In the Fall of 2021, my employer, WIS International would merge with its competitor, RGIS. That meant we would see changes across the board, from office numbers to new equipment, and breaking up a crew who were like family to me the last few years. We got our assignments, and the changes weren’t going to be in my favor. I considered my options, and seriously felt like making a career change.
Just after the changes took place, I began applying elsewhere. I put in applications at Giant Eagle and Goodwill. I also considered Target and Wal-Mart, as well as Allegheny Health Network and Excela (now Independence) Health, which had hospitals in the area. Far cry from the days when I held out for the perfect job or dreamed of going back to school for a useless degree to get out of a job I didn’t like. I would score interviews with Goodwill (in person) and Giant Eagle (online and over-the-phone). Giant Eagle hired me a week before Thanksgiving and I accepted the offer.
The job would be part-time at the beginning with the option to apply for a full-time position if it became available. 20 or 40 hours a week, I was going to make this work. The first time I applied I was unsuccessful. I did it again this past Spring, with better results. I applied online thanks to the help of my night crew leader. A few weeks later, I had my interview and I aced it. By the beginning of summer, it became official. I was now full-time.
I worked part-time for so long and was frustrated with my life, especially early on after college and at the beginning of my time with WIS. Eventually, I learned to appreciate WIS and actually left a part time job with Giant Eagle to come back. That would actually work out in the short-term. I knew when I was finally ready to leave.
For a long time, my hours were inconsistent, my pay varied, and I never knew when I would be done or when I’d be home. It feels good to work close to home, knowing when I’ll be done, and having great benefits. For almost 15 years, I didn’t have a paid vacation, in addition to inadequate health care. Sometimes, I was fearing for my life in bad weather conditions or a sometimes hostile working environment. As much as I enjoyed the people who became family, the job would take a toll on my mental health. Twice I thought about leaving WIS for Giant Eagle due to unhappiness at my old job. The third time was the charm and that’s because of the changes due to the merger. Please don’t take this as an attack, because I enjoyed working there for a long time.
Everyone pulled for me and they were thrilled when I got the full-time position. I was guaranteed 40 hours even when things slowed down in winter. Things are finally beginning to look up for me after so many years of coming up short. Next year, I’ll get two weeks of paid time off.
I’m grateful to be employed by a company that offers room for advancement, takes care of its employees, and is supportive of its workers. I think I made the right move in late 2021.
Stylish 🍒 