Friday, August 14, 2009

The Job Search

I thought I had a job... two months ago. I responded to an ad on craigslist to be trained as a Manhattan tour guide for Citysights NY. I attended the free, three hour training classes twice a week for two months. I read three big books. I studied and pumped the pavement, identifying buildings and landmarks all over Manhattan. I went on free day tours as often as possible. I took a big, fat test with 150 questions to prove that I knew the city. And what a cram class it was! So... I get my license and present myself to the company to begin my new job last month. Not so fast... they tell me they'll call me in a week. No call. I leave a voicemail. Then another, and another. No response. Turns out the tour guide manager is a $%#*! as are the owners. ? Great. Now I've got no job, no prospects, and no more optimistic attitude for throwing myself into another so-called great opportunity. What happened? The economy is down, especially tourism, and the company over-advertised to cover their bases in case they needed more guides. ??? This is my theory. The worst part is, that call could come in any day. Do I still want to work for this company? I've put in applications elsewhere - community colleges to teach Italian or History, and flyers about my Italian tutoring. I do tutor a gal once or twice a week in Italian. We meet at Starbucks and I charge $30/ hour. So, I make about $90 a week. Peter says its not enough. :) Oh well, things can only get better!

5 comments:

Jacks said...

Oh Allison. I'm so sorry. That is infuriating!!! Lowsy company. I wish I had connections for you. I love you both!

Sarah said...

Oh man that is so frustrating! I would be so MAD! I hope you can find something soon. At least you know a lot of interesting and possibly useless things about your new hometown now, eh?

Amy Mak said...

You would be the perfect tour guide! I hope it works out for you and cash starts rolling in :) Can't wait to see you guys and hopefully soon.

Allison Nelson said...

Jackie, I did actually apply to Big Onion, and the owner of the company corresponded with me a few times, but they weren't hiring and the economy is truly dismal. :(

GrannyLanny said...

You would be a wonderful tour guide. I wish we could come and get a personal tour from you. At least, you know the fun places to visit in NYC...and your way around.

Good luck on the job search.