Semi-annual Rampage Has Started! (Again)

Mom's semi-annual "move-out" rampage started a few days ago and will last for I-don't-know how many days. Funny thing is, it was triggered by simply not going grocery shopping with her in order to study for 3 tests (scheduled one after the other). One thing's for sure, her constant insults aren't much help and I'm too sick of it to even care. I'm already stressed enough with schoolwork and workplace issues, I don't need more to suffocate myself. Maybe I should have stayed at the campus to get some studying done. The test tomorrow morning is huge and I'm nowhere near ready. What am I going to do???

(Study, obviously!)

Hopeless?

I came by the store last week to get a little something for mom and unexpectedly met the new manager. Although she had the managerial look, she did seem like a nice person. After a brief introduction, I mentioned about the schedule and emphasized my availability throughout the week. I was somewhat relieved when the problem was brought to her attention and rather disappointed the instant I found myself scheduled for only two days this week. I guess it's better than nothing right?

I'm still working hard with my job-hunt, but success seems a little distant and school is going to start soon...

The End Maybe?

I came by the store last week to find that I'm not scheduled to work at all this week. I guess the mistake I made with the merchandise did cost me my job. Could this be the end? My mind is blank right now. Perhaps I'll blog about this on a later date.

Too Many Questions, Too Much Time!

Man, it's 5am and I'm still wide awake. Despite my fatigue, I don't feel like sleeping. Food is now an option and each day is passing by ever so slowly. I'm quite aware of my upset lifestyle, and I'm pretty sure it's not that bad. Besides, it'll change by the time school starts...

The store is no longer "managerless" because the new manager is starting today. Everyone else is scheduled with her throughout the week - except me. As usual, I'm lazying around at home while everyone else are doing their best to leave a good impression with her. Would they, while performing a great show, express how awful I am? I'd seriously die of laughter if I end up introducing myself by Christmas. Would I last that long? Or would my existence be meaningless by then? How would she schedule me? Would she give me the chance? Or would she be filled with irritation from the first sight of me? Who knows!

I am scared, but I'd rather have them answered than to wait like this. The sooner I find out, the better. Besides, this isn't something I can control - might as well accept reality.

What Can I Do Now?

Since my manager left, I've only been given a single 4 hour shift on Sundays and it's definitely not what I want. I've already changed my availability to show that I'm able to work throughout the week, but still no change. I've spoken to my assistant manager twice that I wanted more shifts, but she just used petty excuses and lies like "not enough hours to share" when my co-worker had at least 12 hours that week, and "not experienced enough to be on the floor," but seriously, how am I able to improve when I'm not even given the chance to? And now she scheduled an appointment to speak with me tomorrow. About what? I really have no clue. It could be a performance evaluation, or an opportunity to fire me. I don't know and it's really bothering me... What can I do now?

An Advice from a Good Friend

I just woke up from my nap. After I came home from my shift earlier today, I gave myself an opportunity to take a short rest before continuing with my homework. (In case you're wondering, I didn't do much at work. Business was slow and there wasn't much to do.)

Another crazy school week awaits me (as if my original timetable wasn't tight enough), but I do have confidence that I'll do fine with it.

While waiting for math class to start last week Thursday (the previous class ends at 5:30pm and math starts at 6:30pm), I sat with a friend in the cafeteria and talked about random things. During that random conversation, she advised me to say 'hi' or any other salutation to those in my program. She noticed that I just look at my classmates and walk past them, whether I recognized them or not, and that was a sign of rudeness.

I knew she meant well, but I honestly didn't mean to be rude at all, whether or not my classmates found it so. With fatigue weighing down on me, I don't have much energy left to greet people (even a smile feels like a lot of work), but I do get her point. Not saying 'hi' to others is a sign of unfriendliness, and as someone who's (usually) friendly, it's not like me to do such actions.

I guess I should take her advice and make a quick change. This means that a makeover with my attitude towards my workload will take place, which should help me survive the semester and make me feel more energized. Perhaps I'll start with saying 'hi' to people I think I can connect with and move on from there...

I guess a little change won't hurt and besides, I do benefit from it!

First Day at Work!

Finally, a chance for me to type in my blog!!

Last week Wednesday, the manager of the store called me and asked me to work that day! Unfortunately, I wasn't near ready and so I requested to start the next day...

My first shift was scheduled at 10am, when the store opens. The assistant manager led me to the back room and gave me an apron, which was the store's uniform, to put on. Then she gave me a training checklist for the cash register and allowed me to spend my first two hours there "playing" with the machine. When I truly started working on the cash, I was quite nervous. I was afraid that I might overcharge the customers, or worse, undercharge them! Fortunately, the customers were nice enough to not rush me and gave me lots of encouragement along the way. My coworkers were also pretty nice and didn't show any irritation when I asked them for help. Instead, they were happy (or seemed to at least) to guide and walk me through each step. Before I knew it, my first shift was over and it was time to get home.

I continued to work on cash for the next two days and I couldn't believe how many people came to do last minute shopping for Father's Day. I didn't really feel the rush until Saturday. There were huge tides of people coming into the store and purchasing indefinite amount of gifts. Of course, the pressure to work faster was unavoidable (I'm still pleased with myself as I handled it quite well). After several herds of people coming in and paying at the counter, the day was finally over! My feet were in pain (from long hours of standing), and my shoulders and legs were sore!

Business was slower for the next few days, granting me more time to explore the store. I hope I will continue to do well in my first job and make lots of money (enough to help my mom, and perhaps pay for tuition and books). For now, all I can really do is to work hard in my studies and do well at work.

Wish me luck!