Thursday, January 24, 2008

Doing Fine, Fine, Fine!

Hubby is out today on another job interview. I have lost count of how many interviews he has been to and how many applications he has filled out. He got hired by Jiffy Lube in the beginning of this month and we were so excited for him to finally get an offer from someone! He was scheduled to begin a 3 to 4 day training where he would be put up in a hotel until the end of training. He was to start on a Tuesday morning and be home either Thursday night or Friday, depending on how quick he completed the training. The training was about 2 1/2 hours away, so he had made allowance to pack early and planned to leave at 4 am to get there in time for the 8:00 starting time. Monday morning, he was all set and ready to go and even called a friend that lived in that area to meet for coffee.

On Monday afternoon, he called the office where he would start working after completing his training to double check on the training dates and times. The manager that hired him answered the call and told him that he was so glad he called, that he made a mistake in hiring him and that no, he didn't get the job. WTF?! If Hubby had not called, would they have even called us to let us know?? Would he have made a 2 1/2 hour drive only to be told to turn around and go home? Needless to say, Hubby was quite mad and he went outside to chop some wood to work off some of his anger.

We are over the "Jiffy Lube incident" and after talking about it, we think maybe it was a blessing in disguise. When he was called back for an interview with them, and he showed up on time, it turned out the manager had left and went home without cancelling his interviews, so Hubby had wasted his time going down there and had to reschedule another interview time. Then when they failed to inform Hubby of their error in hiring him, we both realized that working for a company that doesn't take responsibility in making calls or have the courtesy to keep people up to date, is not a company worth working for.

Since then, Hubby has filled out more applications, both online and in person, endured hundreds of background checks and more questions, but for some reason or other, does not get the job. If it wasn't for the things we sell on eBay, we would not be able to keep our heads above water. I don't know if it is because it's a new year, or what, but we are feeling very optimistic about our financial situation. As I sat down to pay the bills, it was sort of like Russian roulette: pay this one or that one? Can't pay both... We get phone calls everyday from someone wanting to know where the payment for this is and if it has been sent yet. We check the ID caller before Hubby answers the phone and by now, we have recognized when it it is a creditor and we decline to pick up the phone. I never thought I'd be playing hide-and-seek with the phone, but it's kind of funny. The phone will ring and we'll check and see that it's our "friends" calling and we'll look at each other and laugh. It's all we can do now. I'm confident that someone will offer Hubby a job soon, and then we can answer the phone when our "friends" call.

On the bright side of things, we have each other and there is lots of love and joy in this house. I am now 4 months pregnant and doing just wonderful! My eBay sales are going well and I'll be able to pay a couple of bills next week if it keeps up. Oldest is doing great in her school work, Middle is figuring out how to get away with not doing chores and Youngest is slowly getting the hang of being potty-trained while showing a few signs of those "terrible twos". Life is good. We have learned to live within our means and any job that Hubby can get will feel like we have hit the jackpot, and first things first, we will pay off those "friends" of ours!

**I've been asked by a couple of people what my eBay name is so that they can see what I have up for sale. I sell mostly vintage items like Pyrex and other kitchen items along with vintage toys and cars. Then I also throw in a little bit of what I find at yard sales and thrift shops. My ID is Daisyblue73 Feel free to take a look and if you see something you like, by all means, bid! :o)

6 comments:

Michelle D said...

I'm sorry to hear about jiffy incident. I'd like to know your ebay id so i can go over there and see what you have. I want to help you out. I have been there what you have been through even though I don't have kids. Smile.

Unknown said...

Hope his interview went well today!

That is just crazy about Jiff Lube. I can't believe a corporation as large as that would make such inconsiderate "mistakes".

jenny said...

Michelle-- Hi and Welcome!! We were pretty upset about jiffy lube, but we're ok about it now. Looking forward to the next interview and hoping something good comes from that! :o) My ebay ID is: Daisyblue73 I sell mostly vintage 50's items like kitchen ware and toys. Never know, you might find something you like!

jenny said...

Dana-- Hubby came home feeling pretty good about his interview today, so our fingers are crossed! We don't have anything against Jiffy Lube because of this, but I think we will be getting oil changes from somewhere else now.

Lantana said...

Wow,bummer! We have Oilcan Henrys here, a different company, than Jiff Lube of course, but we have noticed a big turn over in employees there. They are always advertising Help Wanted.

I hope that your DH can find a job that makes him happy and that he will be excited to go to work each day.

What about the local deaf school? Or is it too far away?

I love your positive outlook. You are so brave and optimistic!

Lantana

Sparx said...

Hi Jenny - I think that what Jiffy Lube did is probably illegal and having offered your husband the position they are very likely legally bound to give it to him. I think you should check this out as this is appalling behaviour. You could possibly argue that your husband stopped going to other interviews on the back of the offer and therefore they possibly cost him his livelihood... worth a check.