A Solution for Work

Working Solutions.  That's the name of the mandatory program I get to attend multiple days per week.  Let's get this straight, I appreciate help in finding a job.  I need all the help I can get, and if someone can give me pointers or show me how to rewrite my resume to better market myself, I am very thankful.  I do not appreciate a witch with lipstick snarling at me.  I also don't appreciate aging hippies who overuse the "mmm...kay" like the school counselor on South Park.  I know this makes me seem like a jerk, and I probably am one.  I'm sure they help people who are more clueless than a box of rocks.  I don't think I am one of those.  Maybe I have an over-inflated ego--its definitely possible.  They aren't the people who have asked for the state's help in providing for their family and I am.  Maybe being knocked down a few more pegs will break my will enough to actually accept that I'm a loser who needs the state to tell me how to breathe (I think its inhale/exhale, but then again, I should check with one of our caseworkers to make sure).

I was explicitly told NOT to bring a resume.  I brought one, which my new friend, the case manager, actually was impressed with, and glad I brought.  Receiving mixed information is annoying.  I also came with a folder and notebook.  I was the only person who took notes.  This little habit of mine also surprised the case manager.  I'm under the impression that the front desk person (the rude person who I first had contact with), may be giving a lot of misinformation out, I was told I didn't need to bring anything when I asked.  I also suspect if people are reacting to her particular brand of disdain, the way it seemed in the orientation, that there is probably a lot of extra animosity from the people forced into this program.

I am required to spend a minimum amount of time working on applications and going to classes to learn how to apply for jobs and interview.  Exciting mandatory attendance classes with titles such as:

Why Employers Get Grumpy When You Call In Sick 

How and Why Research Wage Information for Job Search

Thanking Employers Improves Job Search Success

These titles make the English tutor in me cringe.  These titles make the home educating mother in me flinch.  Frankly, do I need a 45 minute class on why employers get mad when you miss work?  

I have a confusing special time sheet I get to fill out and turn in every week.  Now, searching for work on the state website, from the comfort of my recliner, while icing my knee, doesn't count on my special time sheet.  But I can go in and search for work from their computer in a chair that hurts me and leaves me in tears and that does count.  Making life more painful makes my special time sheet a special record of hell.