Second Jobs

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I have posted before about getting a second job. It's also one of the reasons for my scarce presence in blogland these days.

I haven't said what this second job entails, what it is I'm actually doing. I spent two months scouring the job boards. I had to find something that worked around my insane schedule. One week I'm foot loose and fancy free after 5:00pm - the next week I have kid pick up and everything that goes with having kids afoot - cooking, cleaning, homework blah blah blah blah. Retail was out because of scheduling. Waitressing or bartending was the same. I couldn't work till 1:00 in the morning and then get up at 5:00am to get ready for my real job. Working as an escort was out because I don't have the temperment. Don't laugh, I actually considered it.

So what am I doing? Market research, via the telephone, from home. I'm one of those annoying people that call just as you're sitting down to supper asking you to complete a survey.

(Hangs head in shame and listens intently as her followers drop like flies)

The thing is, I have never ever worked at a job that I'm not proud of doing. Let's be real though, no one likes a surveyer. I refuse to call myself a telemarketer because the company I work for does not sell shit. They do surveys for large companies and business - mostly customer satisfaction surveys. However, to the general masses, there is no distinction between what I do and a telemarketer.

Do you know what the other kick in the arse is? I'm really fucking good at it. I've been told by several people at the end of a survey that I have a "lovely voice" and "if every telemarketer (See? No distinction) that called sounded like you do I'd complete more of these surveys". That comment actually made me think I should be doing 1-900 calls instead of surveying. The comment was made by a woman.

The job allows me to work from home, there's no travel and I make up my own schedule. If there's days I can't work, I simply don't. Shift start and end times are at my discretion. For this reason alone the job is ideal. The pay is really decent. But I'm still ashamed to say I'm doing this. A very select few of my friends know that I have this second job.

Here's where you come in. This secrecy around this new job is playing on me. Am I being retarded? Ok ok - we all know the answer to that but am I being retarded when it comes to this? I need your HONEST opinion. I keep telling myself I could resort to theivery (I do look good in black) and prostitution to make my car payment and that would be a helluva lot worse than surveying, right?

Also, the next time you get one of those annoying phone calls at dinner, keep in mind that a "I'm sorry I really don't want to do this" is so much nicer than a "fuck you". The person on the other end of the line could simply be trying to feed her kids or make her car payment.

19 comments:

The Queen said...
June 26, 2010 at 12:36 PM

You do what you have to do. those that don't get annoyed will talk to you.. those that get annoyed.. will hang up or cuss you out....

It pays the bills kid.. and that's all that matters..

Look what we do at the castle for income to pay for gin.. we do street corners.. he he..

GunDiva said...
June 26, 2010 at 1:26 PM

The Ashinator tried that exact same job. She made 59 calls in one hour and was hung up on more than 50 times. Needless to say, she only lasted an hour at that job.

It sucks. I can't say as how I've done that job, but I do try to keep in mind that no one grows up wanting to be a telemarketer or phone survey-taker and so I usually play along.

I have held a job I wasn't so proud of, but had to keep a roof over the kids heads and food in their bellies (otherwise they're just a bunch of whiners). When I got out of college, the only job I could find was building trophies. Boy, did I feel like a winner doing that job with my brand new degree.

Don't worry, this follower isn't going anywhere.

Unknown said...
June 26, 2010 at 3:56 PM

You should totally email me that information or give me a website - that is right up my alley!

adrienzgirl said...
June 26, 2010 at 5:40 PM

Why do you give two shits what anyone thinks about the job? It isn't something you dreamed of doing, but it's honest work for honest pay. It allows you to be flexible, work when you can, from home and you aren't traveling here and there adding more carbons to the atmosphere. If you have friends or family who give you flack, tell 'em to eff off or buck up and help you pay your bills.

Then...seriously examine why those people are in your life.

I respect your work ethic Mama!

Logical Libby said...
June 26, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Are they paying you? Do you have to hurt anyone who doesn't want to be hurt? NO? Then good on ya...

Macey said...
June 26, 2010 at 7:44 PM

Woman.
You're a single mom.
You do what you have to do.
Don't be embarrassed.
And, for the record, I never hang up on surveyors because I know they're just doing their job.
Now, call me and take my opinion on something.

Tracie said...
June 26, 2010 at 9:09 PM

You do what you have to do and it actually sounds like a good fit for your schedule.

PS I don't hang up on survey takers either - unless I can't understand what the hell they're saying.

MrsBlogAlot said...
June 26, 2010 at 10:19 PM

Yeah!... What they all said.

Are you kidding me? How could you even care what anyone thinks?

And I meant it, you have a lovely voice (-;

Lothiriel said...
June 27, 2010 at 12:36 AM

That's pretty cool!!! I don't like telephones or I'd get a job like that!!

I've never been rude when it's just a survey they want. But telemarketers. No way.

I take surveys online for money. It's not much...but it's something.

Kim said...
June 27, 2010 at 12:37 AM

The way you set this up I was really getting psyched up for something super disgusting, like posing for Japanese festish porn or sweaty ball licker.

I am so disappointed.

Linda Medrano said...
June 27, 2010 at 1:17 PM

You know what? I'm really proud of you. You found something that works just fine and you do it well. Congratulations! I really don't mind surveys and will usually do them if they call me at a reasonable time and are nice.

Respectfully Yours said...
June 28, 2010 at 12:10 AM

Thank you for giving that job such a personal feel. I will be sure to be kinder next time with you in mind. Take care dear, good on ya. The problem today is no one wants to work, they are too damn picky. You have stepped up and made your family priority.

gayle said...
June 28, 2010 at 12:24 AM

Honest ~ I love to do surveys and I want to know how I can get this job too!!! Tell your friends! Be proud!!!

Anonymous said...
June 28, 2010 at 6:28 AM

I think you're doing a grand job. Most people wouldn't bother getting a second job so for that you must be commended... if people don't want to be nice they hang up, right? Either way, someone has to do it and why shouldn't it be you - the lovely voice lady?!!

Tell people and stop being retarded!

Salt said...
June 28, 2010 at 1:22 PM

I think if the extra money is good then who cares? There are plenty of worse things you could be doing. Honestly, if I could make some extra $$ at home doing market surveys now (which I actually used to do in college and it worked out really well for me) I'd be all over it.

I'm all about anything that lets me lounge around in my pajamas!

Danielle said...
June 28, 2010 at 3:08 PM

Who cares what other people think for god sakes. We all do what we have to to pay for our wine habbits!!!! Plus you are on the phone and no one can see you!
I want to hear your lovely voice by the way! Call me and survey me!

moosmamma said...
June 28, 2010 at 5:09 PM

We we do what we have to do... myself.... i've taken to auctioning off all of my daughter's excess baby clothing on ebay...

I promise to be extra nice when i say no to the survey callers.... and answer every other one... ; )in the name of single moms and dads just doin their best to get by... and for all of the wonderful advise you have given me : )

Anonymous said...
June 29, 2010 at 5:53 PM

awww. u should totally call me do a survey and then just chit chat

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