I just found out that my day job no longer exists. I've been working in delivery and distribution of newspapers for the past 3-1/2 years since I was losing my high-tech job (fiber optics) back in 2006.
In 2006 after learning that JDS Uniphase was moving all jobs overseas for cheaper labour, a friend who was delivering newspapers to houses and then working at JDS, got me into the commercial side delivering to stores since I had a van. I was up at 1:30am delivering papers and then worked at JDS from 7:00am to 3:00pm. I worked both jobs until my last day at JDS on September 30, 2006.
So down to one job that doesn't pay the bills and racking up the credit card. My newspaper boss likes my dependability and gives me a second route delivering the New York Times in May 2008.
Meanwhile another driver for a different paper keeps bugging me to quit my run and deliver for him instead. I decline. My run is 6 days a week and his is 7 days a week. Months later in October 2008, he comes up with a day job for me picking up unsold newspapers (3 different papers) from stores and filling out paperwork for their credits. I do a different part of the city Monday to Friday. I also carry extra daily papers for stores that run out and need more. I could be picking up in one area and have to deliver to another area way out of the way. That pays extra. There were some days last winter when I first started where I was working 20 to 22 hours a day. The runs were not in order and I had to make my own route.
So I'm delivering one paper, then delivering the New York Times and then picking up the returns. The pick-up runs change and I'm working from 9 to 14 hours a day total. Of course there's a drop in pay for working less hours. No sick days, no time off and no time for a life or enjoy my wages. In the bank she goes.
Last week 2 local papers merged their delivery system. One driver delivers both papers. Today I'm told they'll now be looking after the returns and I'm not needed. Uhhh... geee...... thanks for the notice. At least I still have my other deliveries. Not so fast. Head office tells them that they need to trim expenses by 20%. They will be combining routes and eliminating drivers. I should know in 10 days whether or not I have any job at all. When she rains, she pours.
Sorry for babbling like a senile old bitty. I'm still in shock. It was mind numbing, totally boring work with no future. But man did it ever pay. *sigh*
Wylde1.
In 2006 after learning that JDS Uniphase was moving all jobs overseas for cheaper labour, a friend who was delivering newspapers to houses and then working at JDS, got me into the commercial side delivering to stores since I had a van. I was up at 1:30am delivering papers and then worked at JDS from 7:00am to 3:00pm. I worked both jobs until my last day at JDS on September 30, 2006.
So down to one job that doesn't pay the bills and racking up the credit card. My newspaper boss likes my dependability and gives me a second route delivering the New York Times in May 2008.
Meanwhile another driver for a different paper keeps bugging me to quit my run and deliver for him instead. I decline. My run is 6 days a week and his is 7 days a week. Months later in October 2008, he comes up with a day job for me picking up unsold newspapers (3 different papers) from stores and filling out paperwork for their credits. I do a different part of the city Monday to Friday. I also carry extra daily papers for stores that run out and need more. I could be picking up in one area and have to deliver to another area way out of the way. That pays extra. There were some days last winter when I first started where I was working 20 to 22 hours a day. The runs were not in order and I had to make my own route.
So I'm delivering one paper, then delivering the New York Times and then picking up the returns. The pick-up runs change and I'm working from 9 to 14 hours a day total. Of course there's a drop in pay for working less hours. No sick days, no time off and no time for a life or enjoy my wages. In the bank she goes.
Last week 2 local papers merged their delivery system. One driver delivers both papers. Today I'm told they'll now be looking after the returns and I'm not needed. Uhhh... geee...... thanks for the notice. At least I still have my other deliveries. Not so fast. Head office tells them that they need to trim expenses by 20%. They will be combining routes and eliminating drivers. I should know in 10 days whether or not I have any job at all. When she rains, she pours.
Sorry for babbling like a senile old bitty. I'm still in shock. It was mind numbing, totally boring work with no future. But man did it ever pay. *sigh*
Wylde1.
