Thanks in part to kelsi's note (thanks kelsi!), I'm feeling a bit less dramatic, a little more mellowed out now regarding the job situation. I'm actually already on Lnkd-in, and have followed the woman (her company profile, as she owns the business) my ex-coworker said was so helpful with his transition out of the automotive industry. In the next few days (I hope), I'm going to craft a message to her, mentioning my old colleague, and asking if we could have a discussion. Worst-case scenario, I either find nothing, or discover that the jobs around here are worse than my current one. In either of those situations, it'll ease my mind enough that I'll be ok with staying put. Best-case, I find something that looks interesting, with better pay/benefits, and that has opportunity for advancement. Also, once I've made that contact, if I decide to stay but my current company decides to find my replacement & let me go at some point, I'll have someone with whom I can immediately begin a new job search.
This process has brought something to my attention though, that I'd been somewhat ignoring - I have too much 'stuff' for a move elsewhere to be easy/convenient. So, a new goal of mine is to pare down my possessions. This will do two things; 1) it will make my housing options much more flexible, and 2) it will put more money into my 'retirement funds' accounts. I've got a lot of musical equipment I can part with (not my two acoustic guitars and the practice amp though), and I've got an old cycle (in pieces) that could be a good project for someone. Also, I'm planning on getting the Dodge running/driving as soon as I can so I can sell that as well. It simply doesn't fit in with my future plans anymore, and it should bring a good price. Some random furniture pieces, some garage/mechanic-type stuff, and a bunch of nice older clothes I haven't worn in years should about round it out.
While I'm feeling better about the career issue, I'm still struggling a bit with the lack of social connection. Still not drinking (which eliminates one 'crutch' option for when I'm really down), and it occurred to me the other day that I don't have the 'edibles' option anymore either if I'm going to look for work (pre-employment drug tests are possible). Not having my typical external coping mechanisms means I've been working out and sleeping a lot more, which I suppose is good, but doesn't help the friends issue.
Oh, and even though our +20% of our local hospital beds are occupied by covid patients, on Friday, my company lifted their mask mandate. They said they'd still be providing masks for those who choose to wear them (which I will definitely be doing), but it's really frustrating. At least when people had to wear a mask, I could tell which people to really avoid because they would never wear them correctly (below the nose, hanging below their chin, etc). Now, I have no idea which people are conscientious, and which are careless jackasses...
11:37 a.m. - 2022-02-19
Recent entries:
Putting the pieces together. - 2022-03-04
Reminder. - 2022-03-01
Not worth the time. - 2022-02-27
Years of training. - 2022-02-27
Consistency. - 2022-02-26
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