I sold my artist's soul to the corporate devil but didn't know what else to do. I'm so desperate to be free that I'll endure hell to get to heaven.
Back in the springtime I was demoted to a cashier at the arts-and-crafts store I work for. Several weeks later, the girl who had taken my original position was "let go" and I was asked to "fill in" until the vacancy was filled.
I agreed and have been filling in for almost two months until officially getting my old job back a few weeks ago.
But.....
To keep the position the store manager said I'd have to give up Thursdays--the ONLY day I'm off from both of my jobs.
If I'm not working at one place I'll be at the other. I still may have one or possibly two Sundays off each month if both my work schedules match up but that's about it.
The only way for me to rent my own place and finally become independent from family is to keep both jobs so I consented to giving up Thursdays.
Thursdays were my one day to decompress, to sleep in late, to not think about work.
I'm afraid working every day is going to kill me....quite literally. And I'm not sure when I'll have time for my art anymore but I can't even think about that now.
Now if you'll excuse me, it's been a rough day at work and I need to go to bed to do it all over again tomorrow.
Posts
14 comments:
Oh, Dean, I'm so sorry.
I really am.
Maybe you'll find a better opportunity in the future. One job. More than one day off a week.
You'll find it.
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry to hear that! That really rough. I've been there before and it was tough at the time. Things got better for me and I hope they do for you too. Wishing you all the best!
Here's Pollyanna--Look at it just like you are, it's a short term fix to get you where you want to be?
And remember, if it gets to be too much, you can say, "WHEN!" You are allowed!
I admire your insistence to be so independent.
Been There! I was working three jobs seven days a week for a while to keep afloat financially. You will get used to it and keep your sanity if you plan ahead and stay organized. You CAN do it Dean.
Dean,
Two jobs sucks. But I completely know your situation of not being able to pay rent and live independently without them. I feel your pain and if I may suggest, I'd ask to take off the first of the month each from both jobs (or some other day) so you'll kind of have that Thursday feeling.
Summer before my senior year of high school I was working two jobs, keeping a steady relationship with a boyfriend, and hanging out with family etc. I was coming home one night from watching a movie with my little brother and while I didn't feel tired, I was apparently exhausted. I fell asleep at the wheel and hit a school bus that was being used for storage. We both walked away from the accident with just scrapes and bruises.. okay stitches and bruises.
All I ask is that you stay safe! Don't forget about you. Living paycheck to paycheck sucks. But see the light at the end of the tunnel. Find something to want to strive for? On that first of the month take the bus/train out of town and see something new... I find that life is easier for me when I have something to look forward to. Right now, it's two of my best friends coming back from a school year in another place.
Good luck Dean!
Aw that's crummy! Maybe schedules will get switched around again at some point and give you a day off? Good luck with all of it, sounds pretty damn miserable right now...
I'm sorry...truly. I am also extremely happy that you have your job back. I must have missed the fact that this opportunity presented itself. If we never had rain, we wouldn't appreciate the sun. I'll be thinking of you.
Hang in there
Pursue your dreams.
What does not kill you will make you stronger.
You got the drift of things?
:)
I hope that this does not last long, and that you can then move on.
Dean,
When managers talk, they often adopt a "the world is not enough" mentality to their offers. Managers need good workers like you. Did you ask for at least two thursdays a month off? Did you tell the manager that without a thursday off...you would be working 30 days in a row?
Next time don't be afraid to ask as much from employer as they ask from you. They can only say no. They need you too! Keep your good attitude.
Best,
Alex
Phoenix!
One full-time job would be nice!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kim!
Thanks for that!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JuJu!
I know I always have the option to quit and leave but I swore not to do so until I found something else first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mike!
I need to be FREE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ilduce!
Three jobs? Yikes!
Yes, planning ahead and staying organized will help.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mercedes!
I'm glad you survived that car accident with minor injuries.
I'll take your suggestions to heart!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Marty!
It's miserable right now!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bek!
It's the other way around for me.
I hate the sun and love rainy weather so without sunny days I couldn't enjoy the rain!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
rateyourart!
I'm hanging in there as best I can!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ken!
Me too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alex (Anonymous)!
Oh yes, I mentioned Thursday was my only day off from both jobs but the store manager insisted that if I wanted to keep my position I'd have to give up that day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone's supportive comments are greatly appreciated!
-Dean
You really need to think how tough this jobs really are? Are you out in the sun all day? Are you freezing all the time? Are you working with chemicals that can harm you in the long run? Seriously, stop and think about that?
Anonymous!
No, my jobs may not be under hazardous conditions but they still affect me physically.
I lose sleep every day now, don't have time to draw/paint, am stressed at work, and it all leaves me depleted and despondent.
Not to mention the managers at the crafts store being mean to me, having to do way more work and being underpaid, having to walk 20 minutes just to get there in the first place, and sometimes my commute/waiting time is longer than my actual shift.
Those things DO affect me and in a way are hazardous to my health!
-Dean
Post a Comment