work resume: Part 1 - The 90's

So, I read a blog entry recently that discussed a lousy previous work experience. Well thinking about that this morning, I decided I would chronicle my work experiences prior to starting my illustrious career as a stay-at-home-mom. I should preface this by explaining that before graduating high school, I had never had a job. It wasn't for lack of trying, I did ask my parents once or twice if I could get one & they told me no. (Ask them if you don't believe me). Part of the reason for the no was they wanted me to concentrate on school & the other was I didn't have a car of my own so they would have had to taxi me back and forth to said job. Okay so after graduation I began my "brief" but varied work history. And so the story begins...

• August 1997: Hobby Lobby San Marcos, TX Pay: minimum wage ($4.15/hr.) - This one was fun. For about a month I worked along side a girlfriend from high school before she moved on to bigger & better things. Stayed there for a little while longer, even had my own department & keys to the cash safe up front. Don't remember much of my career w/ the Hob Lob other than my department was the only one to score a 100% when the regional manager visited. Left there right before inventory. Trying to work full-time & go to school full-time, something had to give.

• November 1997: JCPenney San Marcos, TX Pay: minimum wage ($4.15/hr then $4.25/hr) - I believe this was the only job I've ever had that I got all on my own, didn't have a connection one to the place. Started out in the children's department. And if anyone remembers the Penney's in San Marcos from way back when, the kid's department was in an adjacent suite in the "mall". (Remember the way it was? Run down, WAY past it's prime, scary to small children. Yeah, I remember it all too well). Need a restroom break, change, manager approval? Well, you were SOL until someone from up the hill decided to grace you with their presents. After serving my time in the "dungeon" I was moved up to the men's department. I was never officially told why but my guess was that they needed a pretty young thang over there to boost sales. Yeah, I thought pretty highly of myself back then. I was young, thin & wasn't afraid to talk to strangers. Not long after that an opening came available in jewelry & I begged for it. Got it & never looked back. I was in heaven! Surrounded all day by diamonds, silver & gold; what more could a girl ask for. Quickly moved up the ladder within the department & one day in walked an old friend with promises of riches & gold. Not really, but after talking on several occasions she did come with a job offer. Seems that a new position was created at the McCoy's Corporate office in the receptionist office. Hmmm, no weekends & more moola? Where do I sign up??
  

Well, this concludes Part 1: The 90's. Please join me again as we explore more of memory lane in Part 2: 1999 to Present. Hope you enjoyed the ride, "Come back now, 'ya hear!"