Sunday, March 21, 2010

The 3 P's of Unemployment (And How to Make Them Work For You)

When I got back from my internship (and then again apparently at the beginning of this year according to my last post) I figured I would get a part time job, then a full time job, work all the time, make lots of money, and be completely fabulous. Apparently, things do always go as planned...

I'm still convinced that this is going to be the year big things happen, mostly because some of them already have. I moved into my first apartment (well my first grownup apartment where I have to pay all my bills on time) on February first.  I would post pictures, but the place is laid out a little funny and it's hard to get a good angle in a small space.  It's an old building, and by old I mean we have radiators instead of central heating, but Beth and I love it.  We knew it from the moment we found it.  We happened to be in the area and stopped in the hour the apartment became available.  During our first visit five people called in to ask about it.  Did I mention it's within walking distance of 2 colleges and a very popular series of bars in an area that's usually $2000 a month? Well, there it is. Not only that...the first apartment building we looked at had one bathroom with a standup shower and a broken elevator that smelled like fish.  The second building was at least $100 more a month (not including utilities) and would require a cab to and from the bar. Obviously unacceptable. When we walked out of what we immediately referred to as "our apartment" we looked at each other, held a telepathic conversation, and sat down to put down a deposit before consulting anyone (I know you don't believe it but I didn't even call my mom...I swear!).

As everyone knows, I've been trying to find full time employment.  After a couple more months of being rejected by every business in St. Louis I went back to the 3 P's of unemployment I cultivated throughout the summer months on break from school.  Prostitution. Panhandling. Plasma Donation. I started with plasma donation.  You can make up to $60 your first time, and I produce this stuff for free which makes that straight profit.  Also, you can donate up to 2 times a week.  That pays for cable. So after careful consideration, I got up early one morning to make it to my nearest blood bank before the rush.  Cute little pink coffee cup in hand, I followed my GPS which surprisingly lead me to a not so great part of town.  And the place was PACKED.  There was no way I was heading in there with my pink coffee cup and my brand new copy of InStyle, so I just kept on driving. On my way home, I noticed a coffeehouse that had a Now Hiring sign outside (who knows how long it had been up) and I figured pouring fluids had to be more respectable than donating them. So I applied. And got a job.  All in the same day! 

I just started last week.  Now beware folks, this next part may shock you....I have to be at work at 5:30. In the morning. When it's still dark. Before anyone in the world anywhere is even thinking about coffee. As it turns out, I'm a morning person (well, I'm a morning person after about 3 very strong lattes.) Still, I'm enjoying working with adults again and really what else was I doing at 5:30? Sleeping? Ugh. So last week!

I'm still nannying, and even added a couple days so I sit everyday but Monday.  I work for Laura when she needs help.  I also got a "job" as a freelance writer with a woman who helps companies write business plans and articles ( job's in quotations because I've really only written one article).  But my biggest job, as my parents always remind me, is still job hunting. How ironic is that?

Upcoming excitement? The UNI games and lots of family fun this weekend, a short trip to Chi-town next week, then finally a trip to Hotlanta and Oxford for Double Decker.  I guess I'm a work hard, play harder sorta girl.

I'm off to bed because I have to get up at 4 tomorrow morning.  If anyone's still at the bar at that time give me a call!

LOVES! E


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