I’ve been looking for a real job like a real person has, and the Department of Disability Service sent over a nice job coach to help me find places and drive me around and talk about his pet tarantulas. So we’ve been looking for animal jobs at places like shelters and clinics and very carefully vetted pet stores.
And last week we went to this county vet clinic, and I had a good feeling about the place like I haven’t had before. Not even about the job, just about the place. It was so homey, and they clearly loved the animals there, and I just felt good sitting in the waiting room. And I even said, “Even if I don’t get a job, I’m glad to have been here.”
Normally the places I go, at most they have a form to fill out or something. But at this clinic, one of the staff doctors actually came over to me, and had a conversation with me. And she sounded like she was interested about me and what I had to say. She even, when I mentioned my summer job (which I love), implied that if I went to work with them, I could take off for the summer and then come back. I left feeling very optimistic.
Coincidence #1: Later that week, I was talking to my friend J the cat lady, who I’ve been volunteering for for thirteen years. I told her about my visit to the clinic, and how much I liked the place, and guess what? She knows the woman who runs it! J actually called the woman and told her she should hire me because “she’s ***ing fantastic.” :o
Coincidence #2: I went in for their interview yesterday- the first place that actually called me back!- and as we were walking to the nice staff doctor’s office, my town of residence came up somehow. She mentioned that she used to live in that town, too. I am terrible at local geography and pretty much unfamiliar with any streets outside my proverbial four cubits, but for some reason I risked embarrassing myself by asking where exactly she lived. It turned out to be the street behind my house.
All of the sudden, the woman’s like, “Oh! Oh! I can’t believe I didn’t make the connection when I saw your name! I know your family, I remember when etc…”
Yeah. That really happened.
Anyway, the interview went very well. I’m going to work a couple hours a week, starting after Passover, and I’m going to work my way up from cleaning things to assisting with the animals. And I’m really excited, and the people there seem really nice.
Mazel Tov!
Huzzah!
Yay!
It was meant to be! Congratulations.
Congratulations!!!
I love happy stories!
~VOW
Sounds like a fun job with good people. That combo is indeed a serious blessing, and I’m sure the critters will do well under your care. Enjoy!
Congratulations!!
Awesome! Hope it’s great!
Sounds wonderful! Congratulations!
That is awesome!
I have a teenager on the autism spectrum that is 14 and one day she too will be looking for employment. If you don’t mind sharing, could you introduce what challenges you have that warrants the Department of Disability Service sending over a nice job coach? (Feel free to ignore if this is too personal a question or you don’t feel like sharing.)
may I ask what state are you in I’m in ca and I wouldn’t mind earning a bit ox extra money
Bloody bonza. :):)
I am also on the autism spectrum, and I have anxiety disorders and stuff. I spent the last five years or so in a vocational training program, but it wasn’t the right place for me and I finally left. The people I’m with now are much better for me.
I’m in New jersey, but I’m not sure how that would make you extra money.
You lost me at ‘pet tarantulas’.
Whatever, man. Hope it works.
Congratulations! Working with animals is very therapeutic for me. I have a cat and a horse.