Battle of the Tramps

Tags

birthday, Covent Garden, east london, employed, estate agent, hair cut, hair salon, hair stylist, KIWE1, Office Shoes, reat estate, recruitment agency, recruitment agent, saggitarious, Tower Hill, Tube Station

Ever since my first day in London I’ve seen this man begging in the Tower Hill tube station.  If you’ve ever been, you know the guy I’m talking about- dreadlocks in a ponytail on top of his head, matching track suit pants and jacket, stands perfectly still with a basket in front of him.  Know the guy?  Well, yesterday while I walked home I noticed a slight change…

A strange and terrible noise was coming from that little tunnel.  I realized that now there were two tramps instead of one! (I love using the word “tramp”.  In Canada it means “bum”.)  It appeared that someone figured out this would be a good place to busk, and set up shop with his saxophone.  Not to be out done, Mr Red Tracksuit managed to find something that looked suspiciously like a ukulele.  Clearly, neither knew how to play each respective instrument, either.  The one man butchered “My Favorite Things” and Mr. Track Suit would furiously strum his instrument in attempts to distract from the saxophone, I can only assume.  It was hilarious.  But, I felt too bad to laugh.

Now, to *my* professional life.  I met with a new recruitment agency on Friday, seeing as Cherry Picked People was proving to be useless, as lovely as my agent was.  So, I headed over to Deverill Smith Recruitment.  The location was muuuuch more convenient, on top of the fact that they managed to get me an interview! (A feat Cherry Picked hadn’t accomplished.) 

I came across DSR when I decided to change my plan of attack.  Clearly waiting for Cherry Picked to hand me something on a silver platter wasn’t happening.  Trying to network with estate agents while I went around to see flats wasn’t exactly doing it either.  Applying online for positions didn’t get me anywhere either.  So, I decided to go ahead and Google all the recruitment agencies that focused on estate agencies.  That turned out to be the solution!  I met with Martin and Sophie from DSR on Monday.  They were both absolutely lovely.  Martin has clearly estatblished relationships with estate agencies, and they trust his advice.  In spite of the fact that one of the owners, of the key company whom they wanted me to interview with, was on vacation, they got me an interview for the next day (the day that the big boss returned home)!  I went for an interview with them, and got on quite well with the gentleman.  In fact, he reminds me quite a lot of my previous boss, in Canada.  I wasn’t quite convinced, however, because I was aware that the turnover in the company was high, the hours are long (as is in all estate agencies), and the basic salary was quite low. 

After the interview I headed over to another interview with another recruitment agency.  Obviously, they were trying to steer me away from agreeing to work for this company.  What surprised me, however, was that they themselves wanted to hire me!  As well as having an estate agency they wanted to send me to.  Which had a much higher basic.  The problem was, that I’d most likely be cold calling for a few months, before moving up to negotiator status, and there was no guarantee to that at all.  I went home incredibly confused. 

After leaving this last recruitment agency, I called Martin back to fill him in.  I gave him my honest opinion- I liked the company, but the pay was less than convincing.

I had a second interview with the estate agency this morning.  It was quite nice actually, the gentlemen were both lovely, it’s located in Covent Garden, the office had a great atmosphere, etc.  I was aware that there were plans within the company to up the basic, among other things in January.  I had been told in the initial interview that I’d be getting that in January as well, after the existing estate agents did.  Well- today they offered me a guaranteed basic that is higher that it will be in January, until January (when I’m making commission)!! I am absolutely ecstatic and can’t wait to start!!  I am signing the contract on Thursday and start on Friday.  My 25th birthday is on Sunday.  Not a bad birthday present, if you ask me

Oh!!! Also- I’ve had to find a new hair stylist since I’ve moved over here.  My guy in Canada was someone who is an award winning hair stylist, and my friend… so finding someone new scared the crap out of me.  I randomly booked at KIWE1, and decided to take my chances (near Liverpool Street Station, if you’re curious).  It went amazingly!! They were incredibly friendly, squeezed me in, in spite of the fact that I was booking last minute, and did an amazing job.  Honestly, I felt as if I was hanging out with my friends.  And, to top it all off, the price was incredible!! 40 pounds. (Also, offered tea/coffee/water.)

Julia Roberts, Pixar

Tags

action, animation, Brave, Charlize Theron, comedy, fantasy, horror, Julia Roberts, Kristin Stewart, movies, Pixar, romance, Snow White and the Huntsman, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Twilight

Surprise, surprise, I love adult movies with a romance/fantasy theme (The Big Fish, Stardust, etc.), also, I love feel good Pixars.

In regards to the former, I’ve just become aware that a movie based on the

Julia Roberts in Mirror, Mirror

“untold story of Snow White” is coming out shortly, starring Julia Roberts as the evil queen! I can’t wait to see her in an evil role, I think her quirky sense of humour will suit this role perfectly! (I’m not sure how to link the trailer properly so that you can watch the clip on my blog.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpLVO396eHs

Mirror, Mirror And, now, while searching the link for you wonderful folk, I've come across anotherCharlize Theron in Snow White and the Huntsman

Snow White movie coming out around the same time, with big names- Snow White and the Huntsman.  It’s starring Charlize Theron and the girl from the Twilight movies- Kristen Stewart.  It has a totally different feel, though.  It develops how the queen became evil, and focuses on her hunt for Snow White’s heart. Almost gives a horror flick feel as scenes show her being chased through the woods by a man with an axe… ahhhh just check it out yourself..

http://youtu.be/jFbHYUqeQjA

And, now as far as the new Pixar film goes- I love watching things that leave

Brave, Pixar

me feeling good, and Pixar is king at that (Finding Nemo being one of my favorite movies when I’m stressed to the max).  A movie based on Scottish characters (how could that not be funny) with gender equality undertones, and I’m all in

http://youtu.be/p6n8HXsKKmc

What do you all think?

Sick of drawing on the damn drawing board.

Tags

jobs, london, Marketing, Old Street, real estate, The Iskele

Say that 5 times fast

So, it’s been a few days, and for that I apologize.  My boyfriend and I have decided to take a bit of a hiiatus from drinking (which has honestly only resulted in us smoking a little somethin somethin, something we’d never done together before, which in turn has resulted in us eating more crap than we previously did). 

I had an interview on Monday with a marketing company.  I’m new to this whole “career searching” thing, and don’t know the code words in job hunting.  (You know- the way “charming” means “small” in real estate?)  Anyway, the advert online didn’t say much, but, I figured- why not apply?  They called me briefly afterward and set up an interview for Monday at 2.45pm.  I Googled the company, and their website said next to nothing as well.  Sketchier and sketchier…

I went in for the interview and waited in the lobby for a good 15 minutes.  It immediately became clear that this was some sort of cattle call.  A room full of 20-somethings, sitting there looking nervous and confused while top 20 blasted from hidden speakers around the lobby, and the secretary bobbing her head and occasionally singing along.  What kind of office was this?

The interview didn’t prove to be much more informative.  We were taken in two at a time and asked to answer the same questions, one after the other.  The girl I was taken in with had a degree, and experience in the Marketing/events industry.  Awesome.  My lack of degree is something I’m quite insecure about and ashamed of already, and really depend on my communication skills to set me apart.  Putting me in a room with someone who out-qualifies me is *not* my idea of the ideal interview environment.  Oh, and have I mentioned? It was the MD interviewing us.  To my surprise she sent Degree Girl out before she finished with me, and walked me to the door, post interview! Not bad, said I.  Still, however, clueless as to what I was interviewing for. (My boyfriend was convinced I’d be dressed on the street in a chicken suit, he wasn’t actually far off..)

We were told to keep our phones on between 5-6 to find out whether we’d be called back for a second interview.  I didn’t have my hopes up, to be honest.  In spite of the fact that I’m a positive person, in general, I’m trying to be realistic.  Because, in my imaginary life, before I came over here, I assumed that by now I’d be nicely settled into a good job with room for progression with a reasonably salary.  Yuh.

To my surprise, I received a congratulatory phone call, informing me I’d made it to round two of this mystery job.  I was to be at the office by 9.30 the following morning for a day of observation, followed by an interview, if I did well.

Tuesday morning I put on my office best (which isn’t anything to shout about, seeing as I’m quite broke, but there’s very little a fitted pencil skirt can’t make up for!), and headed in.  Another cattle call.  I was told of the 25 people that were interviewed the first day, only 5 would be called back.  In hind sight, I have my doubts.  After a good 20 minute wait I was paired up with a very nice girl named Sam, who was in the second stage of this office that seems to be pyramid based.

I could go into detail about the day, but I really think it’ll bore you, since it did, me, and I was there!  I spent the day writing out long answers to incredibly elaborate interview questions (ex. 10 good qualities about yourself, 10 bad, 10 reasons why the company should hire you, 10 reasons why you want to work for the company, etc).  Loooong ass day.  Summary- hours- 7.30am-7.30pm, Mon- Sat, NO BASIC SALARY. Seriously. FUck off.

First stage- flogging make up at the mall, second stage- managing ppl flogging make up at the mall, and still only making commission, third stage- office work, flogging make up at the mall, making a higher percentage of commission because there’s still no basic salary, fourth stage- Managing your own branch- 75 k basic.  It’s supposed to be done within a year, but my thoughts are- how many damn offices should there be, promoting Aqua tooth whitening strips, or some brand of make up you’ve never heard of?

Upon return back to the office, I was told to wait in the lobby AGAIN.  Another 20 minutes later I went in for the final interview.  Oh Congratulations!! I’m the proud owner of a shitty job!!! I accepted, only because I have no idea how to turn down a job… it’s like going on a second date with someone, and being blindfolded the entire time, until he’s driving you home.  You then realize he’s quite ugly, and his personality was really lacking as well… as he tells you he wants to move in.  How do you say no??? And, as a Canadian, I have this deeply engrained habit of not ever wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Oh, also- during the entire day they didn’t want me using my phone, since it was an interview.  Unpaid (of course), didn’t pay for travel or my lunch, and had me working for them for the last hour.  Of course, when a gentleman I have looking for jobs for me, through a recruitment agency called, I picked that up quicker than you can say “thisjobsucks”.

The job he was telling me about was an entry level position with an estate agency.  What I really want to do out here is become an estate agent.  Ideally I’d love to work for a company that doesn’t bother with cars.  The car I sold at home was a standard, and I have no problem driving, I was just really looking forward to not dealing with tickets, dents, scratches, gas, insurance, etc. AND- it turns out my Canadian license here is only valid for automatics.  No one drives an automatic.  Soooo I now have to send the Uk government my Canadian drivers license, along with passport-style pictures, and paperwork.  When I receive that I can begin taking standard driving lessons.  I have to take a test and pass that before I can drive a standard car.  We’re talking months here.  I need a job now.

ANyway, so we figured this entry level position would be great until I got my license- learn the in’s and out’s of the industry, have a good company to put on my resume, etc.  Well, it turns out my 2 year visa isn’t long enough for them to even bother interviewing me.  Yeah, no joke.

Back to the drawing board.

On the real estate side of things- went to take a peek at a couple properties today, in spite of the fact that we really shouldn’t agree to anything until I’m comfortably settled into a half decent job.  A two bed (really one and a half), near a tube station, in a nice area near the city goes for 395/week.  Pounds. Not kidding.  A one bed, river views, decent lounge/open plan kitchen (yes, it’s cheating, in my opinion) is listed at 435/week, but I’ve been told they’d be open to an offer of 400.  Still crazy if you ask me.

Went for lunch with a friend of my best friend from home.  It’s nice just to be around someone Canadian.  I love the English, don’t get me wrong- I’m here for a reason, but Canadians are charming, in their own laid back kinda way.  Maybe just because that north american drawl just sounds like home to me.  Went for some good food at a random restaurant just off old street.  Jeez do I ever miss having friends.  And, not just any friends- close friends.  I have a very sweet, loving boyfriend, but I still feel quite lonely.  Friends have a way of making you feel worth while, even when you’re almost convinced you’re a waste of space.  They remind you of all your good qualities- friends don’t want anything from you, but to enjoy your company, and that, to me, is priceless.  There’s a level of independance that comes from having friends as well.  My boyfriend always tries to make me feel as included as possible, but I feel bad that he feels he has to drag me along to things.  He insists that he wants me around, but I think it’s important for him to spend quality time with his friends as well.  Who does that leave me to call? Pretty much no one.  Steph, Halee… I miss the shit out of you.

My best friends and I

Anyway, it’s time for a bit more job hunting, and definitely a run.  Hopefully by next week I have some good news for you.

Guilty Pleasure

Tags

blog, health, jogging, relationship

 

 

 

Now I’m feeling as if we got off on the wrong foot.  I’m generally a glass-half-full kind of person.  Honestly.  It’s just been a long, hard month.  Anyone on the outside, looking in would probably consider it a damn easy month, but I HATE not working.  I love earning money, I love having a social life.  So- I promise this blog won’t be a bitch-a-thon.

On my run I was thinking about what I want this blog to be.  Generally, in the past, when I’ve tried writing anything- whether it’s a blog or a novel- it ends up being a Ode To Me.  Vomit in my mouth. No one likes to read crap like that.  The reason Stephen King is one of my favorite authors is because of his character’s flaws.  So, I promise to do my best not to smooth over my rough edges (I have many), or glamourize them.

I also don’t want this blog to be purely an insight into my thoughts and emotions. Also boring.  Though, I’m worried an account of my day to day life might bore you to death.

What I want is for you to feel as if you’re looking into my underwear drawer.  I want you to like what you see, but feel like you’re doing something naughty.

So, what I’ve settled on, is that I’m going to treat you like the best friend I don’t yet have out here.  I have to warn you though, I’m not always a great friend.  With some friends I take more than I give, and with others I let them take without giving, until I’m fed up and then I just cut off the friendship without word or warning.  So, let’s hope for the best, as we always seem to do at the beginning of any relationship, and just… see where it goes .

Peter Pan

Click, click… click, click… click, click… the high heels on the pavement are judging me on so many levels. Sometimes I can sit here, happy in the simplicity of my day until I hear that clicking. It reminds me that I’ve been here for over a month, and that I still don’t have a job. It reminds me that I don’t have a job because I don’t have a degree. Which makes me feel horrible, and useless. It brings me to the realization that maybe I’m not as special as I always thought I was. Everything I’ve ever wanted has happened to work itself out, even if I don’t deserve it, up until now. It’s time to grow up, I’m not Peter Pan. Not even a gender change could get me closer to being him. I’m 24, 25 in 16 days and I’ve never really done anything other than work as a waitress/bartender.
It’s time for my run (at least I’m a fit, unemployed person). After that I’ll apply to a few more jobs online and hope for the best. Which won’t turn out to be enough, because, let’s face it- the only way I’m going to get hired is if someone takes a shot in the dark and interviews me. I’m definitely not getting hired based on my resume.
So, basically, this blog is going to follow me and my attempts at getting hired in a foreign country, with zero career-based experience. (read: my attempts at growing up.)

Hello world!

This is a blog logging my antics in the UK and my attempts at becoming an adult.