A Tale of Two Job Offers

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Yesterday afternoon, I had my job interview (not a shadow one) with Goodwill. I had spoken to the retail manager downstairs where the donations were piled in bins. She asked me fifteen questions, in which she liked my answers, and then showed me the warehouse. They needed somebody for a clothing sorter and processor position, which is real easy to do by sorting clothes from clean to dirty junk by categories from the gaylord box at my station. She wants me to start out as a sorter, and then move onto the processor role, when I tag and hang clothes on the rack to take upstairs to the sales floor. When it's empty, I go back downstairs and do it again. For part-time, she wanted me to do 29 hours, which is too much for me. But she agreed to do 20 hours a week, four days a week with some Saturdays, 9am -2 PM. And the pay is $12.25 an hour. As for volunteering, I can still do the shelter and clinic on a day off, and the zoo for nightly ones starting in March. For the morning ones, it might be a conflict, when I have to cancel before I'm locked in. At first, I thought it was an okay position to start my retail career, but I wasn't too excitable as it as I was with Talbots. I deliberated all night, talked to Danielle a couple of times last night, and spoke to a church friend, my brother, cousin, and father about this heart-wrenching decision. Though I was 85% leaning towards Talbots, there were some concerns like the change of management, hours, and job description that happened last week, and to buy their clothes for a dress code. So I decided to decline Talbot's offer and pass on onboarding next week. I hope they would understand, when I explained that I've found Goodwill more suitable to my needs at this time. But I would consider them in the future. I told Danielle this morning, that I would only do Goodwill for a year, use it as a stepping stone to gain experience, and move on next year to try other retailers. And she was excited for me and agreed to it. So now I move on from job development to job retention when we'll talk in-person or on the phone for support. She'll be with me for my first day or two. As for bridge support, Jamie's going to get it authorized, and then contact Danielle to find out what I need from my local DD board to make it happen this winter. As soon as I hear back from Goodwill with onboarding and starting date, which could be early as next week, I'll let you know the details. I'll check back later today to check in with notifications after I volunteer at the shelter this afternoon. See you then.