Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Hello, Welcome to Blockbuster

So I had a good week. I exercised. I stayed below my points level and I lost! I should be happier. I'm almost at 15 pounds lost! I don't know, maybe it's because it isn't noticeable yet. My pants are looser. I need a belt now for my biggest size jeans. I don't know, maybe the whole thing is just getting monotonous. It's hard to have big emotions each week whether I've gained or lost. I think I'll really feel a sense of accomplishment when I hit my 10% lost goal. I think its 22 pounds. So, it's within reach. I'd like to reach it before my birthday, which is in February. So I think that's totally doable, even with the holidays.

So, I have a different problem that I need advice on. I need to make money to pay off some credit card debt I've racked up living on student loans (which are never enough). I want to pay some of it off so that next spring, after I graduate, I won't look totally undesirable to a new apartment management company when I want to move. I can only really work from January - April. I wish I could work online, from my home, but I don't know of any jobs you can do remotely like that. I would teach college courses online, but I don't have my masters yet, so I'm not qualified. I will have classes 4 days a week at varying times of the day/evening next semester. And I might have to go out of town for job interviews at different times. I'm thinking about Blockbuster. It's right down the street from me and I think it would be minimal training, whereas Starbucks would be crazy training (who wants to learn how to make all those drinks!) I'm definitely qualified for a job in the marketing/advertising industry, but I just don't have the hours to devote to it during the week. Does anyone have any ideas besides Blockbuster? Do you even think Blockbuster is a good idea? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

11 comments:

Vickie said...

You apply at Blockbuster ONLINE - they ask you the exact same questions three or four different ways and are looking for consistancy in your answers. You might want to keep a listing so you remember how you answered. I have a friend that used to manage there and loved it until they transferred her to a new store. I don't think they do this to the WORKERS - but they do it to the managers all the time.

The only other thing that I can think of would be a bookstore - I have always thought that would be very fun.

Vickie said...

I just had another thought. I have a friend that stocks shelves at TARGET at 3am 3-4 times a week. She gets paid very well for this middle of the night stocking. You would have to adjust your sleep schedule - but much more $ per hour and being able to just go in and DO it (store's not open yet) might make it worth the early hour.

Amazon Alanna said...

I think Blockbuster would be a fine idea. It's convenient, won't be taxing (I don't think), and if you're looking just to make some bucks so you don't get too behind, it's a great strategy.

Copngrats on your 15 pounds of loss! To keep the plan from getting too boring, remember to switch your foods around. YOu can't eat the same things day after and not expect to get bored.

TrixieBelden said...

Vickie - thanks for the tips on the online Blockbuster application! They did ask the same question over and over again. I think there were about 150-200 questions! I would consider doing the 3am Target job, but I live in a not so neighborhood so I wouldn't feel safe at the Targets in my area. Thanks for the idea about the bookstore. I'm going to check out the Barnes & Noble in a town near me to see if they have any openings.

TrixieBelden said...

Alanna, thanks for the tip about food variety. I have been eating the same thing alot lately. I need to mix things up!

Vickie said...

Another thought - something with exercise so that you end up getting PAID to workout. Water Aerobics, stretch class, gym front desk (you can probably study while you work, but you would already be there to work out when done). I have heard that certification is EASY for teaching classes.

*Christie* said...

Sell stuff on ebay!!! When I focus on that I can make an extra $500-$1,000 per month!

TrixieBelden said...

Wow Christie! What do you sell? I don't have anything I can think of.

Vickie said...

I ran into a woman who reminded me of the advantages of working at Curves - you can workout WHILE you work - if they are having a slow night. It is very low stress - because you mostly just help people and keep everyone's spirits up, very light cleaning on occassion. Flexible hours.

TrixieBelden said...

I think there's a Curves in my town. I will see if they are hiring.

Kathryn said...

Congrats on the loss.

i can't really offer any advice on jobs because i know things differ between the states and Australia with pay rates and type of work but when things are slow, I do admin temping. If you have a decent typing speed and know how to use MS office stuff like word, it isnt' too hard to get into.