I worked in a mall for four years during this time... where I discovered is the place most people who can't figure themselves out go. Some people never leave... even though it can be an excellent stepping stone/ filler between school and career, it's like a wasteland for those still in the high school mentality. And not trying to generalize, because I know this is a big world full of diverse people... but you would think the teenage part-timers would be the source of most things evil in that line of work. The negative banter about what you are owed to play on your phone all day... the lies told about unpopular co-workers... and the $20 bills missing from the register... these were all crimes generally committed by people old enough to have a care. Seriously, hold me.
My first full-time job was at a lovely home décor shop on the East Wing of an open mall.
We were located behind a bread company and I worked in a stockroom wafting with heavenly odors that possibly went straight to my hips each morning. My job was opening and arranging all of the new pretty items in perfect rows on countless shelves... which felt a bit like being a Christmas elf.
It was a great place to work, and I had the most wonderful boss. But when she was promoted and staff shifted, things were not as ideal. I was not getting the hours that I needed. I had completed some college, but was taking a break for "direction". Since my future career plans were unclear, I felt maybe it was time I tried climbing the corporate ladder a bit. So I began the nerve-racking {for me} task of fancy-ing my resume, and shamelessly throwing it at every managerial position available.
The first opportunity I had was a chic little boutique within walking distance. I was thrilled when that interview was scheduled, no lie. I walked into that pink building stuffed with over-priced fashion accessories, half-skirts and tops arranged by color. The manager that met me at the counter was scarcely older than myself, though a great deal blonder and more bosom-y. She took me to the "office" which resembled a show-girl dressing room I had seen in a movie, complete with light bulb framed mirror, counter top full of tubes of lipstick, and cloth folding chairs covered in lingerie.
She held in her hand my resume which she had clearly reviewed in detail since she called me "Kyrsten" twice.
"You have some good references here," she didn't smile. That would have perhaps creased her foundation. 'The thing is, we have, like, really famous people that shop here. Britney Spears, for instance, loves our store." <<OK>> "We have to keep our standards really high, so I'm sorry. I'm sure your awesome and everything... we just need a certain... look."
And every negative word I could think of would appropriately summarize that person and/or situation.
About a month later, as I walked to the bank I noticed a young man and older woman across the street watching me, and appearing to be talking about me. I tend to be a little paranoid {particularly when last night's deposit is in my apron pocket}, so when thoughts like this enter my mind, I try to dismiss them quickly.
On my way back from the bank this same guy runs across the street and hands me his card. "Hi, my name is *Jordan, I am the store manager for *Gadgets and Things. Would you be interested in a job?"
"I... don't know." I answered cautiously.
He flashed me a smile, and poured out some charm the only bit of which I remember went something like, "Listen, you look like a professional. Anita, my assistant, put in her two weeks notice and I need to fill her position pronto. I have a sense about people and I just know we would work well together. Call me of you are interested in a full-time job with benefits." He ran back across the street, leaving me completely baffled. Had not a few weeks before, I "not looked the part" for a job? This was manna, I tell you, pure manna. Or the worst joke ever. I wasn't sure. Was he in cahoots with bronzy-girl? They were both a certain caliber of person I had come to regard as "out of my league."
I held onto that card for two weeks before I called, and I was convinced that he had pulled the same move a dozen times now probably and the position most likely had been filled. Much to my surprise, not only was the position still available, but he knew who I was immediately.
I will never forget that job or that guy that hired me. He ended up being the oddest type of boss ever. Incredibly tough to please at times, a favorites-player for sure, but he genuinely wanted to be surrounded by people he could consider family. He would invite me out to dinner and drinks with his wife, and brother.. and friends. Of course, I eventually took him and the job for granted... At the time, I never really saw how perfect the timing was, or how much of a blessing I had received.
And I guess, this sequence is a reminder that there are silver linings... that when people are mean, and you have done something stupid and embarrassed yourself, or failure just seems to be your star... there will be little stories of successes, and kindnesses, and hope if you just keep trudging along.
I recall that I didn't need a job... I had one... so in a sense, the need provided for here was just the knowledge that I was OK. I may not be up to Britney's standards, or a whole slew of the gorgeous, rich, or famous. But even a plain little sparrow finds a flock, and an appropriate place to nest with each season.
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