After being unemployed for 5+ months, I landed an interview to be a correctional officer. Little did I know there would be so many hoops to jump through just to even be considered for the job. Just as a reference, I currently hold a bachelor's degree and 5+ years related work experience. The things I now need include:
– Completion of a physical ability obstacle course (which cost me $100)
– Doctor's form completed to even do the obstacle course ($20)
– Completion of a personality/mental apptitudes test
– Completion of CPR/First Aid (which will cost $160)
– Reference check from 3 previous supervisors (colleagues/mentors not included)
Given I meet all the above requirements, THEN they MAY consider an offer of employment. Should I obtain an offer, I will commence a 12-week training program which consists of in-classroom learning and a physical self defense course. The moves taught in the course are something out of WWE, armbars/gooseneck holds and all. More than 1/3 of the class doesn't pass the self defense course because the standards are incredibly high (you need to execute each move perfectly, even having your foot turned slightly will get you docked marks). Not only that, but it's a part-time position and they informed me that some weeks I will have 0 hours, and some i'll have full-time + overtime. This is extremely chaotic and I don't think will do my mental health any favors.
I'm really jaded about this process. I don't even want to be a correctional officer. The only reason i'm doing this is because 1. It pays well 2. My employment insurance is running out in a few months and 3. It's in the general field of work i'm interested in/is related to my degree. I haven't been getting much luck in terms of finding jobs I think would even be a good fit for me, i've only applied to maybe 10 jobs since i've been unemployed and received interview offers for 5. I turned down a couple as I realized that it wasn't a good job fit and I likely didn't possess the knowledge to be efficient in the job. ALL I WANT is a job that doesn't make me want to pull my hair out due to stress, and a job that doesn't involve shift work. I don't mind taking a substantial pay cut (I was making about 56k in my last job). I have to go to the training course for the physical ability test in a few hours and i'm honestly just sick of this crap and needed somewhere to vent. I have to pay nearly $300 out of pocket for all these certifications only to MAYBE receive a job offer, for a job that is chaotic and doesn't even have guaranteed hours? The only reason i'm doing this is because the training program doesn't start until the end of April, so i'm just hanging on but keeping my eyes out for a better opportunity. What kind of world do we live in these days that people have to bend over backwards and go through so much stress just to get a fucking JOB? I mean I'M the one who will be working/busting my ass, yet I have something to prove to YOU? There needs to be more accountability for companies to have decent working standards/treatment for their employees and not so much pressure and accountability put on staff/potential staff. This is a 2 way relationship yet it's never treated as such.