It's sort of funny how life unfolds.
Running into my former coworker Darla at Sunday's 5k turned out to be quite a serendipitous thing. Monday she left a message on my cell phone telling me that the office where I work (on call) had a Craigslist post for a full time optometric tech. I had no idea. It's either hit or miss with when they do need me and they have not needed me to fill this year thus far, and it's November. When looked up the job posting I noticed that it was very recent and for a job position I already know quite well. I took a chance and and e-mailed my boss, pleading my case and even offering to become ABO certified at my own expense. Tuesday afternoon I received an e-mail from my boss saying they wanted to talk to me on Wednesday. Amazingly enough, two weeks ago I had scheduled myself an eye exam for that Wednesday -- I'd be at the office anyway. I went in with an open mind. The funny thing is that I had the eye exam first, before they would even talk to me. Fine, but, for the first time in YEARS I had a dilation exam, which meant my eyesight would be compromised during our chat following the exam. Not only that, having my vision compromised made me feel queasy. After pre testing, the exam, frame selection (yeah, I got new sunglasses and regular glasses) and a little chit chat with my coworkers, the grilling began. They first wanted to know my motivation for coming back full time, then they wanted me to know that they changed their entire office dynamics, and if I could bring my roller skates because it would be that busy. I plead my case (without being able to see and wanting to barf). It must have been what they wanted to hear. I start back Monday. They even offered to pay for my ABO certification. They also went to wearing scrubs, which will save me a ton of money in not needing a career wardrobe, and they will pay for those as well.
Two of the reasons why they're bringing me back on is because they know I can be trained on all the new procedures/equipment/tools and I'm not a psychopath. Yes, they actually used the word "psychopath." Since another long-time coworker had to relocate 6 months ago, they have not been able to find anyone to replace her. People interview well, but they become complacent after a short time and their performance falls apart, or their true nature comes out and they're just bizarre. They've had 3 new hires who did not meet their standards in the past 6 months.
Needless to say, I called Darla and thanked her profusely for the phone message about the job listing. She is now working in another field, which is why she didn't go for it, herself.
Oh yeah, when I was in RU on Wednesday morning, Bryan asked me if I knew anyone who would want a front desk/general office job. It seems they're having trouble finding decent office staff as well. I said I was looking for work, but I was going in to my office later that same day to ask for full time. Then he started asking me about my job experience and rate of pay. It felt like an interview while he was working on my shin. I think he would have hired me based on our conversation. I would have taken a job a RU if the full time job at my office fell through.
They say things happen in threes. Dollars to doughnuts I start receiving calls from all the places I sent applications and resume's to over the past year.
Now I must go and dust off my roller skates. Monday will be here soon enough.
Monday's Song:
There and Back Again - Daughtry
PEACE
