Remember where you are....BP does not stand for British Petroleum.
My current employment seldom provides 40 hours of work. Fortunately, I am still eligible for some unemployment benefits. But I'm still unable to meet my basic expenses.
While continuing to seek out a full time job that would actually meet my budget requirements and would not lead to a meltdown, I keep rehearsing interviews...
THEM: Please explain the large number of absences during the final year at your last place of employment.
ME: Well, it's actually kind of a funny story. Layoffs were beginning and the environment was increasingly stressful. Then more stressful stuff happened, I had a meltdown, then self-medicated by taking all the pills in my house. I spent a week at a retreat where they helped me relax and develop coping skills and gave me a list of vitamins and such that would be helpful. Then I went back to work for a few weeks, where it was obvious that I still needed to practice my coping skills. So I did. For a month. I really wanted to perfect my coping skills so I took another few months to practice. When I got back, I had a little accident which led to the claim I filed, but I did stay at work. Shortly thereafter, I was invited to a meeting with some other employees and we were invited to leave the building. I was surprised because I had already demonstrated how much trouble I had coping with stress.
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THEM: The only opening we have available is on third shift. Would that be a problem for you?
ME: Probably not a big problem. I might have a problem staying alert since I do have to take one of those anti-something drugs at night. That wouldn't be a problem, would it?
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THEM: Are you able to perform well in a high energy environment?
ME: Not a problem! I may sometimes appear to be a little slow, but my mind is going 100 miles an hour! There's nothing I can't do! You'll get quite a bargain with me because I can easily do the work of two or even three people! Think how much money I'll save the company! I will be in a room by myself, won't I?
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THEM: Describe the environment in which you are most productive.
ME: I will be able to discuss my uh... accomoda... work station adjustment needs with HR, right?
THEM: We'll be in touch. Thanks for coming in.
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I've read a couple of good books about BPs at work, found some websites that provided helpful information, and I must admit that the strategies suggested could work. But not today. Not in this work environment. Especially for those of us over 50.
More about this in a future post...when my optimism returns.
