The Job Front

So, let’s talk a little bit about jobs. As mentioned in my last post; I hate job hunting. To be honest, I also dislike most of the jobs I’ve had. Anyone, who can find something they are passionate about and make enough money to survive…well, let’s just say, y’all are my heroes. This is something that I strive to find in my lifetime. Most people go to work because they must, not because they want to.

Upon arriving in Melbourne, I had every intention of getting a job in hospitality, as that was what I was doing back home. When working anywhere that serves alcohol, you are required to obtain your RSA. This is basically a certificate stating that you know and understand the laws in AUS regarding safe alcohol service and consumption.

The class was a breeze and nothing I didn’t already know from being a server in The States. The only change being the drinking age, eighteen.

Another necessary measure was updating my resume. One key difference is that in AUS, you are expected to have a personal statement at the top of your resume. My perfectionist tendencies made this whole process a lot longer than necessary.

Finally, I was ready to go out and sell myself. The first issue that arose was most places were not hiring as it was so close to the holidays. The second, was I technically only had eight months of server experience, and managers only consider you as a serious candidate if you have a year or more. I printed out twenty resumes and by the time I was done walking around, only five remained.

Suddenly, I was hit with a curious impulse. What if I tried to find a job in a retail store? Not just any retail store, but one geared towards hiking and outdoor activities. As that is such a huge part of my life and personality, it just made sense. The fact that I had never worked in retail might hinder my chances slightly, but I had over six years of customer service experience, which in many ways was the same thing.

So, I took a chance. The worst thing that could happen was I would get some more, “Sorry, you’re not what we’re looking for.” But that didn’t happen. The third hiking store I walked into was hiring and by that evening I was scheduled for a paid trial shift.

It was a bit stressful, and by the end I wasn’t certain whether I actually wanted to work for the shop. There were in the middle of some managerial staffing changes, things were quite chaotic, and I felt like I didn’t receive any training. Still the owner was satisfied with my performance and offered me a casual position. As a casual employee the pay rate was higher, but the hours were never guaranteed. I resolved to give the job another chance, especially because I needed the money.

Another job breakthrough occurred the same day. I was given a volunteer position at my hostel in exchange for housing credits: aka cheaper rent. I would only work a few hours a week, have an almost private room, employee privileges such as free washing, and best of all it would allow me to save most of my paycheck from the shop.

I went into the weekend with my spirits lifted and my financial anxieties reduced. I could do this. I could live in this city and save for future adventures.

 

Before I leave you; I would very much like to comment on the way wages work in AUS. Minimum pay is a livable wage and different based on industry. Every employer is required to pay superannuation (retirement), which as a traveler I can collect upon my departure. Higher wages are given for peak days or hours. For example, a server’s hourly wage increases during dinner and on weekends. In retail I earn extra on Saturdays and almost double on Sundays. Public holidays are paid at a premium rate. Basically, AUS is a worker’s paradise…at least in my humble opinion.