Rainy days and Tuesdays
Jun. 3rd, 2003 09:46 amIt's starting to dawn on me that I have to start jobsearching. I had lulled myself into a false sense of security because I'd bid on another position at FM (it wasn't as good as the one I have now, but better than the one they're trying to funnel us into) and was pretty much told that I would get it. Then my boss called me to tell me that half of the position (it was a combo of two positions) may be cut for lack of funding. So then I started to panic a little bit because I'd lost my foolproof escape route.
I surprised myself yesterday when, upon reflecting on the news in the restroom, I thought, "Well, I certainly won't make any decisions until I talk with Jennifer." I suppose this is indicative of both the seriousness of our relationship and the dependence I've come to have on her. She's very supportive no matter what, and I'm thankful for that. This is good, since it's much more likely that I'll be collecting unemployment come July 1.
Last night I printed out my old resume so that my coworker can look it over with me. (Heck, she writes resumes for people with multiple felonies, and they get jobs, so she must be good!) It felt weird to dust off the resume. I really did naively believe that my job would be here for me as long as I wanted it - and that my coworkers would be there, too. Since the "Big Announcement," two RAs (resident assistants) have told me that they will be leaving. (Not fired, quitting.) They don't like the changes. I don't blame them. No one will be left in my building.
The other upsetting thing was that the FM rumor mill was churning, and the word on the street (it's usually accurate) was that the new "Shelter Manager" (who would be my new supervisor if I took the job they're trying to funnel us into) was remarking to people that she didn't want to work with me, that we wouldn't be a good fit, and that we would butt heads. (Of course we would - I'm coming from a clinical background and she's not!) That doesn't really entice me to take the Intake Specialist job, since it's likely that I could be fired or have my life be miserable since she doesn't like me. And well, maybe I'm a snob, but I don't like the idea of having a supervisor without a degree (when I have 3) and who isn't a social worker (since we have different values/ standpoints).
It's all very upsetting. Yesterday I wrote a little thank-you note to Coworker Shannon for sending me a file, and I wrote, "I really am going to miss you." Today Shannon, Jeff and I are meeting off-site to discuss what we want to do. My decision will certainly be influenced by theirs. I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.
And while I'm a little giddy about the prospect of having endless free time this summer, and I'm confident that I can make it work financially, I'm nervous about having to start a new job. I hate being the new person, I hate training, I hate not feeling competent. And I'm not looking forward to having to wait, /again/, for benefits. Hell, I'm being laid off after 10 months, which at FM means I haven't even become eligible for vacation time or 403(b). Great.
I surprised myself yesterday when, upon reflecting on the news in the restroom, I thought, "Well, I certainly won't make any decisions until I talk with Jennifer." I suppose this is indicative of both the seriousness of our relationship and the dependence I've come to have on her. She's very supportive no matter what, and I'm thankful for that. This is good, since it's much more likely that I'll be collecting unemployment come July 1.
Last night I printed out my old resume so that my coworker can look it over with me. (Heck, she writes resumes for people with multiple felonies, and they get jobs, so she must be good!) It felt weird to dust off the resume. I really did naively believe that my job would be here for me as long as I wanted it - and that my coworkers would be there, too. Since the "Big Announcement," two RAs (resident assistants) have told me that they will be leaving. (Not fired, quitting.) They don't like the changes. I don't blame them. No one will be left in my building.
The other upsetting thing was that the FM rumor mill was churning, and the word on the street (it's usually accurate) was that the new "Shelter Manager" (who would be my new supervisor if I took the job they're trying to funnel us into) was remarking to people that she didn't want to work with me, that we wouldn't be a good fit, and that we would butt heads. (Of course we would - I'm coming from a clinical background and she's not!) That doesn't really entice me to take the Intake Specialist job, since it's likely that I could be fired or have my life be miserable since she doesn't like me. And well, maybe I'm a snob, but I don't like the idea of having a supervisor without a degree (when I have 3) and who isn't a social worker (since we have different values/ standpoints).
It's all very upsetting. Yesterday I wrote a little thank-you note to Coworker Shannon for sending me a file, and I wrote, "I really am going to miss you." Today Shannon, Jeff and I are meeting off-site to discuss what we want to do. My decision will certainly be influenced by theirs. I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.
And while I'm a little giddy about the prospect of having endless free time this summer, and I'm confident that I can make it work financially, I'm nervous about having to start a new job. I hate being the new person, I hate training, I hate not feeling competent. And I'm not looking forward to having to wait, /again/, for benefits. Hell, I'm being laid off after 10 months, which at FM means I haven't even become eligible for vacation time or 403(b). Great.
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 06:43 am (UTC)but look at the bright side - if you have endless free time you can hang out with me! :)
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 06:44 am (UTC)How would you like working under someone so unprofessional they've already discussed how well they believe they'd work with you? That is such crap, I hate office politics :(
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 06:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 06:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 07:46 am (UTC)But, on the bright side, you are an awesome person AND social worker, and the field ALWAYS needs someone like you. I think you'll come through this with a better job in the end.
I am sending you major good vibes as I begin my own job search!
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 07:46 am (UTC)God, it seems like everyone and their mom is losing their job these days. I'm sorry it happened to you, too.
Positive Reinforcement for the Judinator.
Date: 2003-06-03 08:12 am (UTC)Shall I itemize?
1. I can tell by the way that you write about your clients that you are a wonderful social worker. You sound like you are compassionate and endowed with lots of common sense, thank God. Good social workers are always needed. You'll probably never be mad rich, but I think you will always be able to find work helping people.
2. You have a girl who loves you.
3. Said girl sounds like she's more than willing to support you while you figure out your next step.
4. Said girl also sounds like she's flexible.
5. So, if you decide to make a big change, like move to SF (or, say, the glamorous Jersey shore?) she will support you and follow you. You're not going to lose her.
6. Too many people love you to let you starve while you figure out what's next.
7. The friends you made at the shelter will stay your friends because you're the kind of person people want to stay in touch with.
8. You are exponentially classier than that would-be supervisor. She can kiss my AISH.
Re: Positive Reinforcement for the Judinator.
Date: 2003-06-03 08:42 am (UTC)Uhm....well...I just made a clean break of
evilgood ole New Jersey. Don't plan on going back there to live. EVER. *ahem*.....sorry;) I don't think Jude would either ( i hope !) so it shouldn't be an issue.No offense to your part of NJ, but NJ has finished in my book:)
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 08:43 am (UTC)Re: Positive Reinforcement for the Judinator.
Date: 2003-06-03 08:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 08:48 am (UTC)I am all for california though, earthquakes and all.
Re:
Date: 2003-06-03 08:49 am (UTC):(
Re:
Date: 2003-06-03 09:00 am (UTC)(And we have Disneyland and LegoLand!)
Our governor is a dickhead, but other than that... =) Then again, I've lived here all my life and love this place, so I'm a little bit biased. (And in nearly 32 years living in California, the only earthquake I consciously remember feeling is Loma Prieda, 1989.)
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 09:06 am (UTC)Oooh, that was a fun one. :)
Anyway, Jude, given your acquaintance who's helping you with the resumé, I think you'd better go commit a few felonies. It might raise your probability. ;)
[And this suddenly gave me the idea that I want to write my next resumé entirely in haiku.]
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 09:37 am (UTC)Sign me up!
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 09:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 09:39 am (UTC)I was pretty comfortable in my current digs. Thanks for the vibes! Good luck to you!
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 09:40 am (UTC)If I become unemployed, we can take some road trips. :)
Re: Positive Reinforcement for the Judinator.
Date: 2003-06-03 09:41 am (UTC)Seriously, though, I'm both honored and touched by what you said. I know that things will work out, and I know that I will be happy regardless... I just hate feeling stressed out. TIME TO THROW DOWN!
p.s. I agree about the would-be supervisor. That really irks me.
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 09:42 am (UTC)But I meant what I said last night and this morning that I hope I don't end up putting too much stress or strain, financial or otherwise, on you. You've got enough going on.
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 09:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 09:47 am (UTC)Re: Positive Reinforcement for the Judinator.
Date: 2003-06-03 11:13 am (UTC)Re:
Date: 2003-06-03 12:20 pm (UTC)I see Maid Myron walking away...
Re: Positive Reinforcement for the Judinator.
Date: 2003-06-03 07:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 07:17 pm (UTC)Good luck in your job search, and for crying out loud, HANG OUT WITH ME!
no subject
Date: 2003-06-03 08:46 pm (UTC)"I'm nervous about having to start a new job. I hate being the new person, I hate training, I hate not feeling competent. And I'm not looking forward to having to wait, /again/, for benefits. Hell, I'm being laid off after 10 months, which at FM means I haven't even become eligible for vacation time or 403(b). Great."
My thoughts, and my situation, exactly. I'm going to be taking a "borrowed" vacation day or two before the end of this month. You should, too.
Jude, I will miss you and Shannon enormously.
no subject
Date: 2003-06-04 05:48 am (UTC)However, I am /still/ sick, and this is ridiculous. My compromised immune system is not handling the shelter well. I may take a sick day or two in the next week. Use it or lose it, you know? I just hate not being there for clients when they have such little one-on-one time available to them.
Perhaps Shannon will stay. Either way, it will be sad not to work with The Team. We're all very good and very talented people. You have my number.
(Will you be taking the second shift 151 job?)
I guess I wasn't clear...
Date: 2003-06-04 05:55 am (UTC)Although she hasn't told me as such, it seems 99% Shannon won't stay.
Take your sick days. You need to be in good health for job searching.
Re. vacation days, no, we would not have to pay it back. This comes from Vicki and from my reading of the employee manual. If you are out of the building some time near the end of the month, and I am in, you can tell people to contact me with questions.
Re: I guess I wasn't clear...
Date: 2003-06-04 06:26 am (UTC)I will probably be sick at least part of next month, if not tomorrow. Getting a sinus infection while still taking antibiotics for a throat infection is really for the birds. I GIVE UP!!
We will keep in touch, yes? We have bikes, and we will ride!
Congratulations, FM. You just made a big fat mistake.