Two jobs, actually. Maybe three.
:stops typing to get down with her massively-happy-yet-still-damn-funky self:
Okay, this is going to be a long post, so bear with me.
A little under two years ago, I left Minneapolis for Chicago. I had lived in the Twin Cities for two-three years or so with my boyfriend, John. Although John and I split up, we not only continued to be good friends, but even continued to cohabitate. After a bit of that, we decided that since we were both still A) Not seeing other people, B) Not even hanging out with other people and C) NOT HAVING SEX BECAUSE OF A AND B, that maybe one of us should get the hell out of dodge. That was me.
The entire time I lived in MN I had the same job. The same great job, that I loved dearly, in addition to enjoying the company of all of my coworkers and, especially, my boss. Said boss (who will be referred to as Jimmy the Great and Good <JGG> from here on) is a business owner in the Twin Cities, having his finger in several pots. The title we used for this job was Personal Assistant, but I was really Wearer Of Many Hats. I did all the hardware/software work for all the computer systems. I did advertising for two of his businesses. I did all of his onsite accounting. I ran cash registers, made appointments, entertained his kids, signed checks, called in orders, met important people, took his phone calls and showed him what the internet could do. I loved this job. I was never, ever, EVER bored. JGG let me come in when I wanted, work as long as I liked and gave me free booze. I was heartsick when I left JGG’s company, but he understood my situation, and let me go with the parting words, “If you ever find yourself back in the area, I’ll always have work for you.” Not to sound melodramatic, but this man was truly like a father to me. The dad that really liked me and appreciated me, the way my father never did.
So.
Last week, I did what any good daughter would do. After five months of looking for work, I finally called my father (figure) for help. He said to me, “Get up here and we’ll talk. I’ll see what I can find for you.” And I did.
I just got back from our meeting, gang, and this is what I remember from it.
JGG: So, I called around to my businesses, mumble, mumble, blah found stuff for you to do.
Me: What? I’m sorry, I must have misunderstood. Did you say I can…work?
JGG: Work? Yes, of course you can work. This place hasn’t been the same since you left. We need you here. When can you start?
Me: Start? Like start working? Like showing up at a place of employment and getting paid for services rendered? :looking around for Allen Funt: Is this some kind of joke?
JGG: No, no joke. How about you start tomorrow? Come in around…oh, I don’t know. How’s 1000a for you? If you get in any earlier you can install this new computer thingamajiggy I bought. Wish you had been here to pick it out for me, but I think it’s okay. We’ll type up some notes, and we’ll get you back in with the beer distributors. Most of them still remember you. After that, we’ll take you down to the restaurant, let you meet the new manager. He has some advertising work for you to do. He also said, if you’ve got the time, that he can fit you in hostessing/waitressing. Whatever you want to do. We’ll just take it week by week for awhile. Give you piecemeal until you get settled and figure out where you are.
Me: JGG, I feel it’s only right to tell you, I do have a lead on another job here. It’s customer service for second shift, so if I get it, I’ll be working from 300p on or so during the week.
JGG: Oh, that’s fine. You can work here whenever you can find the time. We’ll always have stuff for you to do. You can come in mornings, weekends, whenever works best for you.
Me: :stunned silence:
JGG: Oh, and by the way, I get the impression you’re hurting for money. How about we pay you in cash until you’re back on your feet?
Jay-zus.
Now, folks, I have to admit, this opens up a whole host of new problems. I plan on, no matter what, keeping my Chicago apartment (and paying rent, Dave, no worries :)) until the lease runs out end of April. I’d like to stay with John (ref: above) until that time, as I know he won’t make me pay rent there. Also, I’ve been living in the land of public transportation, a benefit that the Twin Cities doesn’t have, so I’ll need a car. There’s a grand bushel of things to still work out.
But I can make it work. I will make it work.
My name is Nymysys.
And I’m EMPLOYED!
