Oct 22 2012
Good Job
As you all know, decision-making is not my strong point. I’m especially ungifted at making good decisions. But I think my decision to move to Hooterville three years ago today is one of the best ones I’ve made recently. Yes, job prospects are scary and dwindling, but at least I have my family to support and help me through the bad times.
On Thursday night, Megan stopped by with an instant cocktail party in a bag and we commiserated on our dwindling job prospects. Hospital management and her union are negotiating, and it’s not pretty. The offer includes things like a 7% pay cut, losing their retirement plan, and no more healthcare coverage for spouses unless the employee carries the entire cost instead of part of it. Needless to say, the union rejected it, so negotiations continue. Megan is terrified that she will be forced to go out on strike, which means not being paid at all.
She went to a union meeting on the weekend. Her idea is to take the employees’ case to the public by putting articles in the local papers and making the community aware of what is happening. I hope that once people realize what’s going on, they will support the hospital employees and try to keep the hospital open. After all, this is the same community that saved the library and the quite splendid pool.
As for our heroine, she got a 15% pay cut which is also indefinite. I am now making less money than I did when I was a secretary more than 20 years ago, which is not the sign of a good career path. Not for the first time, I reflected on my lack of decision-making skills. I should have studied a more lucrative career path, like a dominatrix or a plumber.
Fortunately, I still have the jobette, but as anyone who has ever worked for a non-profit knows, it means non-profit for you, too. I’m sure they would pay me more if they could, but they can’t. I’m still looking around for a “real” job, but they are few and far between up here and seem to go to friends or relatives.
At least I have family and friends. And a sister who comes by prepared with tangerine vodka, pretzel crisps, and white bean hummus to share while we sit in the garden and share our troubles.
4 Responses to “Good Job”
You say that your decision making are not very good, I would argue that the best decision you’ve made was to move to Hooterville. Here, at least you’re surrounded with people who care for you, care for their community, even work together to solve the smallest of problems, where would one live to get the same care and devotion for their small town? I’m certain that the town will get behind the hospital and staff if they know what’s going on. There’s certainly no reason and it is dangerous to think of cuts of this nature, everyones health is at risk and health care is of upmost importance. As for your status regarding work, I think society as a whole puts too much importance on where one is on the material scale, they forget where we should really be as people.
I do admit that , financially, things look rather bleak at the moment…..but get those articles in the local papers and inform the public in no uncertain terms as to what is going on. I’m more than sure that you will get good results. There is nothing like people power….
Wouldn’t it be great if you had someone came in at your Jobette who had just the job for you!!!! You never can tell….
jx
Best of luck; you know I can commiserate. I wish I could say more, but for now I’m not talking publicly about work (especially on my blog). Perhaps I’ll drop you a note.
I have no words of wisdom or advise, just hugs. And I have to agree, being surrounded by family and friends that care and are always willing to lend a hand is truly a gift. Moving to be close to them was a good decision!