i hope i didn't offend you

I hate new jobs. You spend all this time answering the same dum dum questions. Where do you live? Where are you from? How long have you been here? Every single person asks the same questions. I'm tired. Can I wear a sign? Ditmas Park. Connecticut. 10 years.

This company, that I have just started with, is the most poorly run business I have ever experienced. It's a great store with great product but the people in charge are clueless. Well, there really is no one in charge. It's a bunch of kids running around talking about this party and that party.

The schedule for the week is sent out on Sunday night. Unbelievable. I find out Sunday night if I am working on Monday. I just can't get over that. I seriously could go on and on with a list of things that are wrong but really the problem is me. None of this is ok with me. I'm too uptight for this laid back, "Oh, you're working the opening shift on Wednesday." Really? With who? "Just you." I don't have keys. How am I supposed to open without keys? "Just get some from someone who does. Just ask around." Are you serious?

Then I had the ultimate day on Saturday. It was a surprise to anyone there that I was even scheduled. Went through all the usual bullshit questions. Then a girl asked me how old I was. I paused. I'm getting to the age where I find this to be an odd question. What fucking difference does it make? 32. I replied. What are you doing in retail? She asked. Excuse me? As if a 32 year old should have it made-not working a part time retail job. What kind of fucking bubble do you live in, girl? The bubble where all dreams come true and by the time you're 32 you will be on the magic cloud of making magic things happen? Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you! I hope I didn't offend you, she said. Yes, you offended me. More than once because you kept saying that you hoped you didn't offend me. Over and over. I just meant what else do you do? What is your passion? She asked. Not talking to you. That's my passion right now. Seriously. Who are you that I should be forced to tell you what my dreams are? I'm not asking what you want to be when you finally grow up because honestly, I don't give a shit.

What a day.