First and Last

Yesterday and today was both a first and last for me. Today, first day of work at my new job; yesterday, last day at Macy's.

There was so much adventure yesterday at Macy's, even though it wasn't as hectic as Saturday. I was meeting people who were even remotely linked to me somewhat. For example, when I was checking out the IDs of customers when they pay by credit card, I found out one of my customers is actually a former neighbor of my aunt. We exchanged some words and I pledged to her that I'd tell my aunt we met.

Next, I bumped into an Ateneo batchmate of mine and a friend of one of my friends. She was shopping around when I recognized that familiar face. I approached her and asked her if she was from Ateneo. That just started a floodgate of memories for the both of us as we talked about Ateneo life, life in Manila, some friends, etc. It was just wonderful to meet a batchmate here. At least, my network of friends is growing.

Anyway, my last day ay Macy's wasn't emotional at all. By the end of the night, I was just antsy to go home because there were no more customers and all we were doing was cleaning. Finally, 10 minutes before my scheduled departure, I just clocked out and left with another co-worker. At least, I left a lasting memory there; I fixed the ties and made the tie display nice and neat. I didn't get to fold shirts, though, because I couldn't find the pins. Whatever.

So there. That was my last day. It wasn't grand or anything. But at least, I was able to fill my express credit scorecard, much to my supervisor's happiness. I'm pretty sure he's not happy that I left, hehe. But unfortunately, I just couldn't take it anymore. Enough is enough.

As for today, it was my first day at my new job at Calligaris, an Italian furniture company. It wasn't too bad, really. I worked a total of 8.75 hours and since I'm back to hourly, I get overtime pay! Whoopee! If I got a paycheck today, at the rate of $15 per hour, I'd be getting $137.06 just today alone! Yeah baby!

Going there was such a challenge, going through the rush hour traffic and getting a flat tire scare (I found a screw embedded on my rear tire). I pulled the screw off and expected for the worst. Fortunately, my tire didn't end up flat. Funny, I was checking it like every 30 minutes if it was getting softer or something.

All I did today was learn how to input customer orders into the computer which was linked to the head office in Italy. I learned the codes and how to input. Later on in the day, I was given a tour of the warehouse where boxes and boxes of furniture were stored. It was interesting, really. I think I'm gonna like this job and hopefully would stay quite a bit. First of all, the hourly pay rate is high at $15. Next, there's no pressure to meet sales goals, unlike my last job in downtown San Francisco. There is no "extra work" or something to take home. My time off work is my time alone and I get to relax without thinking of other things. Plus, I get to go home earlier and if in case I have to stay overtime, I'd be earning $22.75 per extra hour I work. How can you beat that?! There are no weekends, either. And yeah, my boss is a cute Italian girl, hehehe. Then maybe later on in my career, if I do stay on, I might get a chance to go to Italy to visit the head branch and maybe tour in the process. I'd go to Rome, Venice, Milan, etc. Wow... (Hmmm, when I get married in the future, I'd love to take my future wife there as well as tour the whole Europe for our honeymoon. That'd be just perfect...)

Again, how can you beat that?!

Oh, I forgot to mention that because I'm now driving a car and not taking the train, I get to save more money for myself. Like I mentioned before, 2 full tanks of gas ($40+) = 1 BART ticket ($45). I spend $45 a week for BART while a full tank of gas ($20+) lasts me a week. Now tell me, which is better?


But truthfully, I kinda miss working in downtown, though. I did enjoy walking the streets of downtown San Francisco during the time I worked there. That city is just so romantic. Walking at night amongst the dim lights is just lovely. Maybe someday, I'll find another job there. Maybe. Hopefully...

And yeah, I do miss wearing long sleeves and ties, complete with a suit. In my new job, everyone's casual so I'd look out of place wearing that.

So there. Hopefully, things will work out fine here.

Goodnight, everyone!