Once upon a time, there was a Star Market on Broadway in Somerville. This store was the only place between Porter Square and Sullivan Station (a good 50 minute walk from one another, with no direct bus line) that supplied the neighborhoods in between with relatively quality foods. However for some reason, the store closed down in 2008. Since then, despite the city's attempts to replace it with another legitimate grocery store, it remains a vacant eyesore, the fossils of the "Star Market" lettering etched into a rotting concrete edifice and the parking lot reduced to a place to dump snow in the winter. Apparently, the other major grocery chains "don't think the demographic will support [their business]" (See: http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/news/x1606967457/Supermarkets-refuse-to-take-over-Somerville-Star-Market-site?zc_p=0#axzz21CsyVqhl ).
I wish they had been a bit more specific about what they mean by "demographic." Everyone needs food, right?
Yesterday I decided to walk a ways from the bus station at Sullivan and see if there wasn't a grocery store around there. I GPSed a Stop & Shop that was 0.7 miles from it, and began walking in that direction. However after about two blocks I realized that this store was only accessible if I walked onto the ramp leading to I93. I was not about to enter a highway on foot (I don't even know if that's legal) so I turned around and tried to see if one of the smaller grocery stores it had listed on Broadway were any good.
All of them turned out to be 711s, Tedeschi's, or the non-chain equivalent. At the top of my shopping list was "strawberries," but the only produce I saw available were brown bananas and something that looked like it was supposed to be a mango but was the color of kiwi skin. Even bread was hard to come by. Items such as cookies and glazed, greasy pastries took up most of the aisle. Though I have to say part of this was personal, ever since living in Germany I have become somewhat of a bread snob (i.e. if it can squish like a pillow, I am not interested. What do Americans put in there to make it do that?)
Finally, this past weekend I googled the closest Stop & Shop to my neighborhood, and found that it's about 18 minutes away by foot. Oh, and I forgot to mention that the area of Somerville I live in is called "Winter Hill." Because it's a hill. A steep. Long. Hill. I'm talking San Fran status. And the Stop & Shop is downhill from my house. So I'm going to have to carry my groceries uphill every time I go shopping. Now, being an (almost) fit, young, twenty-something, to me this is just annoying. But for older people, disabled people, or injured people this would pretty much be impossible. "Tastykake or death?"
So, the conclusions I have drawn from this experience is that non-shit-containing-food is a luxury in this country. If you can't afford a car, you obviously don't deserve produce. If you have a health problem and can't walk uphill for 18 minutes, just eat junk. That'll help it. Even Davis Square doesn't have a supermarket, despite having a ton of restaurants. Hm. I guess it's clear what "demographic" they're catering to.
All in all, there is a reason why Americans suffer from obesity. But they're not necessarily the gluttonous ones.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Ah, Workforce. We Meet Again.
Originally, I was scheduled to start my first temp job tomorrow doing data entry for a non-profit downtown. However this morning I received a phone call from the staffing agency at 9am asking if I could work for another company at 11, just for today. Having woken up T-minus 30 seconds ago, I had the urge to decline, but forcing myself to think about the $66 I was going to make was motivation enough to get out of bed.
I was told that I would be helping with phone calls, and, not knowing what the company does, assumed I would be phone banking either to recruit people for something or advertise. I was surprised when I arrived to find that I would be calling department stores across the country, checking off which brands of designer shoes they sell, how many styles in that brand, and two designers that particular clerk recommended. The purpose of collecting this information remains a mystery to me.
Everything was pretty straightforward. Since I can type and dial a telephone I didn't need much training. However when I asked how I should introduce myself, i.e. the standard greeting and introduction from the company, I was told to "just act like a customer." A bit nerve racking since I don't recall putting "actress" down as one of my skills on the application, and my real-life experience shopping for designer shoes is nil. Needless to say my stoic interrogation of the first store was met with "is this some kind of survey or something?" I replied with that high-pitched oh-too-friendly "no" that pops out when one is desperately trying to keep a lie above water, and continued my questions trying to sound as curious as I could, the poor clerk becoming ever more suspect.
After the third call I had it down to a T, however, learning the proper pronunciations and grouping together the brands that clerks informed me were more similar styles to one another. I actually was able to convince 95% of the people that I was genuinely interested in buying 12+ pairs of shoes. Which to me was the scariest part of all. Yes, in America, some people actually do this.
I don't think I would take another job offer like this one. After the first half of the day my ear actually hurt from being crammed between the receiver and my glasses so much, and pretending to be interested in something you're not gets tiring pretty fast. But, at least I have money in the bank again. I'll see how data entry goes. Since I'm committed to this position until Friday, hopefully better.
I was told that I would be helping with phone calls, and, not knowing what the company does, assumed I would be phone banking either to recruit people for something or advertise. I was surprised when I arrived to find that I would be calling department stores across the country, checking off which brands of designer shoes they sell, how many styles in that brand, and two designers that particular clerk recommended. The purpose of collecting this information remains a mystery to me.
Everything was pretty straightforward. Since I can type and dial a telephone I didn't need much training. However when I asked how I should introduce myself, i.e. the standard greeting and introduction from the company, I was told to "just act like a customer." A bit nerve racking since I don't recall putting "actress" down as one of my skills on the application, and my real-life experience shopping for designer shoes is nil. Needless to say my stoic interrogation of the first store was met with "is this some kind of survey or something?" I replied with that high-pitched oh-too-friendly "no" that pops out when one is desperately trying to keep a lie above water, and continued my questions trying to sound as curious as I could, the poor clerk becoming ever more suspect.
After the third call I had it down to a T, however, learning the proper pronunciations and grouping together the brands that clerks informed me were more similar styles to one another. I actually was able to convince 95% of the people that I was genuinely interested in buying 12+ pairs of shoes. Which to me was the scariest part of all. Yes, in America, some people actually do this.
I don't think I would take another job offer like this one. After the first half of the day my ear actually hurt from being crammed between the receiver and my glasses so much, and pretending to be interested in something you're not gets tiring pretty fast. But, at least I have money in the bank again. I'll see how data entry goes. Since I'm committed to this position until Friday, hopefully better.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Unemployment Sucks
I realize I'm beating a dead horse by writing about the difficulty of finding a job right out of college in this economy, but, given my lack of productivity, I figure I might as well use some of my unwanted free time to state the obvious in my own unique way. Therefore, the following will consist of documentations of my experience trying to move to the city and find work as a recent graduate, and the frustrations thereof.
Part 1: Everything's Online
Back in the day, when one was seeking employment, they either looked in the newspaper, or, even more old-fashioned, walked down main street looking for "help wanted" signs. In this process one simply stepped in the door, talked to the manager, and, if they presented themselves well, were given the job. Not so anymore. In fact, nowadays one gets reprimanded for going about applying this way. Whilst I waited in vain for the myriad of my online applications to libraries/offices/firms to be responded to, I figured in the meantime I would waitress or work in a grocery store, so as to have some income. First, I walked in to a "Not Your Average Joe's" restaurant that said they were looking for a hostess. Upon speaking with the man at the desk (whose English was not quite up to par), I was irately told that the application was available "ON-LINE." I said that I had seen the ad online, but was hoping to meet face to face with the manager and fill out a solid form there. He said that was not possible, and if I wanted to apply I would have to go "ON-LINE! ON-LINE!!!" while pointing me towards the door. By now about half the tables in the restaurant as well as the waitstaff were looking at me as if I had threatened this man or he was kicking me out of the restaurant for being unruly. Awkwardly, I thanked him and, defeated, ducked out the door.
Next I went to a local Whole Foods, which I had applied for online about three weeks ago. I walked in and asked the information desk if they were still looking for a cashier, and once again (although this time more gracefully and in un-broken English) was told that all the open jobs were posted online. I explained to him that I had applied online three weeks ago and hadn't heard anything back, and if I could possibly meet with the manager or fill out a hard copy of the application to leave there. I was told to call the manager the following day, as she had already left. Upon calling the next day, she still was not in. The woman I spoke to said she would have her call me back, but this never happened. After that I gave up on Whole Foods. I really wasn't that determined to be a cashier.
Part 2: Hurry Up and Wait
It is amazing how few places will send you the compliment of a rejection letter. I'd say since I started the application process in March, I have applied to about 50-something jobs. I have received four rejection letters. I suppose this day and age when everything's online and all of your credentials have to be judged by a single Word document rather than your skills and personality, it's easier to just ignore people and assume they'll "get it" that they didn't get it (the job, I mean). Which to me is incredibly insulting. Not the rejection itself, but the disregard for all the time I spent applying for the job. The least I could get for my troubles is a "no thank you."Since then I've wizened up and have not applied to anyplace that forces me to get an account with some third-party resume processing company that takes 40 minutes to sign up for. On top of that, they send your phone number out to telemarketers who call multiple times a day asking if you want to complete your B.A. online, despite the fact that the application explicitly says you've already graduated from college. If you're not going to hire me, fine, but don't send your harpy third-party associates after me. That's just adding insult to injury.
Luckily, in the past couple weeks I have been accepted by two staffing agencies to work as a temp. This means if someone at a company goes on vacation or maternity leave, etc., I fill in for them and get paid through the agency. It's better than nothing, and it's a little more professional feeling than Whole Foods. Plus I don't have to worry about working weekends, most likely. However in the week and a half I've been on their payroll, I have yet to get an assignment. I know it hasn't been that long, but I just threw down first, last, and deposit for my apartment, so it would be nice to have some spending money again. Despite the reassurance that something will eventually come my way, for the time being I'm still in limbo.
Part 3: Lethargy
Not only is unemployment bad financially, but I've found it to be detrimental to my physical and mental health. Getting out of bed in the morning seems like more of an effort than ever, and unless I have a doctor's appointment or an interview, I just don't. The other day I slept until 3pm. And I didn't even feel bad about it. I constantly wake up in the morning stressed because I can't remember what day of the week it is and fear that I might have slept through an interview. Simple things like showering and food shopping seem like strenuous efforts. Needless to say I haven't been cooking much, and frozen food every night hasn't been the most nutritious meal plan.
However I'm lucky that I have friends here in the city with me, and our occasional outings give me something positive to look forward to, despite the back of my head scolding me for having fun without an income.
Altogether, I've found the modern job application process to be slow, unresponsive, and most of all disrespectful towards people who are trying to make an honest living. By forcing everyone to apply electronically and never meeting the applicant face to face, it makes it easier for employers to not only reject but completely ignore the individual, and on top of that force them to make an account with a third party who will use their information to harass and try to make money off THEM, even though they are most likely unemployed.
However thanks to the staffing agencies, I am technically no longer "unemployed," and I hope I never will be again. Things at least seem to be looking up for now.
Part 1: Everything's Online
Back in the day, when one was seeking employment, they either looked in the newspaper, or, even more old-fashioned, walked down main street looking for "help wanted" signs. In this process one simply stepped in the door, talked to the manager, and, if they presented themselves well, were given the job. Not so anymore. In fact, nowadays one gets reprimanded for going about applying this way. Whilst I waited in vain for the myriad of my online applications to libraries/offices/firms to be responded to, I figured in the meantime I would waitress or work in a grocery store, so as to have some income. First, I walked in to a "Not Your Average Joe's" restaurant that said they were looking for a hostess. Upon speaking with the man at the desk (whose English was not quite up to par), I was irately told that the application was available "ON-LINE." I said that I had seen the ad online, but was hoping to meet face to face with the manager and fill out a solid form there. He said that was not possible, and if I wanted to apply I would have to go "ON-LINE! ON-LINE!!!" while pointing me towards the door. By now about half the tables in the restaurant as well as the waitstaff were looking at me as if I had threatened this man or he was kicking me out of the restaurant for being unruly. Awkwardly, I thanked him and, defeated, ducked out the door.
Next I went to a local Whole Foods, which I had applied for online about three weeks ago. I walked in and asked the information desk if they were still looking for a cashier, and once again (although this time more gracefully and in un-broken English) was told that all the open jobs were posted online. I explained to him that I had applied online three weeks ago and hadn't heard anything back, and if I could possibly meet with the manager or fill out a hard copy of the application to leave there. I was told to call the manager the following day, as she had already left. Upon calling the next day, she still was not in. The woman I spoke to said she would have her call me back, but this never happened. After that I gave up on Whole Foods. I really wasn't that determined to be a cashier.
Part 2: Hurry Up and Wait
It is amazing how few places will send you the compliment of a rejection letter. I'd say since I started the application process in March, I have applied to about 50-something jobs. I have received four rejection letters. I suppose this day and age when everything's online and all of your credentials have to be judged by a single Word document rather than your skills and personality, it's easier to just ignore people and assume they'll "get it" that they didn't get it (the job, I mean). Which to me is incredibly insulting. Not the rejection itself, but the disregard for all the time I spent applying for the job. The least I could get for my troubles is a "no thank you."Since then I've wizened up and have not applied to anyplace that forces me to get an account with some third-party resume processing company that takes 40 minutes to sign up for. On top of that, they send your phone number out to telemarketers who call multiple times a day asking if you want to complete your B.A. online, despite the fact that the application explicitly says you've already graduated from college. If you're not going to hire me, fine, but don't send your harpy third-party associates after me. That's just adding insult to injury.
Luckily, in the past couple weeks I have been accepted by two staffing agencies to work as a temp. This means if someone at a company goes on vacation or maternity leave, etc., I fill in for them and get paid through the agency. It's better than nothing, and it's a little more professional feeling than Whole Foods. Plus I don't have to worry about working weekends, most likely. However in the week and a half I've been on their payroll, I have yet to get an assignment. I know it hasn't been that long, but I just threw down first, last, and deposit for my apartment, so it would be nice to have some spending money again. Despite the reassurance that something will eventually come my way, for the time being I'm still in limbo.
Part 3: Lethargy
Not only is unemployment bad financially, but I've found it to be detrimental to my physical and mental health. Getting out of bed in the morning seems like more of an effort than ever, and unless I have a doctor's appointment or an interview, I just don't. The other day I slept until 3pm. And I didn't even feel bad about it. I constantly wake up in the morning stressed because I can't remember what day of the week it is and fear that I might have slept through an interview. Simple things like showering and food shopping seem like strenuous efforts. Needless to say I haven't been cooking much, and frozen food every night hasn't been the most nutritious meal plan.
However I'm lucky that I have friends here in the city with me, and our occasional outings give me something positive to look forward to, despite the back of my head scolding me for having fun without an income.
Altogether, I've found the modern job application process to be slow, unresponsive, and most of all disrespectful towards people who are trying to make an honest living. By forcing everyone to apply electronically and never meeting the applicant face to face, it makes it easier for employers to not only reject but completely ignore the individual, and on top of that force them to make an account with a third party who will use their information to harass and try to make money off THEM, even though they are most likely unemployed.
However thanks to the staffing agencies, I am technically no longer "unemployed," and I hope I never will be again. Things at least seem to be looking up for now.
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