Jobs

When we last talked about jobs, I was doing a temporary assignment for the State of Arizona in the unemployment office opening and sorting mail.  I started in May 2020 and it was supposed to be a 2 month assignment.  

I'm still there (but not much longer).  A month ago my hours were cut to 4.5 hours a day (work slowed down; some days hours longer if there is work to do) and the department moved 15 minutes further away (by the State Capital, Myra).  Longer commute and we park in the basement. Its nice because the car doesn't get heated up in the sun, but its freaky in the basement. I'm a bit claustrophobic and I keep imagining everything collapsing on top of me when I'm parking. 

So as a result I've been looking for other jobs.  

In my work over the last year regarding unemployment, two reasons  other than Covid seemed to be very prevalent in someone losing their jobs. The two reasons were attendance issues and not being a good fit.  Attendance is not a problem for me.  I rarely (never) call out.  Regarding a good fit I carefully look at each job I apply for and see if I have matching qualities, if the job is close by, and if it is something I want to do.  

So for the past month I have been diligently looking for jobs.  I've probably applied for about 30-50 jobs.  I tried to apply to at least 1 job a day if I had matching qualifications.  I don't hear from the majority of jobs I've applied for, but below represent the ones I have heard from and my take on them.  

1.  Auto dealership looking for a file clerk/data entry position.  Listed as entry level. Sounded interesting until the lady who called for an interview said I would often be lifting 50 pound boxes and have to climb ladders to retrieve boxes to store data in.  I said physically I couldn't do that job (if the job posting had mentioned that, I wouldn't have applied for the job).  

2.  Position looking for data entry as entry level breaking into the healthcare field.  Found out in the interview no data entry was involved but heavy phone/call center with calling people to see if they got their durable medical equipment after their hospital discharge. I don't like being on phones all day so I politely declined proceeding with the rest of the interview. 

3.  Position looking for again medical data entry through a staffing agency that was a direct hire.  Seemed like a wonderful opportunity but they wanted me to use present supervisors and past supervisors as references on the initial job application. I was not going to do that so I didn't proceed with filling out the application.  

4.  Doctor's office advertising for a medical transcriptionist but really wanted a scribe. At the interview when I realized they were looking for a scribe (one that goes into the room with the doctor to see the patient) rather than a transcriptionist (one that types up what the doctor has dictated on a tape or similar device) I said I wouldn't be a good fit.  

5.  This one frustrated me the most.  Applied for a temporary job doing data entry for the health department in the vaccine department, specifically in relation to the Covid vaccine.  Sending requests of vaccination records out, that sort of thing.  100% data entry, no phones, and they said work could be repetitive and tedious.  That didn't bother me.  Opening and sorting mail is repetitive and tedious.  So I got a call from the staffing agency but the minute she found out I worked for the state of Arizona as a temp and used a certain software system for keeping track of my hours, she said she couldn't talk to me any more (my assignment currently is through another temp agency).  Apparently there is some sort of "gentlemen's agreement" between staffing agencies who staff government jobs here that they will not "steal" employees away from another agency.  I cannot apply for any jobs through this agency until my current assignment ends.  I can't even resign my job with 2 weeks notice and then apply for a job through this agency.  The assignment has to be completely done and I'm released from it.  I understand policy and procedure but its frustrating.  (Now I can work other positions from other staffing agencies, not just a government job here in Arizona).  So I have to wait it out until this assignment ends (open ended time for its completion) before I can work with this agency on a government temp job.

6.  The one I really wanted but "got away from me."  This one was also data entry working for a company that did background checks.  Again it was listed as tedious and monotonous which I thought I could handle.  Had the interview, sat down with one of the employees who showed me the ropes of what they do and thought I really want this job.  Ten minutes away from where we live.  Easy commute.  Its been 4 weeks and I haven't heard anything so I'm pretty sure I got eliminated.  I can pretty much guess my age was a factor. Lots of young people.  I get it.  But again its frustrating.

Its truly been an education this time for job searches.  Half of it lies with what is advertised for the job and what is expected of the job when (if) you get contacted.  And again like I said above, age is a factor.   

I didn't give up.  I kept applying.  I kept working the reduced hours at the unemployment office and I just waited (and prayed).  

And take hark! Good news!  

This past weekend I saw a temp job for an imaging specialist.  Simple requirements.  I applied and I got it pending my background check, which I'm thinking I'll pass with flying colors!  It is a 5 month contract but the company uses a lot of temps so my recruiter said there could be possibly more assignments after this or even a temp to hire type position.  And its 15 minutes from the home with significantly more money than I'm making now! Thank you Lord (I knew He would take care of me, it was just a matter of time, even if it took a long time; He always provides).  I start next week after my background check clears.    

When I was applying diligently for jobs I applied for a job for the State of Arizona in the Child Protective Services division.  I figured I wouldn't be called for an interview based on my age but lo and behold I did.  I had just accepted the temp position I'm starting next week so I turned down the request for the interview.  I wouldn't have gotten it anyway.  I've learned a lot about working for the State as a temp this past year.  My age and ethnicity would have not worked in my favor.  And there is a lot of favoritism within their system.  Enough said.

I believe I am right where God wants me to be! 

So, looking forward to new adventures!  And I'll let you all know how it goes down the line!  Super excited for this new position!