h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi BFM,
Just a quick note, CONGRATULATIONS, you obviously went for it and won, can't keep a good man down can they?
Oggie.

Many thanks, Oggie!

After almost 11 months, over 250 applications and resumes, the first place to offer me a non-insulting wage was Office Depot. With nearly 34 years in graphic arts, advertising and printing, they put me in their copy and print center to train as an assistant manager.

Oddly, I am really enjoying it as I begin my third week, I will have a hard choice to make in September, however, as an inside source has told me I will be offered a position with Tampa Fire Rescue as a 9-1-1 dispatcher. This is a position I tested for back last November and had my final formal interview last week. My son-in-law is a reserve police officer, and through his contacts was able to learn that I am on the short list for final consideration.

The problem is that Office depot went out of their way to accommodate my volunteer work with the local Hospice and as a Meals on Wheels driver. I doubt I will get that cooperation from the city.

Meanwhile, how's the neck?

Really enjoy your limerick postings.

Best, John, aka BFM

Hi John,
Your welcome, it's good to hear a success story, over here a lot of Companies are starting to recruit older guys and gals, the new lot are a waste of time but they seem to know how to answer the questions, it's all down to what they call 'life skills' - tell lies and hope you learn the job before they find you out!. I'm not really in a position to help with your future job(s), the only thing I would say is do what your heart is happy with. I retired from the U.K. Police Service as O.I.C. of a Trunk Road Unit - what you would call Highway patrol I guess, the other end of a despatcher I suppose, I went to every blood soaked, vomit inducing smash you can think of and had to support the Guys on the job and then do the Tekkie stuff. It's not a lot of fun, I've also done the Control Room bit and believe you me IT'S STRESSFULL, unless you're a dickhead who doesn't care, or so good you can cope - only thing is, if you cope with it they just pile it on, there are more wasters in those occupations than good guys, you just get all the crap the wise guys avoid. Somebody once described it as like a bucket of worms, all climbing over each other to get to the top. It might not be like that with your crews but I suspect it's a pretty universal attitude.
Neck has gone on too long, it's very high up C3/4 which is grey cells and looks like permanent damage, some improvement since the operation and fusion, can walk with sticks about 15metres which I think is brilliant, got an Auto car and an electric scooter so I get about a bit, it's great after looking at a ceiling for 12 months, next year will tell, got raised beds in the garden so growing veggie again, life is looking up for both of us.

Take care Oggie (Bob)

Hello to you both!I'm so glad things are on the up and ooggie is usual postive self.