Need Advice

[newtofl]

First of all, Happy New Year to everyone.

I need some advice.  I moved to Florida from New Jersey about 6 months ago.  I started working as a temp about 4 months ago and have not had a day off since.  On September 26, I started a temp/perm assignment and was finally hired on December 23, 2002.  It felt wonderful to get hired on so quickly after I moved although the salaries are much lower then I am used to - but I knew that before I moved.

My problem is: My official title is a claims assistant which means,  I am not using most of my skills in my job and it is making me CRAZY.  I type almost all day, sometimes I do dictation from tapes which is great but most of the time it is short paragraphs, filling in screen information and answering the phone and trying to help clients and/or send them to the claim adjusters.  I have worked as an executive assistant doing many different tasks and loved my job (my last job was at Verizon Wireless as an executive assistant in the IT group).

I work with a woman that is rude to clients on the phone, rude to me and the adjusters and no-one ever says anything to our boss because it goes in one ear and out the other and everyone just grins and bears it (this is what I was told when I first confronted my boss).  It is getting harder and harder to handle each day and I am getting bored now that I am really getting the hang of my job (might I say much quicker then the other assistant has ever done).  

I want to change jobs but am afraid that if I do change my job, my perspective employers will look at the fact that I have only been with the company a short time and they will wonder if I will do the same with them.  How do I go about changing jobs without making myself look bad and not get caught at my current job searching and ultimately losing my job?

Thanks for listening.
Susan

[jadegrniiz]

Welcome to Florida, neighbor!

I'm sorry to hear that this woman is making your new job a bummer.  My husband works for an insurance company, too, so I'm kind familiar with the setup of the office. Is it possible that you can move to another area where you can't hear her? And instead of changing jobs so quickly, why not try to stick it out a few months and then transfer within the company? Of course I say that based on the set up of my husband's office (he works for GEICO), but with insurance companies, they treat dedication and logevity very well down here... and if you could just stick it out now that your foot is in the door........

If you just can't stand it..... no big deal. Just explain that the job is temporary, because you just moved here and needed the work... but it isn't the career path you intend to take, and hence the reason you are there to interview. You can also put a small mention in your resume that the current position is temporary until you can secure more permanent employment.

Hope that helps!!  Where in Florida did you end up moving to?


Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

[patphi]

Welcome to the land of Micky Mouse, Shamu, and the Grinch.

I understand what you are saying.  I faced much of the same dilemma when I moved south about 13 years ago.  I took a job that was close to home although at a much lower rate of pay (which I also knew beforehand).  However, much as you I was unchallenged and worked with someone who was ---let's just say difficult.  Finally, after much thought and soul searching I decided to cut my losses and move on.  Let me tell you - it was the best decision for all concerned - especially me!  I got a better position with a better company (I'm still here 12 years later).

I agree with the previous writer to just let prospective employers know this was a temporary job and that since we were new to the area you did not know or understand the job market.  If you have a good prior record, most companies will ignore the fact of this one side-step to your career.

Just one word of warning.  Take this for what it is worth.  This time of year is "snowbird" season and many employers fear that you are here for 6 months and will be going back north.  I moved into Florida in October and that was the toughest thing I has to face when looking for my first job here.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Where in Florida are you located?

Pat in Orlando

[msmarieh]

You've been an actual employee there less than a month. List it as a temp job on your resume and go back to temping! Problem solved!!!

Marie

[jadegrniiz]

Speaking of Orlando....

Going to be working on weekend #2 in a row in O-town! Last weekend was the last weekend to use our Sea World passes (they offer FL Residents an all-year ticket for the same price as a one-day for a tourist), so we went determined to see anything we hadn't yet gotten to see.

This weekend, I'm taking my 10-yr old to redeem her Christmas gift from DH and me - a shopping spree at one of the largest malls in FL - The Florida Mall. She's got $300 (I told everyone in the family that was what she was going to get, so they all kicked her some gift cards at Christmas), and it's just gonna be me and her. What fun!

Jadegrniiz
Peer Moderator

[newtofl]

Thank you all for your replies. We are living in Altamonte Springs - very nice area.  I didn't know that we could get a yearly pass for the price of a one day ticket at Sea World.  As soon as we get situated financially I will look into it - I've always wanted to see Shamu.  Where do I go to get the yearly ticket?

I chose to stay with the company for now but continue to put my name out in the job market.  An old boss once told me that even if you are happy with your job, it is fine to send out your resume and if something falls in your lap, take it - so I will take her advise.  

I have talked with the agency that got me the job and explained that I am unhappy.  He told me to stop back once in a while to let me know how things are going and if another job comes up, he will let mek now.

[patphi]

Good for you.  Just keep on "keeping on".  

To get the Sea World Florida Resident Pass,  just go to Sea World to the left of the ticket booths is a special office that sales these passes.  Anyone at or near the entrance gate should be able to direct you.  By the way, all the theme parks have a Florida Resident Pass.  I'm not sure the details on each but I know they have them.  My DH works for Disney so luckily we get passes for that one.  Also, I have a daughter who works for Sea World and our Christmas present every year are passes for SW.   And, lucky me, I have a son-in-law who works for Universal.  I think that covers all the bases for me anyway.

As far as the job goes, set yourself some goals, even if they are personal goals - just to keep yourself challenged.

I know I really like my job and the company I work for is great.  However, recently I have found myself getting bored and realized I no longer have a challenge.  Therefore, I have decided to get my MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) certification.  That should be enough of a challenge for now.  I am also considering get my CAP (Certified Administrative Professional) from IAAP this year or next at the latest.

Good luck and let us know from time to time how it goes.

And finally, WELCOME to the land of Micky, Shamu, and the Grinch.  It's great to be here where so much is happening.

Pat in Orlando.