Jen Was Here

As you may recall, I’ve been working in a pretty awful timeslot for the past couple of weeks. It bothered me so much [read: it’s not fair! ::whine:: ::cry::] after the first week that I wrote a note to the scheduler and requested…something. I just wanted information and options.

He ended up calling me on Saturday because I had a 3-day weekend and wouldn’t be available to contact via “official” sheets of paper at work. He gave me a rundown of the slots that were vacant but none were the specifics I really wanted. He basically said there was nothing he could do for me.

A couple days ago when I got to work there was an offer with my timecard. It’s a vacancy in a timeslot that is (in my opinion) an improvement over what I’ve got now. A downside is that it’s only a 34-hour week instead of a full 40. I went back and forth all night about whether or not I should accept it. I realized that when I spoke to the guy on the phone I was too intimidated to just come out and say exactly what I wanted. I wondered if I’d appear entitled if I accepted this offer, but requested to be notified and moved again if the specific shift I want becomes available. Or if he wouldn’t even think twice about it. I tried to figure out a positive way to decline the offer and say I want to wait for the other one, if it ever opens up. The shift I really want is more in-demand than I would have guessed. It’s a long shot that anyone will give it up willingly. There’s really no “official” way right now to request a change and be guaranteed to get it.

Ultimately I decided to accept the offer I got a couple days ago. I haven’t heard back yet if it’s mine and when it will go into effect. The more I think about it, the happier I am. I’m just not cut out for this night owl stuff.

New work schedule was released today.

The good news:

• My paychecks will be significantly bigger with the $1.05 shift differential on top of the base pay
• No more 6AM sneak attacks from my alarm clock

The bad news: 

• I don’t get off work til 3AM
• I won’t see my friends much outside of work, if at all
• My nights off are in the middle of the week

This schedule is not at all what I hoped for, or expected. It’s kind of the polar opposite, if I’m being completely honest. But I’m gonna roll with it, and switch to something better if and when something better becomes available. Until then…again I say: I have a job. Yay?

Three weeks ago I had an important (job-related) test and unfortunately I choked. There’s no tip-toeing around that. Up for grabs is a position with more security (something I’ve never had with this job) and perks: like vacation time I’d get to keep, a significant pay raise, and the opportunity to take on more responsibility if I wanted to. Among other things. Needless to say, after finally getting the test results (over a week later than expected) I was upset.  I definitely choked and ruined my chances at a position I’ve wanted for almost seven years.

I’ve been pretty discouraged by it. I’m not gonna lie, I’m jealous of too many of my friends who are going for interviews and most likely have the job in the bag. Every slot they accept is one less available to me. I’m happy for them, but it’s been a difficult week for hanging out and reading the social networking feeds.

Yesterday was my retest for the lower tier position. It was a significantly better experience. I don’t want to jinx anything, but I may have kicked that test’s ass. Maybe. I hope. No question was left unanswered and I even had time to spare in a couple sections that had me scrambling previously. Maybe it was a better day and environment. Maybe I’m not as rattled by all the pressure. Once again I have to wait for an e-mail to arrive with my score. In the mean time, I’m getting my ducks in a row in regard to other jobs. That idea is less scary by the day.

I hate to keep asking for you all to wish me luck, so if you do it and don’t tell me so: Thank you. There are a handful of you who are keeping me sane through all this mess when my patience is growing increasingly thin. It’s almost over, guys. Hang in there.