My husband, the cop, sent me this clip. Just another monday at work.
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The other shoe dropped and landed on my head and it hurt, alot!
About 2 years ago, I was asked by my local Girl Scout council regional director if I would like to cover the regional office phones for a day while they all went to an all staff meeting at another location. I was happy to do this and even more happier when they said they would pay me for this. I believe I was asked because I was a volunteer leader in good standing. This filling in became more regular and soon I was asked to fill in for the office manager when she was on vacation or out sick. She was an older gal, pushing 70 and starting to make noises about retiring. Since my husband had starting making noises about me working more, I was more than happy to make myself available to the Girl Scouts and when they offered me a temp job last fall doing recruitment, I took it. This was for about 12 weeks and then I rolled back into covering the office manager for her vacation just before Christmas last year. In all I probably worked over 4 months for them all before this last bit, which was almost 2 months.
In April, the regional director called me and told me the office mgr was retiring and for a brief moment I thought she was going to ask me if I wanted the job! But no, she wanted to know if I could be the interim office manager while they posted the job publicly. I said of course. Then I said that I would like to apply for the position. She was silent for a few seconds, then she said, "but I thought you weren't looking for full time work. You understand this is full time." I told her that a couple years ago, full time was not what I would have wanted but circumstances change and I was more than able and happy to work full time. She then told me that I would have to step down from my roll as leader to my troops and any other involvement in our local service unit. That policy stated that staff could not be volunteers, that this was a "conflict of interest". This was something I had not considered and almost made me hesitate but I figured I could work something out. I later discovered that this was her policy not necessarily the policy followed by all at council. In hindsight, I think she was trying to give me a hint that I wasn't the person she envisioned in the position but I was very excited because I figured the job posting was just a formality and I was a shoe in. I'm such a sap.
So I came in a day before the gal retired, I took notes on what I knew to be gaps in my knowledge of the job and got ready to settle in. For almost 7 weeks I did the job I had hopes to be hired for. I audited the files more thoroughly than they had been done in years. I contacted over 200 volunteers to provide necessary paperwork that was outdated or missing. I cleaned file drawers and cleaned up the general area as there was 10 years of outdated materials. I went thru her computer files and deleted or updated files as needed. I taught myself how to use the council database, learning tricks and finding files to help the office run more smoothly. I fielded phone calls and covered for staff who seemed to drift on in whenever they felt like it, never keeping to the posted schedule they completed each week. Whatever I was asked to do, I did and when I had free time, I looked for ways to fill it.
After a couple of weeks, they posted the job and the applications came rolling in. There were over 150. The regional director and HR were overwhelmed and it took a while for them to sort thru and they came up with five people to interview. I was told I made the cut and would be interviewed. I thought my interview went well. I got to see all the other applicants as I greeted each one as they came in. But during the time this is going on, I was slowing losing my confidence that I was seriously being considered for this job. I heard from some of the area managers that the regional director told them she was hoping to hire someone who would want to move up into an area manager job eventually. That job pays about twice what the office manager gets and requires a college degree. Forget the fact that none of the other regional offices had ever promoted an office manager into this position. The RD knew I was not interested in an Area Manager position as I wasn't qualifed that that job. I started thinking about how taken back the RD had been when I told her I wanted the job. I was feeling less likely that I was going to hired. That my being so available and eager to work wasn't going to be the stepping stone I thought it was to land this job. I was starting to feel less like a stepping stone and more like a doormat. They went on to second interviews. It was me and 2 fresh faced gals with the ink still fresh on their college diplomas. They brought in the RD's boss from the main office and an office manager from another regional office to help with the interviews. My RD pulled me aside the day before and told me that her boss was an "all business" type of person and that I should be very serious and professional during the interview. So I was.
The next day, Tuesday, I was told that I did not get the job. My RD said the new gal would start on Thursday and that I could stay until the end of the week. I told her it would be better if I left on Wednesday. She seemed surprised at my reaction and then said, "oh, you're not in the middle of anything, right?" I had been doing a couple of things and told her I would leave notes on where I was for the new person. She told me that the decision to hire had not been hers to make completely that she was pressured by others. It was a long silent afternoon with everyone tip toeing around me.
On Wednesday, after a rough night, I went into the office. One of the area managers came in just before nine and I told her I couldn't stay. That it was just too upsetting for me. I was feeling pretty rejected. She told me that she and the other 2 area managers were pretty shocked that I wasn't hired. They felt that the RD maybe was wrong in thinking that the position would be a stepping stone to their own jobs. She told me that the RD was told by her boss to pick one of the two other gals who interviewed as that they were more dynamic in their interviews and that I had a bit too solemn and businesslike. So the RD telling me to be all business turned against me. Not just was I not the first choice, I wasn't the second choice, I was the biggest loser. This hurt.
I really don't think that the RD ever seriously considered me. That the last 2 years of me rearranging my life to cover the front desk at a moments notice was all she wanted from me. That to her I was just a volunteer that she could count on to fill in as needed and I don't think she wanted to lose that and hiring me would have left her without me to say, Jump? How high? I guess the saying, "nice guys finish last is true". I'm sure the new girl will be great, the job isn't rocket science.
I really thought I could add a lot to that job, that my years as a volunteer would have made me a better person for the position as I understand the people the office is trying to serve. But perhaps I'm wrong, that what I would have had to give up, the work I do with my girls, would have been too high a price to pay. Over and over we hear the words, "it's all about the girls". But being on the inside for a little while, showed me that sometimes, those at council forget that directive and they forget that the program can't be a success without the volunteers who work with the girls. So I'm back to being "Just a Volunteer" and it's a good place.
This will be my last post about this damn thing! I will restart my regular inane ramblings and try and resume my good humor! Maybe a couple of jello shots in the morning coffee will help!
In April, the regional director called me and told me the office mgr was retiring and for a brief moment I thought she was going to ask me if I wanted the job! But no, she wanted to know if I could be the interim office manager while they posted the job publicly. I said of course. Then I said that I would like to apply for the position. She was silent for a few seconds, then she said, "but I thought you weren't looking for full time work. You understand this is full time." I told her that a couple years ago, full time was not what I would have wanted but circumstances change and I was more than able and happy to work full time. She then told me that I would have to step down from my roll as leader to my troops and any other involvement in our local service unit. That policy stated that staff could not be volunteers, that this was a "conflict of interest". This was something I had not considered and almost made me hesitate but I figured I could work something out. I later discovered that this was her policy not necessarily the policy followed by all at council. In hindsight, I think she was trying to give me a hint that I wasn't the person she envisioned in the position but I was very excited because I figured the job posting was just a formality and I was a shoe in. I'm such a sap.
So I came in a day before the gal retired, I took notes on what I knew to be gaps in my knowledge of the job and got ready to settle in. For almost 7 weeks I did the job I had hopes to be hired for. I audited the files more thoroughly than they had been done in years. I contacted over 200 volunteers to provide necessary paperwork that was outdated or missing. I cleaned file drawers and cleaned up the general area as there was 10 years of outdated materials. I went thru her computer files and deleted or updated files as needed. I taught myself how to use the council database, learning tricks and finding files to help the office run more smoothly. I fielded phone calls and covered for staff who seemed to drift on in whenever they felt like it, never keeping to the posted schedule they completed each week. Whatever I was asked to do, I did and when I had free time, I looked for ways to fill it.
After a couple of weeks, they posted the job and the applications came rolling in. There were over 150. The regional director and HR were overwhelmed and it took a while for them to sort thru and they came up with five people to interview. I was told I made the cut and would be interviewed. I thought my interview went well. I got to see all the other applicants as I greeted each one as they came in. But during the time this is going on, I was slowing losing my confidence that I was seriously being considered for this job. I heard from some of the area managers that the regional director told them she was hoping to hire someone who would want to move up into an area manager job eventually. That job pays about twice what the office manager gets and requires a college degree. Forget the fact that none of the other regional offices had ever promoted an office manager into this position. The RD knew I was not interested in an Area Manager position as I wasn't qualifed that that job. I started thinking about how taken back the RD had been when I told her I wanted the job. I was feeling less likely that I was going to hired. That my being so available and eager to work wasn't going to be the stepping stone I thought it was to land this job. I was starting to feel less like a stepping stone and more like a doormat. They went on to second interviews. It was me and 2 fresh faced gals with the ink still fresh on their college diplomas. They brought in the RD's boss from the main office and an office manager from another regional office to help with the interviews. My RD pulled me aside the day before and told me that her boss was an "all business" type of person and that I should be very serious and professional during the interview. So I was.
The next day, Tuesday, I was told that I did not get the job. My RD said the new gal would start on Thursday and that I could stay until the end of the week. I told her it would be better if I left on Wednesday. She seemed surprised at my reaction and then said, "oh, you're not in the middle of anything, right?" I had been doing a couple of things and told her I would leave notes on where I was for the new person. She told me that the decision to hire had not been hers to make completely that she was pressured by others. It was a long silent afternoon with everyone tip toeing around me.
On Wednesday, after a rough night, I went into the office. One of the area managers came in just before nine and I told her I couldn't stay. That it was just too upsetting for me. I was feeling pretty rejected. She told me that she and the other 2 area managers were pretty shocked that I wasn't hired. They felt that the RD maybe was wrong in thinking that the position would be a stepping stone to their own jobs. She told me that the RD was told by her boss to pick one of the two other gals who interviewed as that they were more dynamic in their interviews and that I had a bit too solemn and businesslike. So the RD telling me to be all business turned against me. Not just was I not the first choice, I wasn't the second choice, I was the biggest loser. This hurt.
I really don't think that the RD ever seriously considered me. That the last 2 years of me rearranging my life to cover the front desk at a moments notice was all she wanted from me. That to her I was just a volunteer that she could count on to fill in as needed and I don't think she wanted to lose that and hiring me would have left her without me to say, Jump? How high? I guess the saying, "nice guys finish last is true". I'm sure the new girl will be great, the job isn't rocket science.
I really thought I could add a lot to that job, that my years as a volunteer would have made me a better person for the position as I understand the people the office is trying to serve. But perhaps I'm wrong, that what I would have had to give up, the work I do with my girls, would have been too high a price to pay. Over and over we hear the words, "it's all about the girls". But being on the inside for a little while, showed me that sometimes, those at council forget that directive and they forget that the program can't be a success without the volunteers who work with the girls. So I'm back to being "Just a Volunteer" and it's a good place.
This will be my last post about this damn thing! I will restart my regular inane ramblings and try and resume my good humor! Maybe a couple of jello shots in the morning coffee will help!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
FML Still Waiting
It's now almost 6 weeks since I was asked to fill in for the job I am applying for. They are going to have 2nd interviews next week and it is between me and some young gal who looks all preppy and cheerful with her college degree still warm in the frame and finding it hard to get a job in her field so she will take this one.
Am I bitter?
I just keep coming in everyday, do the job they ask of me and try to keep a rosy outlook.
Don't wish me luck, what I need now is therapy.
Am I bitter?
I just keep coming in everyday, do the job they ask of me and try to keep a rosy outlook.
Don't wish me luck, what I need now is therapy.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Police Work
My husband emailed me 15 photos from work. 15 photos of the new men's locker room at the station. More specificly, 15 photos of the bathroom stalls. They were having a grand opening celebration and dedication ceremony of some of the stalls. My hubby works with very uptight guys, who do much of their detective work from their favorite stall. It's well known that certain people can usually be found in their dedicated stall.I'm not trying to say that I think my husband and the other officers are guilty of wasting time. I think it's just the thing they need to do to sometimes. Their job can be very despressing and can cause tension. I think it's great they can have so much fun and let their hair down.
It takes a special person to be a cop and a sense of humor, even potty humor is a plus.
Monday, September 15, 2008
I got a Job!
Rob told me that after the wedding, it was time for me to get a job, at least one that paid. For the last 6 years I have been a stay at home mom. Contrary to popular belief, I did not sit home and eat bon bons. I was on the go, eating bon bons. I've been volunteering. Mostly with the Girl Scouts as a leader and for 3 years as the Service Unit Manager (I kind of oversaw the other Girl Scout leaders in our city). And I would volunteer at the kids' schools for field trips etc. It was a good life, it was important and I'm still doing the volunteering. Of course now, I've got a job too.
After Rob told me to find a job, wouldn't you know it, but the Girl Scouts called me and offered me a job. This was right after I told my unemployed son that he needed to get on the ball because people don't just offer you jobs out of the blue. Then out of the blue, I got a job.
It's only temporary for a few weeks while they are busy and then I will be filling in for the Receptionist for a few weeks while she is on vacation. This will take me through most of November.
My job is helping to recruit new Girl Scouts and new Girl Scout Leaders. I get to print bracelets on the weird paper that is plastic fibers that you can't tear. I get to take these to the elementary schools and during lunch, put a bracelet on each girl as I talk up Girl Scouting. This is not hard with the little girls, they all want to be a Girl Scout and camp, sing, play etc. The older girls are not so easily swayed to the idea. Already by 4th grade, they are thinking it's not so cool to be a Girl Scout. I do get most of them to think about it after I talk about my awesome troop of 8th graders and all the fun they have and all their plans. These bracelets have information for the parents so they can bring their daughters to a Recruitment Event.
The Recruitment Event is in the evening at the girl's school or a neighboring school. We get the girls and parents to come with promises of fun activities and information. We even give out a free gift - a GS pencil or a GS chapstick. So everyone shows for this, the girls go off to have fun with a Girl Scout troop who is helping out and then I get to talk with the parents. I give them information about Girl Scouts - a brief history, some fun facts, etc. Then I get to the point and ask, "Who came here tonight ready to sign up to be your daughter's leader?" Sometimes there are warm bodies ready to go. Mostly, it's more a confused look of "what?? don't you have leaders waiting to take on our darling daughter?" I divide everyone up into age level groups and talk with each group. I find that a lot of parents lose their fear of leading if they can do it as a team. Some nights we are very successful on recruiting leaders, other nights not. Hopefully every girl who is interested in Girl Scouts, will have a troop to join.
So I like my job. I like getting to meet people, to see the excitement of the girls when they think about being a Girl Scout. I like it when a parent says, "yes I can do it, I can be a leader"
It takes a village to raise a child and many hands make light work.
After Rob told me to find a job, wouldn't you know it, but the Girl Scouts called me and offered me a job. This was right after I told my unemployed son that he needed to get on the ball because people don't just offer you jobs out of the blue. Then out of the blue, I got a job.
It's only temporary for a few weeks while they are busy and then I will be filling in for the Receptionist for a few weeks while she is on vacation. This will take me through most of November.
My job is helping to recruit new Girl Scouts and new Girl Scout Leaders. I get to print bracelets on the weird paper that is plastic fibers that you can't tear. I get to take these to the elementary schools and during lunch, put a bracelet on each girl as I talk up Girl Scouting. This is not hard with the little girls, they all want to be a Girl Scout and camp, sing, play etc. The older girls are not so easily swayed to the idea. Already by 4th grade, they are thinking it's not so cool to be a Girl Scout. I do get most of them to think about it after I talk about my awesome troop of 8th graders and all the fun they have and all their plans. These bracelets have information for the parents so they can bring their daughters to a Recruitment Event.
The Recruitment Event is in the evening at the girl's school or a neighboring school. We get the girls and parents to come with promises of fun activities and information. We even give out a free gift - a GS pencil or a GS chapstick. So everyone shows for this, the girls go off to have fun with a Girl Scout troop who is helping out and then I get to talk with the parents. I give them information about Girl Scouts - a brief history, some fun facts, etc. Then I get to the point and ask, "Who came here tonight ready to sign up to be your daughter's leader?" Sometimes there are warm bodies ready to go. Mostly, it's more a confused look of "what?? don't you have leaders waiting to take on our darling daughter?" I divide everyone up into age level groups and talk with each group. I find that a lot of parents lose their fear of leading if they can do it as a team. Some nights we are very successful on recruiting leaders, other nights not. Hopefully every girl who is interested in Girl Scouts, will have a troop to join.
So I like my job. I like getting to meet people, to see the excitement of the girls when they think about being a Girl Scout. I like it when a parent says, "yes I can do it, I can be a leader"
It takes a village to raise a child and many hands make light work.
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