Taking A Break

As I near the end of one chapter of my life, I think about what my next move will be. Considering, my current job/schooling, which is one in the same, will be completed on July 8, 2009. Which basically means, I have to find a new job.
I decided to apply for this program because I wanted to have all of the tools I need to advance my career. Keeping that in mind, I took a $30,000 pay cut in order to embark on this endeavor. That in itself has been a struggle, as well as adjusting to a 1.5 hour/one way commute, getting my husband to share in household duties, study, learn the ropes in a new environment, etc., etc. Needless to say, the past 10 months have been trying but everyone says, "It's worth it. You'll have your SBB in the end." I smile, but in the back of my head I think, "What is the point of being a specialist if you can't find a freakin' job that utilizes your skills?!?!?"
Sadly, the deteriorating economy has had this devastating ripple affect that impacts ALL areas, including the job security we thought we had with health care. Why is that? Well, as people lose their jobs, they also lose their health insurance, which means they are less likely to come to the hospital because they cannot afford to pay out of pocket for treatment. So, hospitals lose money, they lay employees off, have hiring freezes, and do not fill vacant positions because it's cheaper for them to pay over time to current employees as opposed to hire someone to fill in.
How is that affecting me as a blood bank specialist with a Master's degree? Tremendously! I am over qualified for the positions that are available, meaning I would have to settle for a position that would not compensate me for my wealth of knowledge and value to any work environment. On top of that, I may have to work an off shift, like night shift or evening shift, which I vowed on May 1, 2008 that I would NEVER do again. I've worked too hard and have too much to offer to have to settle. Is it too much to ask for a day shift position with no holiday or weekend obligation at any local health care organization? Probably. LOL!
So, I've decided I will take a break. What? I deserve it. I've worked hard and I've been paying into unemployment since the tender age of 16. I think it's only fair to collect some of what is mine anyway. I know, unemployment will only last me for but so long. So, I plan to collect unemployment for about 2 months, after which I will apply for positions at my neighborhood fast food restaurants. This will allow me to continue my "break", while still having some income that does not require me to be responsible and accountable. I think it will be fun to work with the local teenagers and underachievers for a while. I hope to learn from them or at least acquire some motivation to "settle" for those positions that I currently look down on.
As a borderline OCD Virgo, I always have to have a plan. I need to know what my next move is. I have faith that God has a plan for me, but since it has not been revealed to me as of yet, this is my plan. LOL!


Disclaimer: This is a joke...kind of.

On the Commuter Train

Commuting to work can be very interesting on the MARC train Penn Line. I have taken on the hobby of people watching instead of reading in order to pass the time on the train. While watching random people and their actions, it causes me to ask myself, "Is this normal?"

1. Extremely pronounced arm swinging while walking at a fast pace. Does this make you walk faster? Or does walking fast cause this?
2. Pocket protectors attached to your belt. WTH?!?!
3. Waking someone up to ask if the seat next to them is taken. Does the pashmina over my head and earphones in my ear not communicate clearly that I don't want to be bothered? Do you not see the lunch bag, purse, AND shopping bag in the seat, indicating it belongs to someone who only left to go to the restroom? Do you NOT see the other 4 people sitting in this section? Couldn't you have asked one of them?
4. Cutting someone off only to stop in front of them on the escalator. Everyone is in a rush to get home or to work, please keep it moving or step behind people who are moving.
5. Overweight people. I don't want to sit next to one, as they ALWAYS spill over in to the seat next to them. They impede my commute time by walking slowly in front of me and I can't get around them. They stand on the down escalator. Please, PLEASE, do us all a favor and walk down the escalator. It can't POSSIBLY take THAT much energy.
6. Eating chips, candy, and other finger foods after touching all of the hand rails and buttons on public transportation. All I have to say is, EEEEEWWWWW!!!!
7. Crowding around the exit in order to be the first person to exit the train. Is the 30 seconds saved by doing that REALLY going to make a big difference? Do you think I, who have a seat by the door, want to look at your crotch or butt?
8. Loud cell phone conversations about personal business. Nuff said!
9. Loud conversations, period. Do you see all of the people with their eyes closed? Do you really think they want to hear you gab on about your kids, your day at work, your hairdresser, your plans for the weekend, etc? Please keep conversations between you and the other person involved, the whole train doesn't need to hear it.
10. Smells....the good, the bad, and the ugly. Do you think it is necessary to smell up 8 square feet surrounding you? If you leave car parked all day and smell your cologne/perfume when you return to it in the evening, you MIGHT be putting on too much. How do you think your fellow commuter train patrons feel? How do you think your co-workers feel? Please consider showering within 10 hours of boarding the commuter train-some people prefer to shower at night instead of in the morning. Body odor is unacceptable after the age of 7.

In general, I enjoy my commute on the MARC train. I can focus on anything I want to BESIDES driving. The pashmina over my head and headphones generally block out any nuisances, with the exception listed in #3. I know I'll have to do it for at least a year, so I'll just find the humor in all of the people watching I can do.