Changes
I promised this a while ago, but since then, either I've had the time and not the drive to write, or the drive and not the time.
I suppose I should start with my new job, being as that's really the biggest change.
I was initially very apprehensive about all the little details with the precision of measurements and paperwork, but as I've actually done the work, I've realized that it's not as bad as I thought it might be. I can give approximations, I don't have to be extremely precise in what I do, so long as I make an honest effort to do my best. So that much is good. However, the scheduling troubles me. I knew going in that it was going to be unpredictable, and that they weren't going to guarantee me 40 hours, but the reality of it has turned out to be a little more chaotic than I was expecting. This week for example, every single day this week, the schedule has been revised at least once (we're on revision F so far), and I've only worked a single shift. I knew I might not get 40 hours per weeks, but I didn't sign up for 18-22, either. In effect, I'm working 2-3 days per week, but still only making about what I made at ABC, on the average. I was hoping for more, it would really be helpful.
My concerns with how many hours and the scheduling aside, I like this job. It's easy, there's a lot of downtime, and not having to deal with the public on a daily basis is fantastic; I no longer want to stab people in the face. I get to read for hours on end, or watch TV/movies on the tablet or laptop. Indeed, I've taken to using my phone to get the laptop online and watching stuff streaming from Netflix on there. I make good use of both my unlimited data and my Netflix subscription that way. And to think, I not only get paid for that, I get paid decently, too! I think I'm a good fit for the type of work, because I don't mind being there long shifts or random hours of the day/night.
And now, the car.
I called the Goose Creek people back after about three weeks. I spoke to them, and the lady I talked to told me that it would likely be as long as one or two months until it was to the point of being ready for sale. She also said I should feel free to call them back every 2-3 weeks in order to keep tabs on it. When I asked why it was taking so long, she told me that it was being worked on by their mechanic "between other projects". Upon later reflection, I came to the realization that this vehicle probably was a fairly low priority for them to sell, since they would undoubtedly put a lot of work into it, and not be able to sell it for a large profit margin. The cars they could make more on would undoubtedly have priority over it. Makes sense to me, and I certainly can't blame them. So long as when it does come up for sale, my name is still at the top of the list. While I understand, I am undoubtedly antsy about this. I'm eager to unload the Escort and get used to a "new" vehicle. I want to get acquainted with her and take a few nice long road trips. But I'm not a fool... I know enough to take my time and wait for one that's a worthwhile investment. It's all too easy to get a lemon!
Other than fixating on work and replacing the car, I really haven't been up to a lot lately. There's been a lot of down time when I think I'll be working, only to get a phone call from Eric (my boss) telling me that it's been pushed back 12hrs, or a whole day. I'm reading and watching a lot more TV, since I really can't plan far enough ahead to really do much else.
I suppose I should start with my new job, being as that's really the biggest change.
I was initially very apprehensive about all the little details with the precision of measurements and paperwork, but as I've actually done the work, I've realized that it's not as bad as I thought it might be. I can give approximations, I don't have to be extremely precise in what I do, so long as I make an honest effort to do my best. So that much is good. However, the scheduling troubles me. I knew going in that it was going to be unpredictable, and that they weren't going to guarantee me 40 hours, but the reality of it has turned out to be a little more chaotic than I was expecting. This week for example, every single day this week, the schedule has been revised at least once (we're on revision F so far), and I've only worked a single shift. I knew I might not get 40 hours per weeks, but I didn't sign up for 18-22, either. In effect, I'm working 2-3 days per week, but still only making about what I made at ABC, on the average. I was hoping for more, it would really be helpful.
My concerns with how many hours and the scheduling aside, I like this job. It's easy, there's a lot of downtime, and not having to deal with the public on a daily basis is fantastic; I no longer want to stab people in the face. I get to read for hours on end, or watch TV/movies on the tablet or laptop. Indeed, I've taken to using my phone to get the laptop online and watching stuff streaming from Netflix on there. I make good use of both my unlimited data and my Netflix subscription that way. And to think, I not only get paid for that, I get paid decently, too! I think I'm a good fit for the type of work, because I don't mind being there long shifts or random hours of the day/night.
And now, the car.
I called the Goose Creek people back after about three weeks. I spoke to them, and the lady I talked to told me that it would likely be as long as one or two months until it was to the point of being ready for sale. She also said I should feel free to call them back every 2-3 weeks in order to keep tabs on it. When I asked why it was taking so long, she told me that it was being worked on by their mechanic "between other projects". Upon later reflection, I came to the realization that this vehicle probably was a fairly low priority for them to sell, since they would undoubtedly put a lot of work into it, and not be able to sell it for a large profit margin. The cars they could make more on would undoubtedly have priority over it. Makes sense to me, and I certainly can't blame them. So long as when it does come up for sale, my name is still at the top of the list. While I understand, I am undoubtedly antsy about this. I'm eager to unload the Escort and get used to a "new" vehicle. I want to get acquainted with her and take a few nice long road trips. But I'm not a fool... I know enough to take my time and wait for one that's a worthwhile investment. It's all too easy to get a lemon!
Other than fixating on work and replacing the car, I really haven't been up to a lot lately. There's been a lot of down time when I think I'll be working, only to get a phone call from Eric (my boss) telling me that it's been pushed back 12hrs, or a whole day. I'm reading and watching a lot more TV, since I really can't plan far enough ahead to really do much else.