Hi everyone! The past two weeks have found me as happy as a little, medium, big-ass clam.
That would be me. A happy little clam–only with more clothing and makeup!
I started a temp job as an administrative assistant. Even though the position will terminate at month’s end, it has given me the boost of self-worth and confidence that I was losing. It is also bringing me back to a work environment that I hadn’t been a part of for years.
There is something glorious and wonderful about a corporate culture that exhibits respect, equality and kindness to its employees. As an outsider, I get to observe—and I also get to be a participant. The bar is set high.
With two jobs that ended due to office closings and one job that was just a nightmarish blip in my career, my track record was a bit…unlucky! And despite the fact I never found a job within the window of my 26 weeks of receiving unemployment benefits, I was able to keep my skills in order by starting the blog.
Actually, writing my blog keeps my sanity and engaging with friends who read my blog really keeps my sanity because of the wonderful encouragement and support I’ve received and continue to receive!
Anyway, enough about that because I want to talk more about this temp job.
After many interviews. And spending many hours being interviewed with the same questions and having to be “on” and all peppy and gung ho and having to squeeze my fat ass and thunder thighs into my J. Crew skirts that are just a tad too tight from stress eating and shoving little mounds of Chapstick into my fine lines and wrinkles to blur my age because I cannot afford Botox or a face lift, only to be rejected, my confidence was shot. Yes. I was so far down in the dumps I had to look up to look under!
With the help of shapewear, I’m able to squeeze just a bit more comfortably! My clothing is just as happy as I am!
Bonaparte and I decided that it was time to take a different career direction and I would do temp work. By working as a temp, I would be earning enough money to contribute to the household, save for vacations and little weekend trips AND I could sock some money away for my coveted LV Neverfull bag! (Hey—no matter what, I’m still deeply shallow!)
The one thing I’m saving for–and I refuse to purchase a Michael Kors copy-cat version. Ugh! Only LV for moi!
OK—so wait. Here’s where it gets great. Bonaparte went online and applied for a couple of temp positions for me. I get a phone call from the HR department of a company that liked my resume. We talk. I am asked if I will be available for another phone interview. Naturally, I say “Of course!” Second interview goes fine. At the end of the interview I ask what the next step will be. I’m told that I have the job and HR will get back to me with an offer.
Offer made and accepted. Background check completed. Drug testing done.
Fun at the Drug Test! In case you didn’t read about my drug testing fun–have a read!
The job I ended up with was one where I didn’t spend three hours being bombarded with questions and pondering over how I handled a difficult situation with a coworker! Go figure!
Waking up in the morning and having coffee while applying my makeup is a charm. Deciding which outfit to wear is a choice that I find most lovely!
I’m no “Angel” of the morning, but I’m so like Pollyanna when it comes to being happy about what to wear!
My feet are so over-the-moon delighted to be in pointy-toed heels once again!
Fake tanned and toe-cleavage bearing pointy-toed shoes make my feet jump for joy! (Well, really not jump–my bladder can no longer handle jumping!)
The legs are shaved and fake tanned! The worst part about getting ready for work is plucking those surprising lady whiskers that seem to pop up overnight and covering my bald spots without looking Trumpesque!
Thank God for all the hair products I have to cover my bald spots without having to look like him!
Yes. I am looking every inch the “Temping Temptress!”
I truly am happy to be back in an incredibly professional office! Yes. I’m the “Temping Temptress!”
I love the 20 minute commute. I love driving into the parking lot and walking into the office building. I even love the dopey look on my face that the camera snapped when I had my security badge made!
Isn’t it a beautiful office? I LOVE driving into this parking lot!
It is a pleasure to walk through the doors and greet the receptionist with a smile and a “Good morning!”
It’s even more of a pleasure to enter through the doors and make my way to my own (Ok…so it really belongs to the woman who’s place I’m taking until she returns next month) little cubicle. I love sitting down at the desk and turning the computer on and signing in for the day!
I swear to you, this is my happy place. I am so damned grateful to at least have a temp job!
I’ve personalized my temporary space with a printout of the kids!
My electronic timesheet is my friend. My office Skype is my favorite toy and I love sending little IM’s to the people I interact with. I adore answering the phones for the execs and leaving messages for them on the little message pads.
I love filling these little pads out–I even have assorted colors. Assorted colors!!!!!!
I especially love restocking the little bistro area! It allows my OCD to shine. I make sure all the Equal, Splenda and sugar packets all face the same direction. I am careful in filling the little beverage packages into the cute little drawers. Yes. I take pride in ANY task!
I’ve never even seen little packets like this. They are so cute and the chai is to die for!
Its fun to have unlimited amounts of warm and spicy chai!
The hot water is soooo hot that I have to double up on the cups! But I get to drink Chai during the day and with the cooler weather, this is nirvana!
I get a thrill just organizing office supplies and cleaning and organizing the supply room. It’s almost as therapeutic as ironing clothing!
Nothing says office is heaven than a well-organized supply room…and I’ve made the office supply room heavenly!
There is a very large comfort level in being a temp that I’ve never felt before. Perhaps it is because at the end of my gig, I can move onto another office and observe a different environment. Or maybe it’s because as a temp, nobody expects too much for me—so any time I offer to assist, it can be a welcoming change. Whatever the case, I am so happy because this job has given my self-esteem a well-needed boost.
I now know that I am a great fit for an incredibly professional office. I’ve been validated in realizing that by being proactive and assertive, I’m respected and appreciated.
Hey. I even started my Christmas shopping during my lunch hours. How great is that?
That’s right! Yesterday during lunch I started Christmas shopping. Can’t tell you what’s in here–gotta wait till December 25th!
Here’s a work song that I’m sure you haven’t heard in a while, because I haven’t heard it in ages! Whenever I hear it, I’m reminded of my days on the Long Island Railroad with my girlfriend, Joanne—we both worked in New York City and were living at home! Bachman, Turner, Overdrive—”TCB-Taking Care of Business” Watch out! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
