I know-there's a picture of Wal*Mart on my blog. And I put it there. What is happening to the world, you may ask? Well, I think it's come to this. I think I'm going to get a job at Wal*Mart. What on earth could possibly motivate me to work at Wal*Mart, you also may ask? Well, it comes down to two things: a) I am really hankering for a self-esteem boost, and b) I have a healthy, and justified fear of homelessness.
In other words, finances are beyond tight. We have various extraneous strains on our budget, in addition to our already strained lifestyle. Unless I find work somewhere, I'm not quite sure what we'll do. Timm already has 2 jobs and goes to school full-time, and in the fall he's going to be taking 20 credits. That's right- 20. You have to get special permission to take that many. Why?Because it's insane! It's suicide! If he doesn't take that many it'll push his graduation date back a year.
So why the drastic leap to Wal*Mart? Well, there are several reasons, which I will list for you here:
- I can only work nights since we don't have any child-care, and even if we did I wouldn't want to leave Bella in someone else's care. Wal*Mart is flexible.
- Since I'm going to be working night shifts, I consider my time very valuable. Wal*Mart is willing to compensate me adequately for that precious time. (They pay pretty well for retail.)
- I am over-qualified. Seriously. Need I say more?
- I already told you, I'd like the boost in my self-esteem.
I used to be a pretty big 'job snob.' If it weren't for my love of my family, running water, electricity, and other "luxuries", I would never consider this drastic concept. I enjoyed working as a veterinary technician for about 5 years, and loved that I had a specialized skill, training, and knowledge. I felt like what I did was important, out of the ordinary, and close to my heart. Then I was a manager at Petco. It was still retail, but in any industry that I love and know a lot about. I also love being in charge. (I have control issues.) Then I worked at a scrapbooking company where yes, I was sometimes an office lackey and scapegoat for customer's frustrations, but I also got paid to design scrapbook kits. If And now, the next frontier... Wal*Mart.
Unless you have any other suggestions...
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12 comments:
Hey--maybe you can get a discount on your toothpaste! Seriously, I feel your pain and admire your willingness to do whatever it takes to make ends meet. Sometimes, as I'm learning, that does in fact require swallowing your pride. (Will you have to wear the blue vest even you work graveyard--just wondering....).
This is a drastic step, but you sound rather optimistic about it. I wish you the best of luck and can't wait to hear the tales. Are you sure they hire people like you though? You don't really fit their mold at all. Hannah didn't either, so I guess they get lucky every now and again.
Good luck Jessie - working retail, ah the joys. And I am with Jill, you do sound optimistic, which helps so much.
BTW, great usage of the term "office lackey." Love it. (:
You do sound way optomistic about this, so that is a start I suppose. Being way overqualified has its advantages though- I mean who wants a challenging job when you are working graveyards? AND you usually can listen to music, which is a plus if you get a book on cd or something. I feel your pain more than you know and will keep looking for alternatives for you!
I'm impressed that you're willing to do what it takes. Being a working mom is always hard, but hopefully this will be a short-term solution. I'll let you know if I come up with any better ideas...
I agree with Jill you sound really optimistic and sometimes you have to "take one for the team". I'm sorry you have to find a job, but hopefully it will be short term and y'all will be more financially sound. I wish I had a better suggestion for you, but really it could be a lot worse. Good luck
I don't think it sounds too bad. I have also looked into things like this in the past (the graveyard idea). Kohl's has a graveyard shift too that I thought about once. As an employee do you still get 10% off of your purchases? That would be helpful. (I had a friend that worked there and said it was great for diapers and gen. house stuff that you have to buy but that was before they had groceries...which would be even better)
Anyway good luck, I don't think it is swallowing your pride to try to find the best choice for your family and especially Bella...I think you should feel good about that....
I also admire your willingness to step out of your comfort zone to support your family. I know that I have a new love and appreciation for my Dad since he picked up another job to help our family.
I'm interested to hear stories about the graveyard Wal*Mart clientel. (sp?)
Way to go Jessie. I always say that Wal-mart is the store that everyone complains about and says is ruining America, yet everyone shops there! I worked at K-mart in high school (I wore a red vest) and I really liked it. I say if you've researched other companies and Walmart is the most flexible with the best pay...then go for it!
You might check out your local hospitals too. My VT companion works night shift in a hospital lab and they just trained her on the job. Just a thought. Good luck!
I repeat everyone elses sentiments. I am glad you're optimistic. I really admire your willingness to help your family. I don't know how mom's do it (the graveyard shift) and take care of the kids during the day. Let me know if I can help you at all. if you ever need a nap during the day, I'll be happy to watch Bella.
I too will keep my ears open for other options. Did you decide not to apply where Rachelle works?
I admire your willingness to go to work at Wal Mart to help your family. It probably won't be as bad as you're thinking it will be. I worked at Wal Mart in college for a few months, and really didn't mind. Even if you did (mind, that is) you'll still feel good about having a little extra money in your checking account, the fact that you can do it with minimal impact to Bella, and that you're helping your husband in such a giving way! Way to go. It's just too bad that Target doesn't stay open later. . .
I admire anyone who's willing to take a mundane job to keep the family finances afloat. I greatly admire my dad for taking a second job, even though it requires him to work many nights and spend less time with the family, but all the same I feel it a blessing for our family. It's also important to remember that the extra job isn't permanent. That's always a reassuring truth!
Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed and I know you will be blessed. You can do it! Plus think of the interesting stories you can bring to family get togethers!
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