Saturday, December 27, 2008

Goodbye coffee! Hello fingerpaints!

My job hunt in Oregon has been a difficult one. I transferred within Starbucks when I moved seven months ago to ensure income. Though, I fully intended to find a different job. I've been with Starbucks for over 4 1/2 years. I felt stuck because I had earned a higher pay with them than I would ever find starting out in child care. I wanted to work in my field of choice, early childhood education, but I didn't see it possible to do so and be able to support myself.

In the past few months I have submitted close to 50 job applications. Yes, 50. First, I applied for jobs I wanted such as preschools, offices, and banks. If I couldn't work in childcare, I at least wanted a job with regular (and decent) hours and set days off. When I didn't get those jobs I started applying for anything and everything short of fast food.

My job hunt became more desperate in the past month when Starbucks created a new labor policy stating that Shift Supervisors (me) could not work more than an hour with each other. Formerly our shifts overlapped as much as needed to insure our previously promised 32+ hours a week. With this no longer being the case, my work hours were cut down to 20/week. My income was not even close to enough for paying bills, much less setting anything aside for emergencies or special things.

I came to terms with the idea of working two part time jobs to make ends meet. I swallowed my pride (after shedding some tears) and picked up job applications at the mall. I felt foolish, like a teenager hunting for their first after school job. However, mall jobs aren't as easy to come by as I had assumed.

I applied and interviewed this past Monday at David's Bridal. It was a job I felt I might enjoy. Plus, their store hours are limited so it wouldn't be difficult juggling the two jobs. I could tell the interview went well, and I pretty much knew I was in.

Meanwhile, I was still filling out and turning in applications all over town. One of the jobs I found on craigslist was for a preschool teacher position. I, of course, applied. I interviewed with their board of education on Tuesday and they offered me the job on the spot! I could tell that interview was going well also. But I had no idea how well until they offered me to position right away at a considerably higher wage than originally stated with the intent of training me to also be the Assistant Director of the center! Wow! So, after some number crunching and careful consideration, I joyfully accepted the position. =)

The same day I accepted the job, I got a call back from the David's Bridal manager. She excitedly and proudly offered me the job. I felt a little bad about telling her I would not be accpeting. I of all people know about rejection in the job hunting process. It was difficult to refuse such a nice woman, though it did feel nice to be chosen. She did not seem upset in the least. Rather, she celebrated with me and congratulated me. We had talked about my desire to work in childcare during my interview, so she was already aware of how much I wanted the job I have now.

I am extatic. I can't possibly describe how amazing I feel. It still feels a little sereal, but I'm loving every moment anyway. The job starts soon, January 5th. I feel so unprepared. I know I'll do just fine.

Putting my notice in at Starbucks was scary and exciting. It's hard to walk away from a world I know so well, even if I don't enjoy it. However, I am pleased to leave much of this world behind. I have some really great coworkers and a wonderful managment team. But the job is not for me; not anymore. I'm moving on to where I'm supposed to be.

I'm so happy thinking about the children I'll have in my very own classroom. I'm looking forward to all the fun activities we'll have in our lesson plans. How much I'll enjoy singing with the kids, painting, playing, learning, and enjoying my day. Plus, on a personal note, I'll have nights and weekends off! Oh, and holidays too, of course. =)

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