Just when I thought everything was finally figured out...
In my e-mail's inbox, I found yet another job offer.... the last one I ever thought I'd get. Turns out, one of the cooks at the dude ranch in Wyoming "didn't work out", and they asked me if I was still interested in helping out for this summer! Wow. What to do? What to do?
Suppose I take this new job. The upsides: it will probably be a much more enjoyable and worthwile experience than working at a call centre; it is a new and beautiful place in the world that I can discover; it is a cultural experience completely different than anything else I've ever known; I would save money in not having to pay Montreal expenses (my landlord would probably not charge me for rent)
The downsides: Getting there will probably not be easy or cheap; I would have to quit yet another job right away; my mom and stepfather are supposed to come up to Montreal in mid-July- which I've been looking forward to for a really long time.
What I don't know yet: how much this other job paid. So I sent them an e-mail in response, asking for a few more details. If the pay isn't much, it may make my decision much easier. I also would have to talk to my mom- because I imagine she would cancel her trip if I ended up going to Wyoming. Ahhh- I just wish I could have been offered this job weeks ago!
Current plan now is to continue as though I wasn't offered that job.... specifically, to go to the call centre training on Wednesday night, but also to wait for an e-mail back from the dude ranch.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Summer plans (part 6!)
So the people at the call centre called me back.... I start training on Wednesday! I'll have to let y'all know how that goes. :0)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Summer plans (part 5)
So, I did it! I quit Amelio's. I was originally gonna wait a few days, but this morning was really just as bad as it's always been, and I saw no point in continuing to work there. I don't want to have to do those menial opening/closing tasks... I don't want to have grumpy old men yell at me for writing my 1's the wrong way... and most importantly, I don't want to be miserable. I don't need this job at all... there seems to be a reasonably good chance that I will get the other job... otherwise, I feel like I still have a reasonable back up plan in taking July school and going to the US for August (Louisiana to volunteer or maybe NJ to work...).
Only one problem - they needed my SIN to pay me (which I didn'T have on me), and paycheques don't come out until NEXT wednesday (wed after next). Which means I would have to go back into the restaurant twice if I want to collect the approximately $100 that I'm owed- is it worth it??? Needless to say, I didn't exactly leave on the best of terms. I waited out the entire shift- to avoid making the scene- and I just told the guy that I got another job and I would be leaving. The guy made a big deal about giving him notice and yadda yadda, which is totally fair. But the other people didn't really give ME any notice, and I guess I don't feel so bad because they weren't exactly nice to me. Anyway- I'm not 100% sure If I actualy have the guys to go back for the $100. We'll see..... let's just say I won't be eating at Amelio's any time soon (although I must admit it's a fine restaurant- the kitchen is OCD clean, and the food is fresh, home made, and seems quite good).
Only two months left of this summer! I can't wait until September!!!!
Only one problem - they needed my SIN to pay me (which I didn'T have on me), and paycheques don't come out until NEXT wednesday (wed after next). Which means I would have to go back into the restaurant twice if I want to collect the approximately $100 that I'm owed- is it worth it??? Needless to say, I didn't exactly leave on the best of terms. I waited out the entire shift- to avoid making the scene- and I just told the guy that I got another job and I would be leaving. The guy made a big deal about giving him notice and yadda yadda, which is totally fair. But the other people didn't really give ME any notice, and I guess I don't feel so bad because they weren't exactly nice to me. Anyway- I'm not 100% sure If I actualy have the guys to go back for the $100. We'll see..... let's just say I won't be eating at Amelio's any time soon (although I must admit it's a fine restaurant- the kitchen is OCD clean, and the food is fresh, home made, and seems quite good).
Only two months left of this summer! I can't wait until September!!!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Summer plans (part 4)
So.... I've worked 1 1/2 days at Amelio's.
On paper, it's a great job. Especially when I compare it to the old Shrimp King. It's a higher quality restaurant. It's much more money ($7,75 + tips vs $2 + tips). It's actually less work- the restaurant is much smaller, all the salads are pre-made by the kitchen staff, etc. The other wait staff is pretty nice. So I should be loving it, right?
Well- there are a few key reasons why I don't. The first reason is the dreaded split shifts- Shrimp King never did stuff like that. So they have me come in at, say, 11, leave at 2, come back in at 6, and leave at 9. So you only get paid for 6 hours, but since there'S not much you can do between 2 and 6, its like you're working 10.
The biggest thing I don't like about this place is the attitude of the restaurant's managers. They treat the waitstaff like they're not human- and that's something I can't really deal with. I'll give you some examples of their rude, borderline psychotic behaviour. So, yesterday I was due to start at 11:30. I got in at 11:25, and they yelled at me for being late, since their clock is set 10 minutes ahead. (The upside to this is that we get to leave early....). Second example: they've been having me bus tables yesterday and today (which is fine since I'm still in training...), but last night they told me I could only bus one waiter'S tables. So they get mad at me for not keeping busy enough, but I'm not alowed to help the rest of the wait staff. Hmmm..... and then today, one of the waiters, for one minute, was starting to make small talk with me, since it was slow and there really wasn't much to do. Then the guy starts yelling at us: "You're not paid for small talk! You won't last here long, you better smarten up!" (It may be noteworthy that the managers are monolingual English). The other wait staff say I should just take it with a grain of salt, and they don't seem to mind it as much. Then again, the people who've been training me have only been working there for 2 months, which apparantly is "long" for Amelio's. If I were 15, like I was when I started at Shrimp King, then I wouldn't mind it as much. But I'm 21 now and I have a lot more respect for myself- I'm 3/4 into a Bachelor's degree, I have a lot more work experience, and I've seen a lot more of the world. I also no longer have any desire to work in the restauration industry.
Yesterday, between my two shifts (or two half-shifts?), I recieved a call-back from some place I must've applied to weeks ago. I was told I had an interview today. The job is at a call center, doing phone surveys. I think the interview today actually went really well and I feel like there'S a real change I got the job, whose training would start next Wednesday. The job pays substantially less ($9/hr) and I don't exactly LOVE call centre work, BUT: a) the ppl there seem much more cordial and respectful, b) the job is only in English, c) the hours are much better (9-5 for 5 weeks), d) I don't have to do mindless menial tasks. I almost feel like I might enjoy doing surveys- at least I have that attitude now. And I wouldn't have to feel bad about quitting for school.
So where does that leave me? At the moment I'm not sure. I'm currently working a job I don't like (I have to start again tonight at 6). The money would be great, and it's not a hard job- but it depresses me because the attitude of the management. The negative energy is so great that it almost makes the job unbearable to the point where I find it a challenge to motivate myself just to head to work. That coupled with the split shift would make this a very depressing (although profitable) summer. This other job is not 100% gauranteed, but seems like it almost is. The hours are much better, and the job seems much more pleasant. Best thing is, its only for 5 weeks- so if I hate it, it's not the end of the world. Of course, the money is pretty bad- but, hey it's better than nothing right?
This is currently a pretty delicate situation. I'm not 100% certain if I got this other job.... she seemed like she would give it to me (talking about SINs, and "blank cheques"), but said she would call me early next week- and that I should be available for training next Wednesday. Do I quit Amelio's now, Assuming I already got this other job (although I almost feel like my life would be better if I didn't work anyway....)? Should I wait until next week, in which case, I would be giving them virtually no notice- which is not the end of the world (not like I'll have them as a reference anyway), but is kinda bad form, and I would feel bad for them? I don't know the answers to these questions- I guess I'll see how it goes tonight, and if it's absolutely horrible, I'll do it tonight. Or- I could just wait one more day, maybe get 1 day in of waiting tables, and then do it.
That's where I stand now.... sorry for all these updates, I really wish my summer was more interesting. But I can say that I've learned something really important about all of this. One thing that's REALLY important for me is that people RESPECT me. I simply can't function without any respect- that's why I quit Subway after 1 day (back in 2006), and I could add a lot of things to this list. It only goes to emphasise something for me. WIth respect to the working world, the easiest way to get respect is through education- which is why I'm at McGill. Bachelor's is good- Master's is better. So.... I can'T wait for my future. :0)
On paper, it's a great job. Especially when I compare it to the old Shrimp King. It's a higher quality restaurant. It's much more money ($7,75 + tips vs $2 + tips). It's actually less work- the restaurant is much smaller, all the salads are pre-made by the kitchen staff, etc. The other wait staff is pretty nice. So I should be loving it, right?
Well- there are a few key reasons why I don't. The first reason is the dreaded split shifts- Shrimp King never did stuff like that. So they have me come in at, say, 11, leave at 2, come back in at 6, and leave at 9. So you only get paid for 6 hours, but since there'S not much you can do between 2 and 6, its like you're working 10.
The biggest thing I don't like about this place is the attitude of the restaurant's managers. They treat the waitstaff like they're not human- and that's something I can't really deal with. I'll give you some examples of their rude, borderline psychotic behaviour. So, yesterday I was due to start at 11:30. I got in at 11:25, and they yelled at me for being late, since their clock is set 10 minutes ahead. (The upside to this is that we get to leave early....). Second example: they've been having me bus tables yesterday and today (which is fine since I'm still in training...), but last night they told me I could only bus one waiter'S tables. So they get mad at me for not keeping busy enough, but I'm not alowed to help the rest of the wait staff. Hmmm..... and then today, one of the waiters, for one minute, was starting to make small talk with me, since it was slow and there really wasn't much to do. Then the guy starts yelling at us: "You're not paid for small talk! You won't last here long, you better smarten up!" (It may be noteworthy that the managers are monolingual English). The other wait staff say I should just take it with a grain of salt, and they don't seem to mind it as much. Then again, the people who've been training me have only been working there for 2 months, which apparantly is "long" for Amelio's. If I were 15, like I was when I started at Shrimp King, then I wouldn't mind it as much. But I'm 21 now and I have a lot more respect for myself- I'm 3/4 into a Bachelor's degree, I have a lot more work experience, and I've seen a lot more of the world. I also no longer have any desire to work in the restauration industry.
Yesterday, between my two shifts (or two half-shifts?), I recieved a call-back from some place I must've applied to weeks ago. I was told I had an interview today. The job is at a call center, doing phone surveys. I think the interview today actually went really well and I feel like there'S a real change I got the job, whose training would start next Wednesday. The job pays substantially less ($9/hr) and I don't exactly LOVE call centre work, BUT: a) the ppl there seem much more cordial and respectful, b) the job is only in English, c) the hours are much better (9-5 for 5 weeks), d) I don't have to do mindless menial tasks. I almost feel like I might enjoy doing surveys- at least I have that attitude now. And I wouldn't have to feel bad about quitting for school.
So where does that leave me? At the moment I'm not sure. I'm currently working a job I don't like (I have to start again tonight at 6). The money would be great, and it's not a hard job- but it depresses me because the attitude of the management. The negative energy is so great that it almost makes the job unbearable to the point where I find it a challenge to motivate myself just to head to work. That coupled with the split shift would make this a very depressing (although profitable) summer. This other job is not 100% gauranteed, but seems like it almost is. The hours are much better, and the job seems much more pleasant. Best thing is, its only for 5 weeks- so if I hate it, it's not the end of the world. Of course, the money is pretty bad- but, hey it's better than nothing right?
This is currently a pretty delicate situation. I'm not 100% certain if I got this other job.... she seemed like she would give it to me (talking about SINs, and "blank cheques"), but said she would call me early next week- and that I should be available for training next Wednesday. Do I quit Amelio's now, Assuming I already got this other job (although I almost feel like my life would be better if I didn't work anyway....)? Should I wait until next week, in which case, I would be giving them virtually no notice- which is not the end of the world (not like I'll have them as a reference anyway), but is kinda bad form, and I would feel bad for them? I don't know the answers to these questions- I guess I'll see how it goes tonight, and if it's absolutely horrible, I'll do it tonight. Or- I could just wait one more day, maybe get 1 day in of waiting tables, and then do it.
That's where I stand now.... sorry for all these updates, I really wish my summer was more interesting. But I can say that I've learned something really important about all of this. One thing that's REALLY important for me is that people RESPECT me. I simply can't function without any respect- that's why I quit Subway after 1 day (back in 2006), and I could add a lot of things to this list. It only goes to emphasise something for me. WIth respect to the working world, the easiest way to get respect is through education- which is why I'm at McGill. Bachelor's is good- Master's is better. So.... I can'T wait for my future. :0)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Summer plans (part 3)
Actually, hours after I made my last post, I got a call back from the restaurant Amelio's. I have sorta mixed feelings about that. I never really wanted to apply to the restaurant, but Nithum and Sulin kinda convinced me to. And I sorta have an uneasy feeling about this place.
Anyway, the guy told me that I would be starting out on Tuesday (ie, tomorrow). Great, right? A few things. He didn't mention money and I forgot to ask, so I don'T actually know how much the job pays. If it's min wage (which for waiters is $7,75) that would be more than fine... but what if its like $2 or less.... it's really not much of a stretch since the people at Shrimp King only paid $2/hr, and I've heard stories of sketchy restaurant owners in MOntreal. The other problem is that he's starting me on a split shift, which if you don't know is like (for example) 11-3, then 6-10 (or something similar). If that's just one day, or even just once a week, it might not be so bad- but for every day?? Eeesh... talk about having no summer- but at least the money might be good?
As for the job itself... while it doesn't exactly inspire me, and is definitely not what I was hoping for (I wouldve preferred like data entry or something), I have waited tables before, and I already know the ups and downs. Even at the sleepy old shrimp king, I averaged $12/hr in cash (of which $10 was tips) and that's at a restaraunt where complete meals started at $6,95 and the doors closed at 9pm (or 10 on Fri/Sat). But Shrimp King was a small town, family, neighbourhood type restaurant, and this place is.... well, I guess we'll just have to see.
So to sum up my ramblings, if they pay min wage, and will ease up on the split shifts, I'll have no problem working there for the rest of the summer... if I really like it, maybe I'll work during the school year (like I did back in hs)... and it will definitely help my money problems. If it falls through, I have one last job prospect (with a Montreal-based subsidiary of my grandfather's company: NAI- a commercial real estate company).
If that should also fail, I will accept my fate..... I decided that it really wouldn't be the end of the world. After all, I'm not starving, and there's definitely room to cut things out in my budget. Also, my dad just decided for the first time ever to start sending me money.... which, to clarify, is actually from my stepmother (loooong story- and I really shouldn't get into it). My backup plan is still to chill for the rest of June (probably go back to NJ), take a course in July, and spend maybe 1-2 weeks volunteering in Louisiana. Actually, I think I might try to do that either way. It's a part of the US I've never seen before and one that, for some inexplicable reason, seems abundantly more interesting than the rest of the country.
So that's where I stand now- I'll prob try to update on Wednesday when I know more re: the restaurant. It'S funny.... doing these updates on my life reminds me of when I used to blog last summer.... which was sooo much more interesting than this summer. But I guess I have the rest of my life to do interesting things... I just gotta get through uni first.
Anyway, the guy told me that I would be starting out on Tuesday (ie, tomorrow). Great, right? A few things. He didn't mention money and I forgot to ask, so I don'T actually know how much the job pays. If it's min wage (which for waiters is $7,75) that would be more than fine... but what if its like $2 or less.... it's really not much of a stretch since the people at Shrimp King only paid $2/hr, and I've heard stories of sketchy restaurant owners in MOntreal. The other problem is that he's starting me on a split shift, which if you don't know is like (for example) 11-3, then 6-10 (or something similar). If that's just one day, or even just once a week, it might not be so bad- but for every day?? Eeesh... talk about having no summer- but at least the money might be good?
As for the job itself... while it doesn't exactly inspire me, and is definitely not what I was hoping for (I wouldve preferred like data entry or something), I have waited tables before, and I already know the ups and downs. Even at the sleepy old shrimp king, I averaged $12/hr in cash (of which $10 was tips) and that's at a restaraunt where complete meals started at $6,95 and the doors closed at 9pm (or 10 on Fri/Sat). But Shrimp King was a small town, family, neighbourhood type restaurant, and this place is.... well, I guess we'll just have to see.
So to sum up my ramblings, if they pay min wage, and will ease up on the split shifts, I'll have no problem working there for the rest of the summer... if I really like it, maybe I'll work during the school year (like I did back in hs)... and it will definitely help my money problems. If it falls through, I have one last job prospect (with a Montreal-based subsidiary of my grandfather's company: NAI- a commercial real estate company).
If that should also fail, I will accept my fate..... I decided that it really wouldn't be the end of the world. After all, I'm not starving, and there's definitely room to cut things out in my budget. Also, my dad just decided for the first time ever to start sending me money.... which, to clarify, is actually from my stepmother (loooong story- and I really shouldn't get into it). My backup plan is still to chill for the rest of June (probably go back to NJ), take a course in July, and spend maybe 1-2 weeks volunteering in Louisiana. Actually, I think I might try to do that either way. It's a part of the US I've never seen before and one that, for some inexplicable reason, seems abundantly more interesting than the rest of the country.
So that's where I stand now- I'll prob try to update on Wednesday when I know more re: the restaurant. It'S funny.... doing these updates on my life reminds me of when I used to blog last summer.... which was sooo much more interesting than this summer. But I guess I have the rest of my life to do interesting things... I just gotta get through uni first.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Summer Plans (part 2)
So, it's 11 June, and I have not yet found a job. This is true despite my best efforts. Just for fun, I thought I'd list the jobs I've applied for for this summer (at least those I've archived/that I can remember):
1. Teaching English at a Chinese school - had interview in April, haven't heard back since May
2. Research Assistant for my Supervisor - he didn't get approved for funding
3. Data Entry Payroll
4. Another Data Entry job
5. Shipping-Recieving Clerk - I was called in May, but didn't show to the interview because it was too far, and I thought I would get another job (silly me!)
6. English Tutor x 2
8. Game testing (that woulda been fun!)
9. Guest Service Agent @ McGill Rez
10. Guide @ St. Michael's Church
11. "Intervenant en employabilité d'été"
12. Interviewer (surveys, etc.)
13. Junior Administrative Assistant
14. Mover - McGill Childcare Centre
15. Summer Activities Coordinator - I was e-mailed by them, but not since last week
16. Another Research Assistant position
17. Lingo Canada - I was called back, interview never was scheduled (mostly only had fall work)
18. Food services @ Bell Centre
19. Assistant Cook at Dude Ranch- the guy told me to try out for next year (this is the one in Wyoming)
20. Photocopier Job @ McGill Library -no summer work available, but seems likely that i could work part time during school year
21. Downtown Delivery Person - Had interview last week
22. Carpet Cleaning helper
23. Summer Camp Counselor with South Asian Womens Community - had interview last night, but I was told I was "unfit" for the job
24. Ultimate Frisbee Coordinator
25. Breakfest cook
26. Work with an NGO called CCR - dont remember exactly what they were, but something to do with cultural communities
27. Assistant cook - hotel de la montagne
28. Car washer - I think I was called back about this job, but the conversation was half in French and half in English, and was kidna confusing
29. Another car washer job
30. La Ronde - generic
31. Old Montreal - generic
32. Some job at le Saint Sulpice ( I don't even remember anymore)
33. Another NGO called CHRF
34. yet another NGO
35. Bingo Announcer - I was called back for this, but no interview scheduled
36. Waiter @ Amelio's Restaurant - Nithum and Sulin convinced me to apply for this one
This is all that I can remember... I guess I still haven't beat my 2006 mark of 51, but I'm quickly losing time and motivation.
My plan is to keep on trucking for just a few more days, then if nothing hits, go back to NJ for 1-2 weeks in late June/early July, take a course for July, then volunteer somewhere for August... I'm thinking of helping out the Katrina relief effort in Louisiana.
That's where I stand- I shall keep you all updated!
1. Teaching English at a Chinese school - had interview in April, haven't heard back since May
2. Research Assistant for my Supervisor - he didn't get approved for funding
3. Data Entry Payroll
4. Another Data Entry job
5. Shipping-Recieving Clerk - I was called in May, but didn't show to the interview because it was too far, and I thought I would get another job (silly me!)
6. English Tutor x 2
8. Game testing (that woulda been fun!)
9. Guest Service Agent @ McGill Rez
10. Guide @ St. Michael's Church
11. "Intervenant en employabilité d'été"
12. Interviewer (surveys, etc.)
13. Junior Administrative Assistant
14. Mover - McGill Childcare Centre
15. Summer Activities Coordinator - I was e-mailed by them, but not since last week
16. Another Research Assistant position
17. Lingo Canada - I was called back, interview never was scheduled (mostly only had fall work)
18. Food services @ Bell Centre
19. Assistant Cook at Dude Ranch- the guy told me to try out for next year (this is the one in Wyoming)
20. Photocopier Job @ McGill Library -no summer work available, but seems likely that i could work part time during school year
21. Downtown Delivery Person - Had interview last week
22. Carpet Cleaning helper
23. Summer Camp Counselor with South Asian Womens Community - had interview last night, but I was told I was "unfit" for the job
24. Ultimate Frisbee Coordinator
25. Breakfest cook
26. Work with an NGO called CCR - dont remember exactly what they were, but something to do with cultural communities
27. Assistant cook - hotel de la montagne
28. Car washer - I think I was called back about this job, but the conversation was half in French and half in English, and was kidna confusing
29. Another car washer job
30. La Ronde - generic
31. Old Montreal - generic
32. Some job at le Saint Sulpice ( I don't even remember anymore)
33. Another NGO called CHRF
34. yet another NGO
35. Bingo Announcer - I was called back for this, but no interview scheduled
36. Waiter @ Amelio's Restaurant - Nithum and Sulin convinced me to apply for this one
This is all that I can remember... I guess I still haven't beat my 2006 mark of 51, but I'm quickly losing time and motivation.
My plan is to keep on trucking for just a few more days, then if nothing hits, go back to NJ for 1-2 weeks in late June/early July, take a course for July, then volunteer somewhere for August... I'm thinking of helping out the Katrina relief effort in Louisiana.
That's where I stand- I shall keep you all updated!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
My Summer plans (My first original post on my new blog!)
So earlier today (or yesterday if you will) I moved over, and added to my entry about my "future" and it occured to me...
Before trying to figure out my postgraduation future, maybe I should figure out this summer... since it's already June 6! This is just my personal rant- if it doesn't interest you, then read no more.
I was really hoping this summer would be smooth and simple- I wanted to avoid the easter egg hunt type job search I did back in 2006. On paper it seemed like it would be better.... with more experience than in 2006, I have a much better (and better-formatted) CV, and I already had job prospects lined up by April.
Unfortunately, things fell through. I was assured I would have success with work-study, and with the temp agency- but neither one worked out. As of today, I don't have a job, and I don't have any amazing prospects either. With already less then 3 months of summer left, the prospect of actually not finding a job is slowly becomming more and more possible. So, what, then, is my backup plan?
Well of course I will continue to apply for as many jobs as I see fit. Mind you, I am not willing to degrade myself to do the Tim Horton's thing- I feel like that would be even more depressing than not working at all. The laws of probability would say that if I apply to enough jobs- be it 30, 50, 100, or more, one of them will bite. In fact, I've already had interviews- I had one today. Unfortunately, the laws of probability don't always hold out in real life.
So, I've decided that I will give myself until the end of June to find a job. I have a few reasons to stay in Montreal at least until then. Firstly, I still have friends around... just the past week- I've never been bored, and I've actually had quite a lot of fun. Secondly, late june/early July is when all the festivals and Montreal awesomeness is in full swing- and I don't really want to miss it, since I don't know when the next time I'll be able to summer in Montreal is. Thirdly, my parents (actually my mom and stepfather) have already booked a week here for mid-July, so I have to stay until then.
So what happens if I have no job by the end of June? There is a decent-looking anthropology class being offered for the month of July. Taking it will satisfy the one 200 or 300 level course I still need to take (its a 200 level), which means that I will be able to (and actually will have to) take a lighter course load during the Fall or Winter semester- which actually seems quite appealing to me. Also, taking a course in July will keep me in the "school mode" for September, and I won't have all the post-summer rust I usually have.
So then what to do with August? Well- I could just as well go back to NJ for a bit- it might be nice to spend time with the family and catch up with old friends from high school. The class wouldn't actually end until a week into August, so it's not like I would have thattt much time to kill. If I'm ambitious enough, maybe i could find somewhere to volunteer in the US- or I could even work a few weeks at the old restaurant.
The only problem with this possibility is the inevitable lack of finances. I'm not going to starve during the school year- I have parents and grandparents who won't let that happen. Unfortunately, not having income kinda hinders some of my grandiose plans- such as going back to Mae Sot after I graduate. But there are ways around this.
First of all, I have a part-time job opportunity during the school year that has pretty much been offered to me if I want it. Taking a reduced course load will definitely make the job more smooth. Admittedly, the money I would make from this job (only 5 hrs a week- which is fine) doesn't compare to what I would make from a proper summer job- but its better than nothing. There's also other potential sources of money for going to BHSOH- I could ask various friends and family for good-will contrabutiions or personal loans, I could try to raise money at my church (other people have done it...), I could even *gasp* sell some or all of my coin collection... I don't particularly want to, but if its spent doing something amazing, then it would be worth it. This is all assuming that I will go back to Mae Sot, which is definitely not certain, given my last entry.
Of course, I could wind up with a job offer tomorrow- which would make this whole entry seem kinda silly. But for now, I have to prepare myself for the possibility of not actually finding a job.
Before trying to figure out my postgraduation future, maybe I should figure out this summer... since it's already June 6! This is just my personal rant- if it doesn't interest you, then read no more.
I was really hoping this summer would be smooth and simple- I wanted to avoid the easter egg hunt type job search I did back in 2006. On paper it seemed like it would be better.... with more experience than in 2006, I have a much better (and better-formatted) CV, and I already had job prospects lined up by April.
Unfortunately, things fell through. I was assured I would have success with work-study, and with the temp agency- but neither one worked out. As of today, I don't have a job, and I don't have any amazing prospects either. With already less then 3 months of summer left, the prospect of actually not finding a job is slowly becomming more and more possible. So, what, then, is my backup plan?
Well of course I will continue to apply for as many jobs as I see fit. Mind you, I am not willing to degrade myself to do the Tim Horton's thing- I feel like that would be even more depressing than not working at all. The laws of probability would say that if I apply to enough jobs- be it 30, 50, 100, or more, one of them will bite. In fact, I've already had interviews- I had one today. Unfortunately, the laws of probability don't always hold out in real life.
So, I've decided that I will give myself until the end of June to find a job. I have a few reasons to stay in Montreal at least until then. Firstly, I still have friends around... just the past week- I've never been bored, and I've actually had quite a lot of fun. Secondly, late june/early July is when all the festivals and Montreal awesomeness is in full swing- and I don't really want to miss it, since I don't know when the next time I'll be able to summer in Montreal is. Thirdly, my parents (actually my mom and stepfather) have already booked a week here for mid-July, so I have to stay until then.
So what happens if I have no job by the end of June? There is a decent-looking anthropology class being offered for the month of July. Taking it will satisfy the one 200 or 300 level course I still need to take (its a 200 level), which means that I will be able to (and actually will have to) take a lighter course load during the Fall or Winter semester- which actually seems quite appealing to me. Also, taking a course in July will keep me in the "school mode" for September, and I won't have all the post-summer rust I usually have.
So then what to do with August? Well- I could just as well go back to NJ for a bit- it might be nice to spend time with the family and catch up with old friends from high school. The class wouldn't actually end until a week into August, so it's not like I would have thattt much time to kill. If I'm ambitious enough, maybe i could find somewhere to volunteer in the US- or I could even work a few weeks at the old restaurant.
The only problem with this possibility is the inevitable lack of finances. I'm not going to starve during the school year- I have parents and grandparents who won't let that happen. Unfortunately, not having income kinda hinders some of my grandiose plans- such as going back to Mae Sot after I graduate. But there are ways around this.
First of all, I have a part-time job opportunity during the school year that has pretty much been offered to me if I want it. Taking a reduced course load will definitely make the job more smooth. Admittedly, the money I would make from this job (only 5 hrs a week- which is fine) doesn't compare to what I would make from a proper summer job- but its better than nothing. There's also other potential sources of money for going to BHSOH- I could ask various friends and family for good-will contrabutiions or personal loans, I could try to raise money at my church (other people have done it...), I could even *gasp* sell some or all of my coin collection... I don't particularly want to, but if its spent doing something amazing, then it would be worth it. This is all assuming that I will go back to Mae Sot, which is definitely not certain, given my last entry.
Of course, I could wind up with a job offer tomorrow- which would make this whole entry seem kinda silly. But for now, I have to prepare myself for the possibility of not actually finding a job.
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