About a year ago I left my job as a floor manager of a fairly large local store. It wasn’t awful but I was getting fed up with the politics of the place and it seemed they were starting to go down hill (recently found out that because of poor buying choices and spending they are in financial trouble). The job I got payed more and was with another small/ locally owned company and I generally like working for these types of places. Gave my two weeks and left on very good terms.
The interview for the new job was great and the owner seemed like a great person. Turns out they were just wearing a mask. After about 8 months of a toxic work environment, minimal to no training, micromanagement and absurd expectations without direction, and repeated requests to work as many hours as the owners while I was a salaried employee – they ended up firing me. Honestly I was surprised because despite the bullshit I still worked hard and had no previous disciplinary action/ work ethic conversations, everything seemed fine – in the meeting I asked for a reason for dismissal and they refused to provide one. I’ve never been fired before and it was a weird feeling.
I apply for unemployment and start looking for jobs but there isn’t anything good in my area that fits my qualifications or pay requirements. I go 2 months with no pay AND no unemployment because they had a 12 month back log. Bills start getting tight. I get an ok job offer but I have to move. I’m sad that I have to leave where I am but it is what it is and I start looking for housing in the area. Rent is absolutely absurd everywhere (looking within a 1 hour radius) and the job isn’t even in or near a city or densely populated area. Start to get very discouraged and depressed.
Out of the blue, the perfect position opened in a company I’ve really wanted to work for and they rarely have any openings at all. I applied and 2 interviews later I have the job and don’t have to move.
I’ve been so stressed, thinking I’ve done nothing with my life and am unemployable after so many jobs declining me or not even replying to applications. But I’m very excited to start in this new position and feel wildly relieved to have gotten a job like this. I start next week.