Diving Back Into the Workforce..Yippee

I'm doin' it, and its about damned time. Tomorrow I reenter the work force. I had been laid off in late July, and while I have enjoyed the time off, its time to get a real paycheck coming in again.

At first, I was heartily discouraged when I began my job search in earnest, as I was not getting the responses I had hoped for. You see, I had worked myself into a corner at this phase of my existance. The job I have been doing for the past twenty years, is one generally reserved for someone with a higher degree than I have, and to be brutally honest, I am getting a little old to be doing nursing "grunt" work on a daily basis.

Most times, I could not even garner an interview. I was  once told, "You just have too much specialized experience, we can't afford you". The few jobs that were offered carried a $10-18 per hour pay cut.

When I was laid off, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to further my education, as a displaced worker, of which there are Federal funds available. I hit a solid roadblock, in that the people at the Employment center were extremely discouraging. They made me feel as if I were taking monies out of their own pockets for even asking about the Displaced workers programs.  Thier attitude was that if I could get any job, nursing or otherwise, I did not deserve a further education.

Yes, I could feasibly pay for school myself, but to be honest, I don't need a $10k debt at this point in my life.

However, In the past three weeks, the offers have been pouring in.

( Its peculiar that this happens when my personal life is in turmoil, as my Dad was dying, and I had to tell every potential employer that I was obligated to help my family in Ky. in this trying time, and I would have to take berevement days within a few days or weeks of hire. Daddy passed on Dec. 2.)

In the past few weeks, I have been offered, in the position I desired:

A job 25 miles from home, but no vacation or sick days for a year. (Declined, after initially accepting, as when the administrator called to set a start date, made a rather cold comment when I told him I was on my way to my Dad's funeral. I don't want to work for that guy. )

A job 22 miles from home, at better pay than the above, and in an upscale neighborhood.( I just don't think I would feel comfortable among the uber wealthy, on a day to day basis)

A job 78 miles away from home, for less pay than the first, but it had a really nice feel to the place.

And lastly, a job 97 miles away, but for an ungodly amount of money, $10k more than the highest offer.( I didn't even go to the interview after driving all that way out there. The neighborhood looks extremely dangerous, and the building itself was in pretty lousy repair, leading me to think the residents probably didn't fare much better. Which would lead to turmoil, and probably firing, as I am an avid cheerleader for my old folks welfare)

I guess I should mention here, that travel is not a problem for me, as Bill and I have been looking for a reason to move to a little town close to the last two jobs. The commute would only be for a month or so.

I have decided upon the job 78 miles away. I really liked the feel of the place. The Administrator and Director of Nursing were really personable, and very understanding about my family issues.The building is not a showplace, but it has a nice and homey feeling, which is important for me.

So, everyone, wish me luck, and forgive me for not Gathering much in the coming weeks. I figure it will be 12 hour days, including the commute, till we get moved.

And Carolion Grailbear, know of any rental properties? We're gonna be neighbors, hon.