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!!!
Big Congrats on the temp job! I completely understand how frustrating it can be to constantly interview and not get anywhere. It’s one of the worst feelings and I’m so happy you found something that has gotten you back on track! I love your attitude towards the office life. I get so bored sometimes with my office job, it’s nice to be reminded of the reasons why it appealed to me in the first place. I hope this is your first big step that leads you to your goals and dreams! 😊
Thanks Hil! Yeah, I have to say that the job came just at that low point and it is definitely what I need right now. Trust me, I’ve had office jobs that were train wrecks and were a mass of unprofessionalism–but this office is just so incredibly professional. It is very comfortable! Hey–I’m glad you are feeling better! XOXOXOXXO!!!
I remembered from an earlier post that you were starting as a temp and I was wondering how things were going. It sounds like the answer is FANTASTIC! I’m really happy for you. I hope you can enjoy a life of office-hopping and comparing environments. I think it might be fun. It will be a shame to have to move on from those wonderful little packets of tea, though. Maybe the next office will have something even more impressive in the tea and coffee department.
Yeah. I wasn’t expecting much after that last infamous and horrific hire from “craigslist”! This office environment is very similar to the one of my favorite job ever-when I worked on Wall Street in NYC. But moving forward, I think temping could prove to be an interesting thing..and topic for writing. Luckily, I’ll be able to catch up on posting this weekend. I’ve got so much to say about absolutely nothing! XOXOXO!
Working in Wall Street must have been such a thrill. Just getting to the office must have been exciting. I look forward to reading about your adventures.
I LOVED working on Wall Street. It was a different time back then in the late ’70’s and early 80’s. Corporations were like family and there was a bit of “Wolf of Wall Street” in the air. Thanks for planting the seed to write about working on the street. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…..XOXOXO!
You’re welcome. Sounds like an interesting read.
Sooooo happy for you, Catherine!! Not surprisingly, you make even work sound glorious!! I’m hoping that since you like this job and the people, and seem to be doing such a great job – just maybe, there will be a permanent job opening for you there!! And if not, then there is always the next temp job that could turn permanent – and they would be lucky to have you!!
Thanks Annmarie! I dunno–if there is a perm position, that would be incredible. But, the best I can only wish for at this point is to add to my references. THAT is incredible! XOXOXO
Wow! So happy for you! Congrats on the job!
And I love those tempting temptress red shoes!!!!
XOXOX
Thanks. Aren’t those shoes just killer??????XOXOXO!!
Killer indeed!! Love the color and the style! 👌👌
Your joyful personality and sense of humor are so infectious. I was smiling all over by the time I finished reading your post. But honestly, tell me! Chaptstick??? 😀 And congrats on the job. It seems like the perfect fit for you! You looked top-notch, too!
OMFG. The Chapstick. Listen to me. You know those “blur” products that are on the market now? ( I feel a post coming upon me). They are nothing more than glorified Chapstick. Trust me. Take a stick of Chapstick. Rub your fingers on the top to soften. Fill in the lines. Thank you Cathe–for letting me know that .99 Chapstick does the same job as the 40.00 and up blur products! You are welcome, my love!!! XOXOXO!
LMBO!!! By golly I’m just vain enough to try it!!! 😀
Absolument charmante !!!!
Merci Nathalie! Beaucoup Merci! XOXOXOXO!!!
Yeah ! I’m so glad for you. This can only be a positive experience and the fact that you kept active with you blog is definitely a plus HR wise. I’m sure you’ll soon find another job.
More interviews just became available! XOXOXO!
Yes ! You will succeed Catherine and make every workspace awesome.
Congratulations! It appears to be a dream job 😀
Many thanks my son! XOXOXO!
Son?!!!
Congratulations! Very happy to see that you have found what looks to be the perfect job for you!
Thanks. Yeah. I’m really very appreciative to have found this position. The people are just so nice! It makes a world of difference! XOXOXO!
Love your enthusiasm! I hope your employer recognizes what an asset you could be to the company and they offer you a permanent position!
Thanks Meg. That would be quite nice if a permanent position was offered–but at this point I would be happy if I could use one of the execs as a reference for future positions! XOXOXO!
I was just thinking about you, wondering how the job was going…and then BAM..here you are!!!!! It alls sounds MAVALOUS!!!!! ❤️
It is mavalous! I’m glad it’s the weekend though. I want to get back to my favorite job–blogging. I’ve got so much to talk about! XOXOXOX!!!
Well,you’ve been missed!!!’m can’t wait to play catch up with you!!!!
I am so happy for you – I can tell you are enjoying this temp job. It reminds me of a time I worked as a temp that was to last 6 months – I ended up being hired as a permanent employee and that lasted for 10 years! Go take care of business! 🙂
Thanks Spear. You know, I really AM enjoying this temp job. It’s because the people I’m working for are just so damn nice. Trust me. When I worked in Healthcare, some of the administration was the worst of the worst-bullying at it’s best–or worst. This time around I’m just so incredibly happy to be working among civilized professionals. It’s a different world–I love it! XOXOXO!!
I am happy when you are happy! 🙂
How can reading about your adventure as a temp be as exciting as when you were telling us about your travels to France? It was! As others have mentioned, I was so thoroughly entertained reading about your temp job that I was sort of sad when I got to TCB. I hope you can get a good reference and keep the ball rolling. Incidentally, I remember your saying that you aced the computer skills portion at the temp agency, so I knew that you wouldn’t have a deer-in-headlights look when they showed you to your cubicle and you saw the Skype whatever it is…..
Hi Leslie. Thanks so much!!!! I’m glad that you enjoyed reading about my latest work experience. I’m kind of hoping to keep the ball rolling too..but working on time management in my personal life is more difficult than I thought! XOXOXO!
You have done before, and with kids on top of it, right? 😉 You will ace it you will see 🙂
I am behind happy that you are enjoying your temp work 🙂 🙂
Turtle Hugs
Catherine, you are making me “sin” big time 😉
First I had lust over your clothes and your perfectly styled hair (mine makes me and any hairstylist go crazy! ) and now I have colored memo pads envy, coffee and tea packets display envy, and organized stockroom envy 🙂 I will have to go to church tomorrow and thank you for it 😉
Have a great weekend and an awesome week at your office.
Turtle Hugs
Turtle hugs back atcha! If I’m making you sin–then I’m mighty proud to be doing it! LOL! XOXOXO!!
😉
no words, need to brush up on my vocabulary 😉
Félicitations! Although I’m a relative newcomer to your blog, I can feel your joy coming through your words which is highly infectious. However, the real reason (!) I am commenting is because I am a totally shallow person who shares your love of the LV never full and who has had this bag on a wish list for some time. My husband was even passing through Heathrow, about the time of my last birthday, and went to try and purchase said bag as a present. They had sold out!! C’est la vie…
Hi June–it’s so comforting to know that someone else shares my deep shallowness! It makes me happy! Although Bonaparte would rather me have a Lancelot bag, I want a Neverfull!