My last post describes some of the low points I may experience along this journey. My plan is to take more science classes in the fall, but the biggest thing on my mind currently is how do I pay for the classes?
After milking my father to pay for the expensive SJC education (even after scholarships and grants), I don’t want to hit him up for two more years of school. So, I decided I needed to go back to work.
Around spring break I started looking for a summer job in Alaska. Anyone who has worked a seasonal job up there knows that end of March is a bad time to start a job search. Naturally, a majority of the positions were filled. In the past, I have picked up summer jobs at a particular cruise line company, but this summer they are not as receptive as they have been. A variety of factors such as: the economy, Alaska cruise season starting early, and taking a summer off made it more difficult to go back to the cruise line company.
In early April I kicked my job search in a higher gear and started sending out my cover letter/resume. I even cold called dozen or so businesses to get them to look at my resume and talk to me. I think I’ve applied to around 40 jobs by early May. It sucks right now to be a 16-24 year old since the unemployment rate for that age group is around 19%. I also felt that employers were holding my graduating date (May 22nd) against me and wanted workers right away.
For a long time, I felt like I wouldn’t be able to get a job. Brittany, always the great optimist, told me that I’m sending out so many resumes, all the employers will call me back at the same time and that I shouldn’t worry.
A couple of weeks later and I started getting call backs–all at the same time. Another reason why you shouldn’t doubt a spouse’s advice.
In short, I’m heading back to my first employer, The Alaska Railroad. I’m very excited to go back to ARR and I’m being paid more hourly than I have ever had been. I’m going to be a baggage handler, it’s a nice gig.
This whole job search process has taught me a lot. I also know that I should be humble to have a job right now.
Oh, when I was searching for jobs, I applied to a few volunteer positions. It looks like I’m going to have an internship with The Alaska Red Cross as their Preparedness, Health and Safety Intern. I’ve already talked with them about my job situation and how I want to establish something in the summer and then continue with it through the school year. So far they have been really receptive and seem eager to have me.
While this school year had its ups and downs, it looks like I’m finishing the year on a high note and it’s giving me a boost to tackle my new challenges in Alaska.
