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Today has been exhausting. I get to the interview 15 minutes early, there's a girl leaving the restaurant holding some new hire paperwork. She gives me the double thumbs up and wishes me good luck, and I congratulate her. Everything is good so far. My interview is at 10, and around 10:30 the manager comes up to finally do it. That's okay, things happen. He asks me about my former job (the produce job), and then right after says "the address on your application is for a shelter, you're homeless?" I explain that Turning Point let's people put their address on applications so they can find stable work and get back on their feet. "I'm going to be honest with you, I didn't expect you to show up to the interview, and I just filled the position." So, the excited blonde girl, that's fine. I tried not to let how overwhelmingly tired and disappointed (and angry) I felt show on my face. "Oh, I understand." "I'm sorry about that, I appreciate you coming in though." "Do you have any other positions open?" He shuffled my application around a bit, and then told me he would talk to his boss, and if they decided to consider me for another position they would be in touch.  I just want to work.
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May 25, 2015 19:39
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| # ? Apr 26, 2024 09:41 |
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drat, that sucks. I don't know what else to say other than to keep at it! Just remember that you have more opportunities coming to you in the future. Stay healthy and focus on your exam; all of that studying is going to come through.  Is the Starbucks around you hiring? With the beginning of summer coming around, there might be more places willing to hire part-timers.
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May 25, 2015 20:00
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drat, that's a disappointment. But at least that's out of the way and you can keep studying for your test. Also: Starbucks, Starbucks, Starbucks - there's like 100 per mile radius, right? Someone's gotta clean those espresso machines if not make the drinks, too!
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May 25, 2015 20:44
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Unexpected Road posted:Today has been exhausting. I get to the interview 15 minutes early, there's a girl leaving the restaurant holding some new hire paperwork. She gives me the double thumbs up and wishes me good luck, and I congratulate her. Everything is good so far. My interview is at 10, and around 10:30 the manager comes up to finally do it. That's okay, things happen. He asks me about my former job (the produce job), and then right after says "the address on your application is for a shelter, you're homeless?" I explain that Turning Point let's people put their address on applications so they can find stable work and get back on their feet. Just keep fighting. You've come this far. Keep positive that something will work out. My heart goes out to you
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May 25, 2015 21:49
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Starbucks is home base here, there's three in the city that I know of and another 3-4 I could easily get to by bus. I'm applying for all of them. I'm having a hard time staying awake today. My head feels like it's packed full of cotton and I keep alternating between being warm as hell and freezing/shivering, the temp is close to 90. I've been loudly informed by Edna that "YOU NEED TO DRINK SOME MORE WATER YOU GOD drat FUCKER", which is most likely exactly the problem. I've also promised to put in some effort to help her find a litter of feral kittens she saw yesterday, so I'll probably come out with an Edna story 
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May 25, 2015 22:28
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No matter what your housing situation, people need to drink more water.
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May 25, 2015 22:31
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Water is so good, and good for you. It's finding easily accessible clean water that's the problem. Enough idiots have acted like, well, idiots inside of stores that coming in to fill water bottles at the fountain gets you snapped at. The sympathetic stores are further away from downtown, so I try to hang out there. Starbucks will always give those huuuuuge cups--trenta size I think--of ice water and never say anything mean about it, they know what's up. They also close at 8, which is pretty early for a starbucks, and after that the hunt for water is on.
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May 25, 2015 22:37
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Unexpected Road posted:Water is so good, and good for you. It's finding easily accessible clean water that's the problem. Enough idiots have acted like, well, idiots inside of stores that coming in to fill water bottles at the fountain gets you snapped at. The sympathetic stores are further away from downtown, so I try to hang out there. Starbucks will always give those huuuuuge cups--trenta size I think--of ice water and never say anything mean about it, they know what's up. They also close at 8, which is pretty early for a starbucks, and after that the hunt for water is on. Every time I read this thread I take a few minutes to be more grateful for what I have. You are so strong and I'm floored by your amazing attitude in the face of adversity. Stay safe!
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May 25, 2015 23:33
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Thank you detectivemonkey! I HAVE GOOD NEWS shortly after posting my last update Deshaun found me and dragged me off (after making me change back into my interview clothes) to the restaurant that he has an interview at tomorrow. (Sorry in advance if this is all garbled, I'm excited and tired/hungry/thirsty) Anyways! He dragged me inside and introduced me to one of the managers, and I have an interview tomorrow afternoon after Deshaun's. I was told to just show up with him and the manager I spoke to tonight will get mine. Nothing's guaranteed but it's something! And it's more than I've had in a couple months so I am NOT complaining! I have a business card that says my interview is at noon tomorrow which will buy me another shower in the morning. I'm going to launder my interview clothes with what I have left on my laundromat card and get some dinner. I AM SO EXCITED.
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May 26, 2015 01:24
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I'm sorry the first interview didn't work out, but it's awesome that you have another one right away. Fingers crossed for you
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May 26, 2015 01:48
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Thank you unknown goon who emailed me this
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May 26, 2015 02:10
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A really nasty storm just hit the area about half an hour ago, the thunder was so loud it shook the McDonalds I am currently camped out in, since starbucks closed. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation I can not stress enough how important it is to be nice to store and fast food restaurant employees, because you never know when you are going to need an emergency shelter. I've got a table at the far back corner, next to the bathroom and I know I can stay here as long as I need to as long as I behave (and don't fall asleep).
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May 26, 2015 02:37
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If you can afford it or can get assistance from an organization, look into seeing how much a PO box would run to use as an address so that you don't have to use the shelter's address and deal with the same kind of poo poo that you encountered at the last interview. It looks like they run $15-$20 for three months for the smallest box. Hopefully, things will be looking up for you this week. Thinking good thoughts for you! 
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May 26, 2015 02:37
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Keep your chin up, OP. I'm rooting for you. You are waaaaaay stronger than I am, I am so impressed with how well you are handling this.
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May 26, 2015 02:46
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Unexpected Road posted:Today has been exhausting. I get to the interview 15 minutes early, there's a girl leaving the restaurant holding some new hire paperwork. She gives me the double thumbs up and wishes me good luck, and I congratulate her. Everything is good so far. My interview is at 10, and around 10:30 the manager comes up to finally do it. That's okay, things happen. He asks me about my former job (the produce job), and then right after says "the address on your application is for a shelter, you're homeless?" I explain that Turning Point let's people put their address on applications so they can find stable work and get back on their feet. What the gently caress? What an rear end in a top hat.
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May 26, 2015 03:13
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The heat has really gotten to me today. No matter how much water I drink I still feel so thirsty, also dizzy and exhausted. Wednesday I'll get to sleep in a real bed to help me be at my best for my exam the next day. Little things
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May 26, 2015 04:23
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I just want to reiterate that houseless people are people too and a lot of them have good stories to tell. I was walking back from the store and bumped into an older houseless Black woman and we chatted for a little bit about real deal issues for folks without a stable living situation. It was really cool and reminded me that I should tell y'all that there are a lot of cool houseless folks. Be nice to people, I guarantee that almost anyone out on the streets will appreciate a little kindness and conversation a lot more than some spare change.
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May 26, 2015 04:31
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The peopleness of people can't be reiterated enough. Homeless people (who tend to get grouped in this dehumanizing "The Homeless") are so invisible it's heartbreaking. There is a man who sits along the main street every day; we talk all the time about the simplest lack of things, like eye contact. No one even glances his way as they walk past, and to him that's the hardest part. I don't always have money on me, but I try to carry some bottles of water in the summer when I know I'll be near people who need it. If y'all are in a similar area I suggest it. It gets brutal hot here.
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May 26, 2015 05:49
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Hey, you mentioned an artists commune and being on the West Coast. If you are in Bradenton, send me a PM. i will bring you water bottles, food and introduce you to my husband, he manages a store and may need seasonal help. Unfortunately he is really sick tonight (nothing contagious) but we can see how to get you sandwiches or canned food or a few boxes of granola bars, something that will keep for awhile.
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May 26, 2015 06:17
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Pm sent!
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May 26, 2015 13:28
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Unexpected Road posted:Pm sent! Can you find out how much it would be to spend a week in a motel / hotel or something? I'm not exactly well off, but I've been in some horrible situations in my life and had 2 very short bouts of homlessness in my time and know just how refreshing a clean bed and a long, uninterrupted bath / shower can be. I'd love to pay pal you enough to get you off the street for a week to collect your thoughts and prepare you for interviews / exams.
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May 26, 2015 14:06
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I was a stone's throw from being homeless and was only propped up by amazing family members. It's so easy to take that stuff for granted (i sure did). Thank you for reminding me how lucky I am, and in return please accept my donation towards getting back on your feet.
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May 26, 2015 16:23
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It's not much, but I sent you a little money so you and Deshaun can have a victory/consolation coke after the interview. I want to make sure something good comes of today no matter what.
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May 26, 2015 16:30
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You guys are wonderful My interview went really well, even though I didn't walk out with a job. He was a lot nicer than the last manager that interviewed me (yesterday), and actually talked to me like I was a person rather than just a name on paper. We went over my work history, he asked me about my situation, if I had any substance abuse problems now or in the past (never). He kept the papers tilted up while he was writing, but when he flipped the page I caught sight of the words "very smart" and "cheerful", so I'm taking that as a good thing. He told me that he couldn't guarantee a job for me right now, but that the management is moving people around and looking for more motivated, reliable staff who want to work, and that he would talk to the general manager about me and see what they could offer once the shuffling around is complete. He asked if I would be interested in a service assistant/host position, or a position as a busser. I was honest and said I would take anything right now, and that I learn quickly. He said the earliest I could expect to hear is next week, and that I would have to interview with the GM. I consider all of that to be A Good Thing That Happened, but it got better. The manager gave me a list of places that he knows are hiring or are going to be hiring for the summer, if I want two work two jobs (I do!) since the restaurant--if they decide to give me a job--would only be part time. I have the list right here in my notebook that I use for my course, and in between studying, I'm going to be filling out applications. On to the bad news: I am finished with my insurance course, and logged in just now to retake the practice exam for extra practice, when my study calender pops up and says I have coursework for today. My securities license requires an entirely different course. I have ten chapters/modules and quizzes to finish in a day. Further looking into this, its technically a seperate test. Thursday, it looks like I'm going to be testing for almost six hours! I guess this isn't reallty BAD news, just tiring news. I have to finish a course in a day and take a practice exam. Then I have to run over to a library/kinkos/somewhere with a public printer and print copies of my course completion certificate. My hand is already hurting from all the notes-taking haha. Edna has helpfully suggested that I could always sell myself to science for their "WACKY rear end EXPERIMENTS" but I am reasonably certain that they're only looking for donated dead bodies. There's a rumor going around that some guy around here who has a house/family/car/job has decided to live life among the homeless for a year or something like that, in order to write some inspirational self-help book about his adventures. When I heard it, I thought immediately of Muerte, not sure why. I hope he finds Edna.
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May 26, 2015 17:40
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dpack_1 posted:Can you find out how much it would be to spend a week in a motel / hotel or something? There's a "homeless hostel" here that gives a bed, shower, and two meals (breakfast/dinner) for $15 a night, or $75 a week. Please don't feel like this is something you have to do, just because I responded  I just hate looking like I'm ignoring messages and replies in this thread
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May 26, 2015 17:54
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What are your plans with insurance? I came into it at 30 after a midlife meltdown and it was probably the best decision of my life.
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May 26, 2015 17:57
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I'm not really sure what my plans are entirely. The charity and the course itself work with insurance companies like AFLAC and ... other ones that I can't think of right now, to help people get licensed to sell/be an underwriter for insurance, and then get a job at these companies. AFLAC stands out to me because I was born in Columbus and I remember seeing the giant AFLAC building when I was little. I would have never gone into insurance on my own, but after taking some placement tests and talking to an employment counselor there it was suggested to me, pitched heavily, and I have nothing to lose going in to it. The selling points were Stable Career and Good Retirement Opportunities (with the right companies).
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May 26, 2015 18:13
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Unexpected Road posted:There's a "homeless hostel" here that gives a bed, shower, and two meals (breakfast/dinner) for $15 a night, or $75 a week. Please don't feel like this is something you have to do, just because I responded Banks are closed here right now and I seem to have never verified my accounts with paypal so gonna have to wait til tomorrow but i'll post back here / email you ASAP.
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May 26, 2015 18:15
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Underwriter for a major company is a cushy job, and interesting. If I were in your position, that would be my goal. I do sales as an independent agent and it's amazing, but that requires finding a good independent agency to work for... there are many, many lovely ones. Unless you know someone in the game, it's really a crapshoot. Doing sales as a captive agent for one of the majors will make you some money, but longterm I don't think it's worth it. Look forward to seeing you become successful - you've surely got the right attitude.
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May 26, 2015 18:27
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dpack_1 posted:Banks are closed here right now and I seem to have never verified my accounts with paypal so gonna have to wait til tomorrow but i'll post back here / email you ASAP. Cant edit cos of E/N Turns out I could verify my account through mobile banking. Sent you $100 to get yourself in some basic comforts for a week, with a little extra for a couple good meals or whatever little luxuries you want. Please 'waste' this money on things we all take for granted! Good luck fellow goon!
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May 26, 2015 18:44
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Holy poo poo. You guys are just amazing, wonderful people and your generosity is absolutely overwhelming for me emotionally.  I made this thread really for advice, to complain/talk about everyday things and just have some human interaction so this is all 1000% more than I could have asked for, this probably doesn't make much sense, I'm emotional right now.
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May 26, 2015 19:40
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DOMDOM posted:Underwriter for a major company is a cushy job, and interesting. If I were in your position, that would be my goal. You had to take a license exam right? Was it hard?
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May 26, 2015 19:44
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Unexpected Road posted:Holy poo poo. Apart from the usual "buy these shoes" etc advice, I don't think any of us can advise you on mental matters. You already have an amazing personality and crazy willpower. Your optimism is awesome. You have everything you need in your head. If a few of us can paypal you some cash to help, awesome. Just let us know when you get a job and a more permanent situation. Gunning for you
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May 26, 2015 19:48
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Y'all will be the first to know when I get a job because I will capslock that update and add 6000 exclamation points. I've got a real good feeling about next week.
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May 26, 2015 20:10
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Brother Aziz! Welcome back
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May 26, 2015 23:10
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Loving Africa Chaps posted:Brother Aziz! Welcome back Who?
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May 26, 2015 23:20
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Unexpected Road posted:You had to take a license exam right? Was it hard? how the hell do you deal with this heat on the street?
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May 26, 2015 23:22
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DOMDOM posted:Yup - kinda hard. I have the office high score with an 83. gently caress workers comp and disability. I wouldn't sweat it though. Find somewhere that keeps the a/c in the 60s, go to a corner and pee in it. It is now yours. Alternatively, beat your chest and shriek any time someone gets close enough to steal your corner. Real answer: make nice with starbucks baristas and you can hang out at a corner table as long as you're quiet. Drink lots of water, travel through the scrub "forests", strip naked and run through the streets. Do not actually do that last one.
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May 26, 2015 23:31
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Hey, I just wanted to chime in with moral support. I've had two short homeless stints, I remember how it wears on you. I'm very glad you have a positive outlook, makes things easier. I'm pulling for you. If you ever need someone to keep you company, I'm online at weird hours and my AIM/Skype are in my profile. I'd be more than happy to listen to you vent or entertain you with stories from my weird past or weird present.
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May 27, 2015 00:28
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| # ? Apr 26, 2024 09:41 |
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Loving Africa Chaps posted:Brother Aziz! Welcome back That's kinda rude. Aziz was a goon in d and d that asked for donations, he was a gay Muslim in some middle Eastern country I think? But then there was tons of drama, and maybe he didn't actually need that money.
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May 27, 2015 00:31
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