldn't keep my mouth shut about how I was moving and all, and ... well, another post, maybe.

For now, I'll just wait.

The Search is Still On

My dad had an interview last week, and was called again for a second interview. That happened to me twice. The first time, I didn't end up getting the job. The second, well, I got it ... but I'm not satisfied. See, I wasn't aware that it was part-time until well into the second interview. I've given it a chance, but I can't afford it. The issue isn't with the minimum wage, it's with the number of hours.

When I worked at a "local coffee shop" a couple of years ago, I worked full-time (up to 45 hours weekly) for minimum wage. This new bagel job gives me a maximum of 28 hours weekly, which I haven't reached yet. This week may be the closest I get to that (26 hours). I like the work, I like the shift, but I can't pay my bills.

Solution: Find another part-time job. Easier said than done. Therefore, find a full-time job and quit this new job that I've barely had for a month. Fine, I'll tell them I won the lottery. (True; I won a free ticket, but they don't need to know the specifics.)

So, I've applied to another "local coffee shop". I may be back where I started, but at least I'll be bringing in enough cash to support myself and my yarn habit until I find the perfect job.

In the meantime, I'll do my 6am shift tomorrow and deal with my first poison ivy rash.

Murphy's Law

As it happens, the day after my last (or rather, first) blog I got a call back. I am now employed as a bagel maker at a local supermarket. It's a part-time gig at minimum wage, so my job search is not over.

Today my dad (who is also unemployed) and I went to an "open house" at a personnel agency. I'll not mention the name; it doesn't matter, really, as they're all the same.

I was under the impression that an "open house" was like a mass job hunt. I figured that we would walk in there and leave with a new career. Not so! Instead, we were told to fill out countless forms and suffer through an interview. I went first. My mistake (or fortune, depending) was mentioning that I had a part-time job. Instantly, the lady I was speaking with told me that they could not help me. They only deal out full-time jobs, but I could call back if I see something on their website that I liked. Whew. Glad I asked.

My dad, meanwhile, was filling out some papers. When he was finished, the same lady started grilling him about his work experience. She wanted to know why he had no dates on his resume (it's because of possible ageism). She told him that any experience he had that was more than 10 years old was irrelevant, which isn't true. There's only one way to refine gold: fire it.

Finally, after all that, she asked him what his wage expectations were. He gave her a number (which I think is reasonable; can you really ask someone in their fifties if they'll work for minimum wage?) She promptly said that they have no jobs for him. Wasted an hour, we did.

My conclusion: these personnel agencies, funded by the government and put there to find me a job, are all a front. I think that all they have to do is get people to fill out the paperwork and the government pays them. They aren't actually required to find or give me a job! Pointless!

Rant over.

First Time For Everything

I've never had a blog before. I imagine that lots of people will read this, but the truth is, I'll be the only one.

I will be documenting my journey on the road of job-hunting. I've been travelling this path for two months with no success. To date, I've had a total of six interviews with three different potential employers. I just had two today. One was for bakery and the other for reception. I should get a call sometime next week. Don't they always say that?

I hate interviews. They always ask the same questions. Is there a template or something? My least favourite: "Why should we hire you?" I just need a job!