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Hi folks! I wanted to give you an update on the new job.

I'm always reminded of a saying my mother would use whenever I realize that not everything I anticipated as being "gold", ends up being so.

Such as the new job I was so very excited about prior to actually starting the job. 

I initially thought the position was one thing, but it ended up being many, many other things. Part of that I take responsibility for because I should have been more probing during my two interviews. Usually in this type of industry when you're being interviewed for a position, companies are very direct and clear about the job details and what they expect of you. My two interviews, however, were a series of questions that sounded almost homogenized. Nothing went very deep. But I thought, "Hey...if that's how they want to conduct this interview, so be it." Still, I should have asked more questions because I felt like they were leaving something out. 

Here are a few things I quickly discovered about the position, once I started:

The job itself and my daily sales goals:

I thought that I would primarily be spending my time training the store staff on all the products and the proper way to use them; assisting and educating customers; and of course, selling. But I was not given an hourly goal that was expected of me until only a few days before I started working in a store. And let me tell you, it's a HIGH hourly goal, considering our economy at the moment and how people are watching their pennies. 

The phone app:

I was also required to download a phone app onto my cell phone, which was not unusual because most companies do that now as a means of checking your work schedule and clocking in and out each day; checking your pay stubs; and using it as a way of communicating with the company. Phone apps are very common. I actually like them for work-related things because it's like having everything you need in one place. 

HOWEVER....

....this company is constantly, and I mean constantly sending notices all day long about requirements, new trainings, new rules, and schedule changes. For instance, one day several weeks ago while I was working, I got multiple notifications that my schedule had changed. And not only did it change, but it changed THREE times in one day. I went from originally being told I'd be working a 4-hour shift, to an 8-hour shift, and then back to a 4-hour shift without asking me if I was available to do that. They also had me scheduled one night until 7PM, not even knowing that the store closed at 6PM. And on a different day, I was notified there would be a new product training class via Zoom that I was required to attend, yet the training was scheduled on my day off. 

Inventory:

Additionally, the job requires that you send in an inventory count and a list of low-stock items from each retailer you work. And you are required to do this every day, even if you work two consecutive days in a row at the same retailer, which makes no sense to me because how much can inventory change in two days? You are also required to have conversations with the store managers about why the stock is low and what are they doing about it. I'm sorry, but something like inventory should be part of an Account Executive or Account Coordinator position, not a position like mine who is hired as a trainer/educator/promoter. My job should consist of being out on the sales floor, training the employees, creating excitement about the products, and assisting customers to build the business.

Epilogue -

This job seems to be one in which the company wants you to be available for whatever and whenever.  

I'm a good worker. In fact, I give 150% of myself when I work. I'm dependable, reliable, and consistent. 

However, I'm at a point in my work life (and my life overall) where I don't have a problem speaking up if something becomes more stressful than enjoyable. You see, that's one of the most liberating things about aging, you no longer have any reservations about coming out and saying, "No...this is not what I signed on for."

So, that's what I did. 

And guess what?

I already have another part-time job lined up. 

-------------------------

I'd like to conclude this post with some selfies I took earlier this week when I was outside, sitting in a park and feeding the squirrels.

I suddenly got the idea of rotating my cell phone camera lens towards me and making crazy faces.

And I'm sure anyone walking by thought I had escaped from the nearest mental institution.

Selfies by Ron -

This is the face I make whenever anyone asks me if I like cilantro...


I love how the tree branches behind me appear as though I have antlers coming out of my head. And I didn't even notice that until I uploaded the photos to my computer...


This is how I look whenever I see one of those horrifyingly HUGE black, flying roaches/water bugs in my bathroom during the hot, humid summer months...


This expression looks like I'm constipated and haven't had a bowel movement in over a week...


My face looks like I'm on a rollercoaster ride and getting ready to drop down the first steep slope...


This one looks as though I'm about to say, "You're nothing but a son-of-a-bitch!"...


My expression in this photo resembles the demented and scary character of Norma Desmond in the final scene of the film noir, Sunset Boulevard ...


..."Mr. DeMille, I'm Ready for My Close-Up"...

 
And this final selfie is exactly how I looked when that company changed my work schedule THREE times in one day...


Have a STUNNING weekend, everyone! 💗

24 comments:

  1. Ron, I'm sorry the position wasn't what you thought it was but I'm finding that to be the case with so many companies over the years. Jobs are no longer a specific job. Everything seems to be blurred together under one position with no division. I've experienced that myself when applying for jobs. I am so happy to hear that you already found another job. That's GREAT! And good for you for saying no, that's not what you signed on for.

    Your selfie photos are hilarious! Love the constipated one. LOL! You have such an expressive face, Ron.

    Thank you for the update. xo

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  2. Wow Ron, it's a blessing you got out of there before you got anymore involved. The company sounds like it has no structure and unorganized. I'm curious, were you already scheduled on that day for a 4 hour shift? How can they change your schedule without consulting with you first? That's not even legit.

    My company uses an app as well. I've used some that worked better than others, but the one my company uses is great because it's got everything that's needed and it's simple. Some of them are so confusing.

    I'm very glad to read that you already got another job. You GO! And your photos are so damn funny. My two faves are the rollercoaster expression, and your reference to Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Such a brilliant film!

    Enjoy your weekend!

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  3. Hey there, Daniel!

    I agree, it's a blessing because I could just feel something was not right about how this company operated.

    "I'm curious, were you already scheduled on that day for a 4 hour shift? "


    YES!!!! And that's the thing, I had already been scheduled (from the week before) to work a 4-hour shift. So when I got the notification on the app, I'm like, "WTF?!?!?" The company seems to presume that they can change your schedule and you'll just do it. NOT!

    The app they use is good. Like you said, it has everything that's needed and I found it simple to use.

    Thanks! I was able to get another job within a week.

    Don't you just LOVE "Sunset Boulevard?" I own it on DVD and will watch it a few times a year. It's truly a CLASSIC!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Have a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  4. Good morning, Candice!

    Yes, I SOOOOOOOOO agree with you about how companies have changed over the years when it comes to "job descriptions" and having no division of responsibilities.

    Me too. I was able to find another PT job within a week. I start next week.

    Thanks! I had so much fun with those selfies. I really didn't have any specific idea about the faces I wanted to make, I just did them and then captioned them to match my facial expressions.

    Always nice to see your comments, Candice. Thanks for stopping by and have a terrific weekend. I can't believe it's already Friday?!

    X

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  5. I am not surprised at all about the position you were hired for...it seems these days working on a job of one task assigned, you end up being a jack of all trades. Which is ridiculous not to mention stressful...changing hours in the middle of your shift is unheard of. Crazy times.

    Your selfies are great...hilarious. The bowel movement made me choke. Good thing there wasn't any steam behind you and your antlers or it would be just TOO real. Absolutely comical (and captions outstanding).

    Hope the job lined up this time around is more to your liking.

    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  6. Oh NO!!! I think they should've asked you if you wanted to be a dog on a leash, dragged around from pillar to post at somebody else's whim before they hired you. What a loosely-jointed, crazy system, thinking anybody in their right mind would be so desperate to work anywhere that they'd accept their schedule being changed three times in one day!


    That said, I'm glad you had the courage to stand up for yourself and get outta there! We spend enough of our lives working; there's no sense in making us crazy with stress along the way. Good for you, finding a new job already! I hope this one works out better for you.


    Your selfies are a hoot. Antlers coming out of your head, indeed! Have a happy weekend, my friend! xx

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  7. Ron, out of all the things you listed about the job, I can't get past the fact that they changed your schedule THREE times without even discussing it with you. It sounds like this company expects their employees to be "on-call" 24/7. Glad you chose to speak up and say goodbye. I can't help but wonder how many other people did the same.

    Your photos cracked me (and my girlfriend) up. We both read your post the morning and laughed our asses off. What a great face! You oughta be in the movies, dude. COMEDIES!

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  8. "......it seems these days working on a job of one task assigned, you end up being a jack of all trades. "

    A-MEN, Anni! You got that right! It brings new meaning to the word, "multitasking" LOL!

    When I saw the notice about my schedule changing THREE times, I was truly confused that they would do that without even knowing if I'd be available. I think that's the thing that made me realize that the job was not going to work out for me.

    "Good thing there wasn't any steam behind you and your antlers or it would be just TOO real."

    HA! You're right!!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Anni! Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  9. " I think they should've asked you if you wanted to be a dog on a leash, dragged around from pillar to post at somebody else's whim before they hired you."

    OMG Debbie, that was brilliant! And sooooooooooooooo TRUE!

    "What a loosely-jointed, crazy system, thinking anybody in their right mind would be so desperate to work anywhere that they'd accept their schedule being changed three times in one day!"

    I know. And yet, they just seemed to casually believe that I would change my schedule to whatever they wanted me to. I think that's the thing that finally woke me up and said, "Adios!"

    "We spend enough of our lives working; there's no sense in making us crazy with stress along the way."


    I agree. I realized that no job is going to be perfect and without some kind of tension, now and then. But I could read the handwriting on the wall with this company.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an AWESOME weekend!

    X to you and Monkey!

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  10. Hiya Matt!

    Me neither. And THAT'S the thing that made me realize that I could never work that way, so I decided to let them know how I felt. Like you said, they assume that people will be on-call 24/7. I too thought the same thing about previous employees. I should probably see if I can find reviews online.

    HA! I had so much fun taking those pics. Crazy, aren't I?

    Have a most excellent weekend, Matt. And thanks a bunch for stopping by!

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  11. Ron, you are out of control with the selfies!!! But dear lord it sounds like you needed some comic relief after that job! Everyone I know that’s started a new job in the past five years says the same thing . . The job was NOT the one they signed up for. Even when Middle Child was looking for work at preschools, she’d apply to part-time positions and then in the interview find out it was for full-time! Why do they want to waste their own time interviewing people who can’t work full-time? Made no sense!

    I think places are so desperate for workers that they will say anything in an interview. And then when you get the job, it turns out to be multiple positions because they just don’t have the staff. You wonder how places stay in business. I hope the new job is better! Enjoy your weekend! XO

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  12. HA! I know, didn't I get so out of control with these selfies? I couldn't help myself though, you're right...I needed some comic relief after that job. Plus, I had been drinking a black coffee prior to taking the photos, so I had a major BUZZ going on!

    "Everyone I know that’s started a new job in the past five years says the same thing . . The job was NOT the one they signed up for."


    I think you're right about that because I too have heard people say the same thing. And like you said, why waste their time and the interviewees' time if they know that someone can only work PT instead of FT?!?! And you're also right about places desperate for workers that they will say anything during the interview, in the hopes that they find someone. I also think companies are now streamlining their staff by not hiring as many people, but then making those people do the jobs of 2-3 people. I don't how it is where you live, but so many businesses have closed down in the city. Every time I walk down the street, I see more and more Out of Business signs. Sad.

    This new job is actually a rehire from a company I worked for many years ago. It just so happens that one day as I was shopping there, the manager just came right out and asked me if I'd be interested in working there again. The timing was perfect, so I said YES! And I'll only be PT this time instead of FT. And the hourly salary is really good.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!
    X

    P.S. The weather has been crazy here. One day it's in the high 60's (like yesterday), and then the next day (today) it's in the low 30's with gusty winds. Strange weather, hu?

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  13. The selfies are great Ron, the job not so much. Sorry it didn't work out, but so glad you spoke your mind and got out of there. Your experience sounded similar to mine, hired for one thing and then the job turns out to be something completely different - and they just seem to think they own you! It's crazy but doesn't surprise me these days. So glad you already have something else lined up. Let's hope this one works out better for you. Have a fantabulous weekend!

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  14. Ron, I am so disappointed that this job didn't work out for you because when you shared about it weeks ago, I thought for sure it was going to be idea because you seemed so perfect for it. Oh well, at least you tried it. Boy, does that company sound like they need HELP in being more transparent about jobs when I hire people for. You're right, they're a company who wants the employees to do whatever and whenever. Knowing you for so many years and your work ethics, they were the ones who lost.

    Okay, I got to say that you photos are freaking hysterical!!!! I can so see why you were an actor. You're face is so expressive. I just about spewed my morning coffee this morning while at work and reading this post when I read "This expression looks like I'm constipated and haven't had a bowel movement in over a week." LOL!!!!!

    Ecstatic to read that you landed another job. I knew you would!

    Have a wonderful weekend, Ron! xox

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  15. Hey there, Martha!

    Me too, I'm glad I spoke my mind and left. I had only worked 3 days, but I could tell just from those 3 days that the job was going to be a nightmare, so I decided to leave immediately. And yes, you're so right...it DOES sound similar to your job experience. Isn't it something how these companies just assume that once you get the job, you'll do whatever they want because they don't think you'd quit.

    Everything worked out great because not soon after I quit, one of my old mangers asked me if I would consider working for her again. The timing was perfect, so I said YES! The job is in the same industry and pays well. It's also very close to where I live and I really like the people who work there.

    Have a FANTABUOUS weekend, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  16. Hola Denise!

    Me too! I literally thought that the job would be ideal for me because it's something I knew, and it's something I really enjoy doing. However, the company needs A LOT of help in how to treat their employees. Like I said, something seemed "off" doing the interviews, so perhaps I intuitively could sense it. I should have asked more questions.

    Aw...thanks. I had so much fun with these photos and writing the captions. Aren't I a CRAZY man?

    I start the new job on Monday. It's not actually a new job because I had worked for this company many years ago. I met the manger last week while I was shopping there and she jokingly said, "Hey...would you ever consider working here again?" And I'm like..."Yes!" So it all worked out.

    Have a wonderful weekend too, girl! And thanks a bunch for stopping by!

    X

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  17. "You see, that's one of the most liberating things about aging, you no longer have any reservations about coming out and saying, "No...this is not what I signed on for."

    Ron, that is so, so, so true! As I age, I feel that I keep getting more and more ballsy about speaking my mind. I used to second guess myself when I was younger, and worry what people thought of me if I spoke out. Not anymore. LOL! Sorry to hear about the job, but I admire you for realizing it wasn't for you and moving on. And congrats on finding another job to take its place. I can't get over the younger generation who says they can't find a jobs, and yet you found one (TWO actually).

    Your selfies are so damn hysterical! I love the one of you on the rollercoaster because that's exactly how my face looks - FEAR! I don't do rollercoasters, they scary the hell out of me. And I remember you post about how much you hate cilantro, so that photo made me laugh.

    Hope you're enjoying a great weekend, Ron. The weather has been so strange, hasn't it? How about that rain storm we had yesterday morning? It was like tornado was blowing through the city because it was so windy. xo

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  18. That's crazy about the schedule change, Ron. I've never heard of anything like that where a company will change your schedule without asking you if you're available?!?

    I have the DVD too (Blu-ray). I have the anniversary issue with all the special features about how the movie was made. It's so interesting to know how they pick the cast and the different changes they made to the script before they officially released it.

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  19. OMG, Daniel, I have that anniversary issue too!!!!! I bought it several years ago and LOVED it! Sometimes I'll just watch the different special features and NOT the movie because it's so fascinating. To me, it was a brilliant film - cast, script, and cinematography. BRILLIANT!

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  20. Helloooooooooo there, Elaine!

    " As I age, I feel that I keep getting more and more ballsy about speaking my mind. I used to second guess myself when I was younger, and worry what people thought of me if I spoke out. Not anymore. LOL! "


    YES! Don't you love how you change as you age? You get to a point where you say, " I don't care what think of me anymore." And yes, without a doubt, more outspoken as well.

    All my life I've never had a problem finding a job. In fact, right after the lockdown, when so many business had to close because of the loss of profit, I found a job immediately.

    HA! Yup, do you remember that post I wrote about my utter distain for cilantro? That is one herb I find so horrendous, both the smell and the taste. However, I know that many people love it.

    It sure has been strange. Two days ago I was literally sweating while walking outside because it had gotten so warm (so quickly), but then the next day it was back to freezing temps. Yes, I saw that storm yesterday. I had gotten up early and was watching "The Golden Girls" while having my tea and suddenly hard that rain storm. But it's odd how it suddenly stopped too.

    Have a terrific weekend, my friend. Thanks for stopping by!
    X

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  21. Ron, I'm so sorry that the new gig didn't work out, but I applaud your decision to move on out of there.

    And bravo on the part-time job!

    There's been a number of news stories about "The Great Resignation" where people were quitting their jobs at a record pace.

    I've stayed in horrible jobs for years (!!) because I was afraid of giving up a steady paycheck. But then I ended up giving a chunk of my paycheck to a shrink!

    Love all those selfies, but I was surprised to learn that those were trees behind you. I thought you really did have antlers!

    The Nora Desmond, of course, is my favorite. And remember you're still big--it's the jobs that got small!

    Have a great week, buddy!

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  22. Hey there, Rob!

    Thanks, buddy! I could tell after working with that company for only three days that it was not going to work out for me. I don't expect any job to be perfect, however, this company seemed like they a) were not organized or clear about things, b) I don't like how they just assumed they could make changes without asking you first, and c) the job responsibilities were all blurred together.

    "There's been a number of news stories about "The Great Resignation" where people were quitting their jobs at a record pace.
    "

    Yes, and that's why I think these companies are putting so much responsible on the employees they DO having working for them, because they're not sufficiently staffed - so many people are quitting.

    I've only had a few jobs in my life that I found horrible. And I quit, because I will not spend hours at a job and be miserable.

    "but I was surprised to learn that those were trees behind you. I thought you really did have antlers!"


    LOL! I know, I look like a relative of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, don't I?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  23. Sorry to hear then position didn't work out. It's hard to understand how a company like that actually stays in business or keeps employees (obviously they don't). I'm not sure if I'd like an app on my personal phone from my employer. Seems a bit intrusive and too easy to take advantage of an employee (think The Devil Wears Prada. I hope your new gig goes better. And yes, one of the perks of getting older is we don't have the patience to put up with bull$#!t. Very liberating. X

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  24. "I'm not sure if I'd like an app on my personal phone from my employer. Seems a bit intrusive and too easy to take advantage of an employee (think The Devil Wears Prada).

    HA! Yes, that's so true. I forgot about that in that movie!

    The new job is going very well. It's a rehire from a job I had years ago. I'm only working PT with them now and it's PERFECT!

    Isn't it liberating getting older? You just speak your mind.

    X

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