Job hunting

Last time I went to the Jobcentre, my "job coach" arranged for me to go for a fact finding type interview. Where they tell you about the job, and see what they think of you, and vice versa.  If both sides are suited, it's on to the next stage, of an actual interview.

I had been told that it would just be dealing with incoming calls, which it is.  However, once you have dealt with their enquiry, you are expected to fish for more.  Namely, try to sell them another of the company's products.  The lady leading the fact finding session was very nice and she did ask after she said that if we were all comfortable with that.

 I'm not.
Sure, I can sell things, but it's a very different matter trying to interest people in high priced products, than asking a person who for example, buys potatoes and carrots, if there is anything else that they need, or when delivering milk, asking the customer if the need any cream at Christmas, when you collect their weekly payment.

Anyway, I said no, I wasn't sure that I could do that sort of selling, and I wasn't comfortable with it.
I don't want to turn into someone I am not, for work.  No one would tell to look at me, but I would hate the job, and it would make me unhappy, no matter how much money it paid me.

So....on with the hunting! 😃

Visiting the job centre

I had to go to the jobcentre today to sign on.
As I was waiting to see my "job coach", I couldn't help overhearing the person who was with her. It seems that he has the appointment before me, as he was there the previous time.
This man doesn't have a quiet voice, and I didn't mean to overhear part of the conversation. (In fact, it was difficult not to hear him.)
He was finding fault with jobs on offer, and I heard him say, well "that's a woman's job, they wouldn't want an ugly mug like me doing that."
The "job coach" didn't seem to correct him.
I was under the impression that when claiming support, you are required to apply for any posts that you think that you could do. In fact it does say something along those lines in the "contract".
In my opinion there are very few jobs that are gender specific these days. The only limits that you should put on yourself are not applying for something that you have no relevant qualifications for, and don't apply for anything that you are physically unable to do.

Sorry for the "soapbox" moment, but thinking along those lines is outdated.

It doesn't bear thinking about.

Earlier this week, I shared this story onhttp://www.thebay.co.uk/news/local-news/rare-domesticated-cat-shot-in-kendal-area/ Facebook,http://www.thebay.co.uk/news/local-news/rare-domesticated-cat-shot-in-kendal-area/
My first reaction was, sorrow for the owners of the cat, but on reflection, it raises more questions than it supplies answers.
Why was the person driving in possession of a loaded gun whilst driving? (Illegal in this country.)
Why shoot the cat?
Did they deliberately set out to shoot the cat?
Or did they just have in mind to shoot something?
It could have been a child playing in a garden who was shot, or anyone just going about their daily life.
That gun, if legal, should have been locked in the boot of the car.
I hope that the police catch this person.
For many reasons, they need catching, they're dangerous, the cat owner needs compensation, and the legality of the gun needs checking.

Difficult time

Over the last few weeks I've been missing Shadow like crazy.  I've only just stopped looking for her around the house.
Don't get me wrong, both her and Spark are still "around", spiritually speaking, I "feel" their presence, even though they are not here any more.
In a few days I'll be collecting my gorgeous Maine Coon, Anglesarke Raphael.....but I would still love another dog.  Perhaps when I'm gainfully employed again.

A sad day

Today, Shadow has crossed the rainbow bridge.  She'll be with Spark now.
She has been very poorly these last six months with a grade 4 heart murmur, fluid on her lungs, and poor circulation.  She was on 3 lots of pills, and the Last couple of times that she saw the vet, she had an injection as well.
When I took her last week, the vet said that she'd deteriorated vastly in four weeks.  Today she was put to sleep. She couldn't walk well when we got there, and she was shaking like crazy. I suspect that she knew that she wouldn't be coming home again.
My heart feels like it's broken into a thousand pieces.
I have to clear away her toys and beds, and just can't bring myself to do it.

And it starts.

Today is officially the last day of employment at the place where I have worked since 4th April 2005.
I have several tasks that I should complete today, and a dentist's appointment.
I only have one thing that I should really do today.
I have also applied for a couple of jobs, and sent my CV to someone who does a lot of networking. (They did ask me for it.)
When I was at the dentist, I noticed that they require a dental nurse. I have done the job before, but don't have any paper qualifications for the job. I might ring the practice manager and ask if it is worth me applying.
The other thing I need to do requires using Edwin's old pc...it's only marginally faster than the one I used at work, at least it's not linked to a network to slow things down. If I am successful in finding a job sooner rather than later, I might be able to treat myself to a new pc of my own.
Anyway, blogging is not going to get other stuff done.
I'm trying to be positive about job hunting, that's probably why I am putting off the other thing that I have to do today.

Quick update, now you have to be registered to be a dental nurse, so it's not worth me applying.

Strange "marketing" strategy!

On Sunday, I was sat knitting when the letter box went. Curious to see what was being put through the door on a Sunday afternoon.....probably yet another takeaway menu.  No! It wasn't, it was a small piece of paper stapled to a cellophane pouch, holding two foil wrapped hearts, I assume that they are chocolate.
Well.....it was Valentine's day. I turned it over, and thought that perhaps some young lady had taken a shine to Edwin, my youngest......but hold on a minute.....no it's not....it has the name of a local religious community at the top.  The wording further down states, "we love our community so we wanted to let you know that".
Then it goes on to give the details of the religious community's meeting times and dates.
Now, I don't know about you, but if their numbers go up next week, I would be highly suspicious, after all......how committed to the religious community would be the new "intake"....after all, if a couple of chocolates popped through a letter box boosts the congregation.....are they the sort of people that are wanted?
Could a religious community buy your membership with a couple of chocolates?  Would you be a true member?
Just asking, because I for one would not, and chocolates give me migraine.