A couple weeks ago, I started looking for a part time job. I’m really struggling with working full time, and dispatching is messy business. Really messy. So much stress. Coworkers aren’t always easy to be around… it’s all around just hard. Rough environment.
I applied to drive a school bus. The first place to ask for an interview I walked into and wondered what on earth I was thinking. The pay was good. Sign on bonuses were cool. But the people. Oof. I tried to tell myself I’d be on a bus and the people didn’t matter, but man. I cringed. They offered the job and I walked away not sure what to think.
A second place called. This one not in a city, but in my county. The interview went so much better. Better people. Cleaner place. Kind. Less pay. No sign on bonuses. But so much better. I was offered the job.
Dispatch offered part time when I said I was going to quit. It’s a painful thing to watch all my benefits go away, and my raise in pay I just received will also stop, but they offered three mornings a week, 5am-11am. I went be able to be called in for overtime anymore, as I’m only “allowed” 19 hours per week.
I decided to go the safe route. I know this job. Day shift is different coworkers… not sure what all that will mean, but different. Definitely different environment. I go part time at the end of July.
In turn, I took a once a week volleyball referee job. That’ll be an entirely new experience. I also applied to another place for more ref positions. I can pick up those as I wish. I ordered myself a referee whistle today. That was a weird moment.
And then, after all that, the bus company I’d liked called and asked if I’d get my cdl anyway, paid, and they’d use me as a substitute driver. The kids, if I wish them to be around public school… maybe this is a definite no… can ride with me whenever I wish. I accepted that offer and am working towards getting my commercial driver’s license to be able to do that.
Life will be busy, but I’m getting to teach at a co-op once a week, and the kids will see much more of me. I’ll be home every night, all weekends, and several days a week. and I won’t have to stay up all night anymore.
If I never had to pull an all-nighter again, that would be fantastic. Six shifts left if I don’t get called in to cover more.
Completely off topic, but that shelf up at the top of this post is my new school shelf. Metal bookshelves are my favorite. They’re cheap, easy to find used, sturdy, and fit my simple/industrial/antique style perfectly. Sterling stuck the boys up there when I first brought it home. Hilarious right?
Wrong. Guess who keeps dumping all the school books on the floor the clear off his “bed”?
Until next time,
You are a Jack of all trades woman no doubt about it. It is hard to work in a place when you are not real happy. I was so Blessed with working with people that seemed like family. When I left Western Electric and started subbing at the school our boys went too and close to our house it was the best. After 5 years subbing I got a teacher’s aide job(Paraprofessional now). I worked almost 25 years and never had a cross word with any teacher. I retired 11 years ago and still keep in touch with some of the teachers. I sure do enjoy my retirement check too. Haha!! I hope you enjoy your new position.
Love the pics of the new bed. Haha!
Your ordeals remind me of a book I read I guess about 15 years ago, Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich who died last September at 81. And it all just goes to show what a strong person you are.