... wake up and smell the routine...

So, I'm definitely not back in the routine I used to have here.

I am looking for things to write about to change my mind, somewhat. I feel everything I would write would only turn around in circle. It's all the same. I am pulling at strings right now. I know I would have tons to write about once the move is done. I'm still totally scared about what's going to happen though.

Oh, I could write about work. I did mention something about that in an earlier post.

Do you guys know I work at a bookstore? *thinks* Don't think you do... I have been gone for 2 years and I've been working there for a year and a half.

It's the dream job for a reader like me but the pay is shit. Let's admit it right now.

I actually have tons to say about that job so I'll do a separate post for that. If I have time.

Today is Quebec's day (St-Jean holiday) so everything is closed. We are not ready for the move in a week (literally a week). The weather outside is amazing (hot and sunny) and we need to do boxes.

Sorry, this post is totally random and all over the place. Thought I'd update anyway.

... a place isn't a place until it has a bookstore...

So, let's talk about my job now. I mean, why not?!

Before the huge hiatus, I think I was still working at the clinic or I had left the clinic because that place wasn't for me. Something like that. I mean, I did keep the post with my Halloween makeup on so maybe I had started working at the bookstore... Can't quite remember.

October 2020. That's when I started there for the Holiday season. It was a contract that would end in January 2021. A year and a half later, I am still working there. Well, more than a half now, considering but still.

The job is a dream for book lovers like me. You get to be surrounded by books (and other things) all day long, every day, every week, every month. You place them, you suggest them and so on...

The pay is total crap though.

Minimum wage to receive the books on carts that you have to place all around the store in their right section. Or you have to place huge quantities on tables. You climb up and down little steps. You get down on your knees regularly. You walk around between 12-20k steps in a day. You go see customers all the time and answer questions. Order books for them. You risk hurting yourself seriously. Fingers squished. Receiving books, and other things, on the head and face. Bumping yourself all over the place. And many other things.

Most of it is worth it though. If only the salary would be better, this would be ideal, in a way. But it's not, and it will never be. Especially for a person being the only money maker in the household. I can barely make it by myself. It's even harder for two. On top, 3 cats.

When I was hired, like I said, my contract was supposed to end in January. We didn't make it to January due to Covid so December 24 was the last time I worked there. Until I got a call in February that they had a stop available and if I was interested, it would be mine because I exceeded their expectations and they would be happy to have me in their team permenantly. I accepted right away. I mean, by that time, I was looking for a job and I was ready to get anything as long as I had a salary coming in. I've been with them since.

This year, especially the last couple months, things have been changing a lot at the store. Not job wise but colleagues. The original team that was there when I started is almost completely gone in a manner of two months. I am now the oldest in terms of seniority now. Not overall in the employs but the ones working on the floor with the clients, yeas. In terms of age, actual age, I am the oldest at 43. It's crazy to think about. I mean, even the actual director of the store left...

I wanna leave, too. I wanna go work in an actual library where the minimum salary is 10$ more per hour.

I did send my resume online in January this year and about a month ago, I received an email from someone over there saying I was selected in a group for a general questionnaire that could lead to an interview and a possible job. The opportunity failed because my computer decided to update and I logged in late to the Zoom meeting and the reschedule wasn't working for me and they needed people now so they keep me in the bank for next time... possibly/maybe.

With the move, it would be perfect because I could walk there if I want. Also, since libraries are connected to the city, I could have the opportunity to work in 5 different libraries. The routine, if you want, would always change and it would be nice. Also, working with just books would be even better. Because we have games and some home decor and school stuff and kitchen things. Only books would be excellent.

I feel I am missing on details but this post seems all over the place so I might just stop there. That's a good update, I think. Feel free to ask questions if you want, Ill do my best to answer them.

For now though, I stay at the bookstore.