MICHIGAN WORKS OFFICE
I decided to dip into my "sudo" vacation time to finish the unemployment claims process. I went to the Michigan Works office to register. Actually I had no idea what I was going to be doing since I completed the database on line. I was greeted by two perky gals that asked for my license and told me to fill out some paperwork. The information requested was an abbreviated version of what I had already entered before through the website. They were nice enough and I got a sense that Michigan is trying not to make it too easy to get unemployment so I was fine with everything. I felt good and chatty since there was no one in the office and the experience was less embarrassing than anticipated. But of course, as I was finally feeling OK with the process - wouldn't you know that a gorgeous man(model like honestly) walks out from the backroom and said hi and gave me a sympathetic look. There goes my self esteem - I thought I was getting out of the office anonymously, seen by no one.
I think Michigan Works hires only upbeat people because the ladies helping me out tried to lift my spirits by complimenting "my happy hat" because of the vibrant pink color. Kind of made me feel like learning disabled. I thought the hat was cute but now being labeled "the happy hat" I feel differently about my fashion choice.
OUTPLACEMENT SERVICES
With my severance package, my company provides outplacement services and this group has been very aggressive to get in contact with me to say the least. It is almost like a Single White Female Situation. I panic every time I see the message light blinking on my phone. I had deliberately been holding off for a few weeks to call until I was ready to start the search again. I finally called them back because honestly I thought they may show up to my house... and needless to say, I am scheduled for my resume writing session in a few weeks - more to come on that front.
FEELING LIKE A SHOE
Finally, yesterday I was contacted by a recruiter who I have known on our off for a few years. He asked me for my resume and position/geographic preferences. He came back to me and said since the economy has been doing so awful, would I be willing to lower my salary requirements. As you know, yesterday I went shopping for pants and I decided to go into Nieman Marcus. I usually never buy anything there because it is crazy expensive. I wandered over to the shoe department. I have had some of my most creative and thought inspiring moments immersed in shoes. Anyways, I went over the sale rack - "the discarded, did not make the cut shoes." These shoes probably had high aspirations since they made it to the elite shop of Nieman Marcus. Only to quickly be moved to the lack of interest rack. I picked up a pair of toeless boots(never understood this style as you certainly need your toes covered in the winter and in the summer you don't want your ankle covered)and I felt like this shoe. This recruiter wanted to send me directly to the discount shoe rack.
WEEK IN REVIEW
It has been generally a really great week and even though there are highs and lows - I did have a good funny. I went to weigh in at Weight Watchers (which is going very well by the way) and there was a lady in front of me trying to enroll. Normally I get annoyed because I am in a hurry but this week I had nothing but time. I sat and watched for about 10 minutes as the cashier was trying to explain to this woman that she can sign up for a package which included 12 meetings for $138 or another package that included 20 meetings for $178. She kept asking which was cheaper. The employee said that per meeting charge drops when you purchase a larger package. This is a common concept in most purchases involving meetings, sessions etc.. Anyways, this customer could not understand it and this back and forth loop went on and on with no end in sight. I was secretly laughing... one good laugh a day still applies.
REALIZATION - Applying for unemployment was not as bad as anticipated - and I was actually impressed with their streamlined approach. I should not choose to go immediately to the sale rack - I have competitive skills and can compete with the Loubouton and Manolo Blahniks (designer shoe references) professionals of the world at full price.
Friday, January 8, 2010
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I always refer to Neiman Marcus as "Needless Markups," but they have great stuff and the visual displays in the store are so amazing, you can't help but go in there!
ReplyDeleteYou have a good point today - maybe it's not so bad to end up on the discount shoe rack, as long as it's at Neiman Marcus!
Looking forward to your next post!