Decisions, Decisions, DECISIONS!

I got a call on Wednesday from Cleveland State Community College. I applied with them 5 months ago when I found out that I was terminated. I never heard back from them, so I thought that they filled the position and that I was on the very short list into the trash can.

I got in the car on a delivery and noticed a voicemail, listened to it, and found out that they are interested in me coming to take a keyboard test to see if I qualify for the position and take it a step further into the interview process.

I have been with Pizza Hut for nearly a little over 3 months. Yes, I love what I am doing, but right now the economy is slow and people are just not buying stuff like pizza and pasta. And if they do, they come and get it, gas has gone down and they don't like paying for someone to deliver it to them. Unless they live way out in the delivery area. It is easier on them that way.

I am 41 years old and I am one of the oldest people working there. I work with a bunch of kids or adults that think they are still kids. I am one of the few that has worked a real job and knows what is expected of people when they work a real job. To these people, this isn't a real job. They are late, they sit around, they goof off all the time, they forget that there is a call on hold, they read books while on the clock, they take time out for their friends while they are on the clock. Me, I am on time, I do all is asked of me, I have been called in many times and have been there without a problem. I also have learned the kitchen aspect, make the pizzas when needed, courteous to the customers, respectful to the people above me. I know what it is like to have to work a real job, this may be a layover for me, it may be my future, I don't know.

The past few weeks have been a little frustrating for me. I started training for the shift manager's position shortly after I started there. I thought this would be a good thing. The one girl that just turned 18 is training for it too, but she put it on hold for a while. She thought that she wouldn't get the respect that she deserves, so she postponed it. A few weeks ago the one shift manager got written up for the 2nd time for the same offense, 3 times and you are out of there. The other girl was so excited that she was gonna be promoted. Ok, that is fine. But I did ask about where I stood and turns out my boss, the training boss, decided that she did not want to train 2 people at once and I was put on the back burner until further notice. That is fine, I enjoy delivering.

Also at work I have been the target of, well, "bitchiness" from my boss. Now, we have known her for 6 years. Chuck worked under her when he first started, he has been friends with her the entire time. Even though he is a GM now, they still are friends. But, things change. Favoritism happens too. She fusses at me for things like not having a topper on my car, and if I don't, then I only get 1/2 of the driver reimbursement, or how about when Chuck needed the Jetta and I had to drive the MB for about 2 hours. She compares me to the little 18 year old and that I should work as hard as she does, but then again, she is handed all the overtime, even though I have said that I am always available to work when needed. I don't mind helping out, I do mind getting used as a doormat.

So, now back to the original topic. I get the phone call, ignore it, she calls me back wanting me to take the keyboard test on Friday, either at noon or 5. I explained to her that I work that day and I cannot make it, but thank you for considering me.

Yesterday, on a run, my phone rings, it is the same woman. She has rearranged the schedule and would like to know if I can be there Monday at noon for the keyboard test. Of course I will be there, thank you for the call. This shows that either they need someone to fill a position or they are interested in me. Either way, I will be there Monday at noon for this. I can ace this thing!

The thing is though, if I do well with this, I get an interview. But I have to think ahead with this. If I am interviewed and they like me and I am offered the job, then what? If the pay is good, then what? I like what I am doing, am I a door mat? No. I don't work many nights, I don't have to go into the bad areas a lot. I am always careful driving. My mom doesn't care for me working there, but right now, in a state that has 7% unemployment, it is a job. The bills are paid, the boys have clothes, we have food, and we still have our cars.

I know that working at the college, there isn't much room for advancement, but if they pay what I was making before, that is an option. Because a shift manager doesn't get paid what I was making before. Not by a long shot. But there is room for advancement from there. A Salary Asst Manager gets paid very nicely. I know this, because Chuck was on for a long time. BUT, under this manager, no one gets that far, you have to work under another GM to get the proper training, guess who that is.... CHUCK, and I can't work under him at all.

So, I don't know what to do. I don't know where to go. I know that this may not happen for me, but I have to take into consideration everything right now. I have to look into everything and I have to think about what is best for me and for the family. This other job is 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, 8 - 5. Back to the old routine of life, living life to the alarm clock.

I will keep you updated on this.