OT: New job = big bust

Hey all -

Thanks to all of you for your congrats and encouragement when I announced the new job.

Unfortunately - it looks like I will continue to look for something else.

Today was my first day, and I was quickly heartbroken. The job was completely different from what I thought it was. I am not sure if I misunderstood, or they misrepresented, but I thought I'd have a desk at least, and more responsibility, and that it would be a professional level position. Instead, I am a glorified waiter, only a "lead" because I am not a student, and the most difficult decision I have to make is what color of linens to use.

My job, all day, everyday, is to pack food and utensils for events. Not run them, as I had been led to beleive. I feel my talents and experience are not being put to good use.

And I am devestated - I've been looking so hard, so long, and this is all I could get??? And I've spent the last 2 weeks feeling releived, and excited, when I could have been looking for something else, so I feel like I wasted my time.

Not to mention the dread and continued stress of having to continue to look. I fear I angered the employment gods in a past life. :)

Of course, I will keep this for the time being, it's still better than temping, and a regular check. It's just so dissapointing.

Thank you all for listening - I so appreciate that I have this community to talk to when I need to. Please, keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming. I WILL find something - right?

Jessica

Hon, what I have learned over the past few years is that you will have to take the "not so perfect" job to get what you want. You have to work your way there. If you stay, and pack utensils, and are the best at that, they will move you up. You will get that job but not right away. Unless you have years and years experience, nobody will just hand it to you. And... even if you do have all that experience, most places don't care and they will start you off lower anyhow till you prove yourself with them. Not only that but years later I find myself having to take a job I consider way beneath my skills and talents because there is nothing else out there.

I hope you are the exception to the rule and can find that dream job.

Hey all -

{{{Jessica}}}

That stinks! Sure hope it was just the Universe's way to keeping you looking just long enough for a perfect job that wasn't quite available yet.

Good luck!

Alicia

{{{{{{{Jessica}}}}}}} I am sorry that the job, at this point, is not what you expected or really wanted. It has always been my philosophy to think of something as a needed learning experience. For sure there is something in this job that will make you better at what you are supposed to do next either in your work life or tyour personal life, or both. So cheer up, be as positive as you can be and the next door will open when you are ready. Keep your eyes open and when the next opportunity comes, snatch it and take a moment to look back on today. I am sure that you will see why you had to make a "pit" stop in your current job!

Hugs, M-C

Oh Jessica I'm so sorry to hear your new job isn't what you thought it was. Definitely stay on. Employers like to hire people who are employed and it will help with your search.

Lynne

Hang in there Jessica. Yes, it's dissappointing, but you never know where this job may take you.

Sometimes, the job you think sucks can turn out to be a gateway to a better job. Let me tell you a story from my own life:

I was a theatre arts major, and worked for a couple of years out of college as a freelance scenic carpenter and prop builder. I enjoyed the work, but I never got steady employment at it. So, I eventually had to take a crappy job working a concession stand at a local independent movie theater, just for the money.

It was a crap job, but I did it to the best of my ability. I was the only one there who consistently showed up on time, who cleaned things before being asked, who sought out more responsibility.

We only had one screen, and once the movie started there was nothing to do but read or sleep, and after I cleaned everything I'd get bored and start making stuff out of the supplies. Coffee filter flowers. A little car made out of courtesy cups, straws, and lids. Origami decorations from the napkins. Etc. Just to amuse myself.

Well, one of the other employees was just an emergency fill-in person, because she had a steady job at the YMCA. And when her branch's after school program needed a new staff member, she thought of me, and asked if I'd be interested. She said I sprang to mind because I was responsible, and they needed someone to do arts and crafts, and she had noticed all the little things I kept making at work! So I applied, and got hired. And I love it. Even though it's only part time, it's so fulfilling, and there are definitely opportunities for advancement.

Jessica I'm sorry that your job turned out to be something different than what you wanted. Everyone else has had some great advices for you. Something better will come along soon.

Jessica, I will keep you in my thoughts for everything to work out for you. Hang in there ! Hugs

Jessica hang in there! Your in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping everything will work out for you.

Chrissy

Jess,

Don't know what to say....

Love you. Call me when you need to.

Melissa in Seattle

Hang in there Jessica! The right job for you will come along eventually. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for ya!

Linda C

Thanks everyone for your kind words.

I found out today from a coworker that there isn't even really room for advancement in that department.

And, the schedule is insane - 12-8:30 one night, 5:30-2 the next, and on and on.

I was thinking I could take advantage of the benifit to take classes, and trying to further my career that way, but also found out that our department is an exception because of the wacky schedule.

I am a firm beleiver in trying to stick with it, be cheerful, but I think this is not one of those circumstances. The idea of going back is so painful and stressful, because I dislike it so much, and life is too short for that. At this point I would be quite happy with a basic admin job to pay my dues at.

So, I am going to keep looking for something else.

Thanks,

Jessica

Jessica...sorry your new job isn't what you thought it would be :o( Hang in there....the right job will come your way!!!!

Take care, Marilyn