Tuesday, March 13, 2007

The Other Job

Have you ever been hired sight unseen, resume unseen? That's how I fell into my newly acquired job. I've never met the person who hired me three months ago--so far they are only a shadowy figure on the other end of an email address where I post my hours worked.

Somebody asked me the other day, "So how do you like your other job?"

As it's been one of the things cutting into my blogging time, and jobs have been on my mind lately, I thought I'd talk a bit about it.

My new job, as once mentioned before, is at a dentist office in the evening. Two or three times a week. I clean all the sharp little instruments a dentist is likely to wiggle around in your mouth. I scrape out disgusting strawberry-flavoured mouth moulds--its like bubble-gum in appearance and consistency. I polish the great HUGE stainless steel needles and rinse blood out of the syringes. As I've long suspected about myself, I'm not grossed out by much. Lucky for that, huh?

Some of the thingies I clean I can't even imagine how they are used in the context of sticking it in someone's mouth...although I can envision their usefulness as a weapon in a self-defense situation.

Things I LIKE About This Job

* It's quiet.
*I work by myself.
* I can actually see that work is getting accomplished.
*I like fiddling around with all the funky medical equipment. The models of actual mouths and teeth are really interesting to look at too.

Things I DISLIKE

* Thanks for ruining my appreciation of strawberry flavoured bubble-gum, like, forever , Dentist Job!

But, all in all, I actually rather like this job.....it's gotten me thinking about doing other work in general.

Things at my day job, at the preschool I've worked at ten years, are a little up in the air right now.

Government cuts. Possible wage roll-backs. Low staff morale. "Reconfiguration": a vague word I'm growing to swiftly dislike. It's doubtful I'll actually lose my job, but some brutally un-fun staff meetings have made me wonder about other lines of work. Seriously.

They say that the average person changes careers eight times in their lifetime. I think I may be overdue for one.

Any ideas for me, people?

Er, something lucrative, entertaining, and with travel perks preferably.

10 comments:

keeper of the flame said...

Now, why don't you just put those nasty things down, Spider Grrrrrl!! You're scaring me with that look in your eye...if I didn't know better, I'd be wondering if this lovely portrait isn't a promo audition shot for the revival episode of 6 Feet Under! But your days as a potential mortician are behind you now, aren't they? Aren't they, Spider Girl?!

Pol* said...

I still think you need to attampt to publish your travel journals complete with hand scrawled notes and scans of the bits and pieces. Littered with an abundance of the FANTASTIC pictures, they are sure to inspire and entertain. It couldn't hurt to try!

AND the preschool chronicals! Tips and stories from a childcare worker trying to stay sane with pudding in her hair!

Oh! And of course the interesting and fascinating lore of your family!!!! Though you would probably have to call it fiction since there is some way cool stuff that barely anyone can believe ;)

Gary said...

My only advice is to try to find something that you truly love. Not only will you enjoy it more, but you will probaably do better at it too. I spent many years doing work I wasn't really suited for, and if I had taken my own advice, things would havegone better. Mind you, I'm not complaining.

Best of luck.

Eric said...

I don't really want to know what you can do with that thing...

Mike said...

Haha, poor Eric just had his wisdom teeth pulled. Timely post :) Unlike him, I do want to know what you can do with that thing!

Sienna said...

I have decided Canadians have the funniest sense of humor(s) in the world!
G'day Spider Girl
I am Pam, wandered over from (I forget where I came from?!?)..anyway I think it is hilarious you with the dentistry gear...this reminds me of the blogger JRThumbprint? using his neighbors spa bath while they are away!..although I don't think he is Canadian.
You guys are so funny...new line of work is fun, I hope you find something you really "want to sink your teeth into" (sorry) and enjoy...maybe? you seem to like travel...travel agency work?...here in Oz we can get discounted travel flights after 12mths work in travel agency?

Just a thought...also admire the belly dancing, great courage and style and nice fundraiser for the person injured, so sweet, I'm sorry to hear she is facing such tough challenges..

I cannot dance to save myself, can run, but not dance :)
Good luck with (thinking-new career)

Pam

BostonPobble said...

Oooo! When you find that job ~ whatever it may be ~ can I be your assistant????? Wish I could offer a real alternative/suggestion though. (seriously)

kimber said...

Change is in the wind! Good change! Happy change!

Dagoth said...

Hi Spider

My first two engineering jobs came to me via phonecalls from persons unknown with interviews telling me what I was going to do at the job not asking me what I could do. I got to thinking that I didn't have to look for a job, rather they were looking for me... It seems to me your travel blog makes a good resume in itself to help get you into any travel agency...

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