Good News

    My county temp job ended mid February and I started to get seriously stressed when I wasn't getting interviews as quickly as I hoped.  March was drifting by and money was becoming non-existent.  We were struggling but still in the safe zone.  I decided to apply for assistance (welfare) but was denied.  The last week of March I applied for a new grocery store opening near my house. The open hire went well.  Old fashioned applications, two interviews and drug screening.  Interviews went great, I did more casual talk about the demographics of my neighborhood and how important it was for this store to open in such an area.  I also discussed dollar store produce, haha.  That was a Tuesday morning, I was told I would get a call by Friday for orientation if I passed the background and drug test.
   Friday came and went, I became super stressed. Questioning what could have gone wrong.  I've never been arrested and don't do drugs, so what could it be? Stressed and bummed, I continue to look for work. It is now April and I'm really low on cash.  I paid the bills that I could and made sure to get some food in the house.  On my way home from the store the following Monday I get the call about orientation, YAY!   I'm digging in my purse for a pen and paper (the receipt had to do) to write all the information down.  Orientation was that Wednesday and I needed work clothes.  I called my mother frantic to borrow the money for a single work outfit.  My parents wired me the money that same day.  The work clothes didn't cost as much as I thought they would.
   Orientation was an all day gig and gave me the chance to meet some interesting people I will be working with.  I had applied for the Service Clerk position as I have not worked in a grocery store.  I figured I would find my place within a few months and move into the department I liked the most.  Not a chance.  I showed up to orientation 30 minutes early and offered to help (only one), and I cleaned up before the trainer was done with giving my coworkers their training schedules.  Everyone was in a hurry to get out of there, I don't know why.  I stayed longer than I need to just so I could get as much information as possible.  When it was my turn to get my schedule for any training I may need, I was asked why I was a Service Clerk and that might be changed to Cashier because it would be a better fit.  I was given training days and told that would get a call about my status.  It took a week before I knew that I was moved to the Cashier position.
   I trained in Oakland for 3 days. The commute to Oakland was okay, I walked to the store and back to BART instead of taking the bus 511.org suggested.  Going home was brutal, riding BART after 3 is torture.  My feet were killing me and one of the days it was humid and smelly from all the sweaty people. Bleh.  Yeah okay, you all know this, but goodness I almost forgot how gross that is.
On my last day training I passed my Cashier training test and was asking of I would consider adding another position to my belt.  Of course I said yes and I got the official call this weekend.  Instead starting next week I start tomorrow.  Woohoo, I'm excited.  More training but it also counts as work and I get paid.  I can't wait.
   I was so stressed a month ago and then things just started moving so fast.  I feel blessed and grateful for this job.  Sometimes it is hard to have faith and doubt sets in.  But, I never gave up and I've always had faith.  Things are still tough, but they will get better.