Flashback:
In Toronto, I applied for a lot of jobs since summer, including odd jobs, and I didn't receive a single call from any one of them! It was frustrating actually. My self-esteem and self-confidence were very low. I kept thinking that I am not employable anymore unless I go back to school.
Calgary:
We got here on a Thursday and immediately did some major shopping for the next 3 days... and believe it or not, every store that I went to have a "now hiring" signs all over. Not only the "now hiring" signs are visible, but the starting rates are also posted! Even those hiring part time employees are offering 50% benefits [medical/dental/VLs]. If you want to do odd jobs [clerical, cashier, sales], you can choose where you want to work!
Hubby have been pointing them out to me as he sees them since day 1, and on the 4th day, it got on my nerve! Hahaha... I am not ready to apply for any job at that time since I had a lot of unpacking to do... Besides, since jobs are almost everywhere, I thought I'd try to apply for the job that I will enjoy and not just any job.
Eventually, my son was the one telling me about these job openings... really, it was starting to irritate me!
Canadian Tire sign:
"Flexible hours available for stay at home moms."
December 11, my kids started school in Calgary... during that week, I tried to access their homework load and finished unpacking...
December 18, comes the time when I felt I'm ready to start looking for a job but then I got sick! Colds, cough, sore throat, on and off fever... everything happening all at the same time! And it continued for 3 weeks [till first week of January]! It ruined my Christmas and New Year. :-(
My job hunting:
- December 30, I thought its about time that I update my resume. I posted my resume at Workopolis.com and Monster.ca.
- January 1, browse through the job openings on the 2 sites above, but didn't applied for any job.
- January 2, I applied for 1 job online... a Tax Consultant position.
- January 3, my answering machine contains 1 message. It was from the tax company that I applied for [just the day before]. I was still sick at that time, every time I tried to speak, I cough, so I didn't return his call.
- January 8, 5 days later, I called him back and set up an interview. The guy was very nice to me when I explain the reason for not returning his call immediately.
- January 9, my interview day. It wasn't really an interview, as soon as I got there, he ask me to fill out employment forms and sign contract. I'm hired!!! The only requirement is that I have to write an exam so they will know my level as a Tax Consultant.
- January 11 to 20, start of a series of training... and need to spend a lot of time reading tax books... and understanding their company's policy and procedures.
- January 15, is my exam day... wish me luck! ;)
Hubby and I are having second thoughts though about this job... lots of pros and cons... I will see how it goes next week. I have to at least give it a try despite all the cons.
I guess I got lucky here!!! First job that I applied for in Calgary, a job that I like to do and I got hired on the spot! And this ain't no odd job. Of course, tax season is here which makes it easier for me. ",)
So if you know anyone who are migrating, tell them to consider Calgary!
Blogging while watching "Numbers"
