The Job

Today's news is...I got the job! A little background here is necessary, as I've had folks emailing to ask what this "interview" was that I mentioned last week, so please let me explain. I hadn't started looking for work at all yet because Greta was still home from school until last week, and I was spending so much time getting all of that sorted out. But I was checking out the website for our local organic produce delivery, Abel & Cole, and noticed that they were hiring for their Customer Service Team. As a bit of a lark (and to prove to Steven that I was in fact intending to work this year), I forwarded them a cover letter and resume. I received a call that same day to discuss the position, but was told that they were really looking for full time employees, and I said that I wouldn't be available for this.

Then about two weeks ago, they called me back and said that they would like me to come in for an assessment interview the following Monday. Of course, this was the day that Greta was to start school and Steven was leaving for Devizes, but I said that I could make it. I rode my bike there in about 20 minutes, as it's right in Wimbledon, which is part of the appeal. When I arrived, I was escorted to a room with about seven other people (all young recent uni-grads, by the look of them). Within a few minutes, a few others arrived until there were about 12 of us. The staff explained that they had a series of exercises for us to complete, including a writing assignment, a mock cocktail party conversation, a brief one-on-one interview, etc. They informed us that they would let us know if we didn't pass the writing exercise and we would be free to leave at that time. This was when the bloke next to me said, "I feel like we're on the X-Factor!" In any event, I made it to the final cut and then got the call last week that they would like to offer me the position.

Some details about the job: it will be three days a week, which will change depending on the month's schedule, there are various 9-hour shifts, and occasional Saturdays. I'll be answering calls, emails, and webchat to assist Abel & Cole customers. The pay isn't brilliant (obviously, it is customer service), but I also get a weekly bag of fruit and veg, as well as a 35% discount on anything we order from them (this will save us quite a bit on our weekly box delivery). I can ride my bike there or take the bus, and the people seem really nice. All in all, seems like a pretty good part-time gig for this year, and the first job that I applied for.

Anyway, if this falls through, perhaps we can start selling Steven's art work. Here is a photo of his latest: