What day is it!?

I'm starting to dislike working odd days.  I don't have a set pattern as such. Normally I would be doing 2 or 3 days per week, but the past few weeks and the next two have some seriously random days set for me.

It's already got to the point whereby I'm waking up in the morning with no clue whatsoever as to which day it is and whether I ought to scrambling out of bed or if I can lie back and relax.  That's no fun.

So it feels like each week is passing rather strangely for me.  I'm so used to a five-day working week and a weekend that I can't handle the randomness of my new routine.  If routine is even the word!

Having an odd day here and an odd day there, it doesn't make me feel like I get a proper rest inbetween.  I'm easily losing track of what I've done the day before and how long it's been since I've spoken to people or done somthing.

My poor little brain can't cope!  I need a stable routine of Mon-Fri again - I miss it something terrible.

The Little Things #3

Soaking your sore feet after spending the entire day on them at work.

Sheer heaven to be able to sit down and take the weight off your throbbing feet.  Soak them in warm water then a little massage with some sweet-smelling lotion. Bliss!

Placated

Well, a little less to grumble about - I've applied to another three jobs this evening. :)

Two are in an ideal location, hours and wages not bad either.  The other one is a bit further away (maybe a 45 minute drive?  Although who knows with early morning traffic!) but I'm sure I could manage it.

Would be nice to at least to get an interview.

Grumble

Nothing like an unappreciative boss and a cruddy day at work to get you in the mood for job hunting!

Filters

Job advert websites are an absolute boon.  People are no longer limited to scouring a local newspaper where there are a limited number of jobs listed. (I do still check my local paper, but I'm lucky if there's one or two jobs I could even apply for!) There are now so many different websites, some devoted to a certain field of expertise, allowing you access to thousands of adverts. 

Even in spite of the recession, there are plenty of jobs available (although I'll admit still not enough for everyone yet!) so these sites are generally very helpful in giving you the options of filtering out the jobs you're not interested in.  Location, full time or part time, permanent or temporary, area of work - you can really narrow them down if you want to.

Well, that's assuming the filters work.

Take Directgov for example.  I found Job No.2 on this site so I'm a regular visitor here.  It's a pretty good site, easy to navigate, good filter options.  However, I'm not 100% convinced that they are working the way they should.

As per my needs, I set the hours and perm/temp filters to '30 +' and 'permenant'.  I specifically desire this exact combination for good reasons.  So why am I currently viewing an advert for a temporary receptionist?  The hours are 37 per week, but the job is no use to me if the duration is 'unknown' as stated within the advert.   Another advert, this time for an admin assistant; permanent (excellent) but it's only 16 hours per week (not so excellent - I need more not less!).

Neither of these jobs are what I need.  You'd think the filters would pick out the jobs that match both criteria, rather than one or the other.  If I wasn't fussed about either I would have selected 'any hours' and 'both' for the perm/temp option!

It's an annoyance to be sure.  We shouldn't have to double-check the descriptions each time.

Still, I guess it's not as bad as a local job site that when you ask to see jobs in my home town, it'll ignore you and show you stuff from just about anywhere in the country.  Or the Job Centre terminals, they're just as handy!  Select the area you want to search for jobs - nope, have a gander at these jobs from the other end of the country instead!

It's not exactly conducive to getting people back into work if we can't find the advertisements we want is it?

A New Look

How do you like the new look?  :)

I went looking for a new template last night and could easily have been seduced by endless fabulous designs.  I was very taken with several anime/manga themes, flowers and all kinds.  But I did have to be firm with myself - it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to use a hip hop/dance theme when my blog is more about my working life, no matter how fantastic the design!

At first, I thought an office desk look would be more appropriate but to be frank they all seemed a bit dull.  This one caught my eye as it's a nice shade of blue (not a million miles from what I picked in the first place).  It was either this or a purple one but I've got a better feeling about this one.

I hope it brightens up the place somewhat.

The Little Things #2

That Unexpected Bargain

For the Shop job, I have to be very smart and presentable.  There isn't a uniform as such but obviously jeans and trainers don't make the cut.  I was slightly lacking in suitable tops when I accepted the job, so I embarked on some clothes shopping to try and find a few smart shirts to wear.

Given that my funds are limited, I don't want to spend a fortune (so I don't even look at Next!) and head for a cheaper shop.  My luck is in.  I find a nice dark green shirt that would suit my job.  Priced at £7.99 I feel I've found a good one.

However, when the shirt goes through the till, there's something of a difference in price.

It's £2!

Unexpected but enormously appreciated, I leave with money in my wallet and a big smile on my face. :D

Anyone else ever found an unexpected bargain?