... working as a correctional officer. So, yeah, I finally got a job. Honestly, if anyone would've asked my if I'd ever work at a correctional facility, I would've laughed at them, but as it turns out, this is where life has taken me.
How did I end up at this job? A month ago or so, I wrote a blog which was quite depressing, as I didn't have a job, and felt completely worthless. Thankfully, I got some great advice from my last few blogs, and started applying to bunch of jobs without a care in the world. The prison was the only place which was interested in me, so I jumped at the opportunity, passed all the medical checkups and physical tests. At one point my old-self raised its head again, and made me doubt myself, but thankfully my reasonable side prevailed and I took the job.
In hindsight, I could've done a better job at sending out resumes, so I could've landed a different job instead, but that's in the past, and I can only keep looking forward.
The job itself isn't amazing, but the learning process is fun, and all the colleague's are friendly and helpful. The shifts are 13 hours long, but I'm only being payed for 12. I might also work on weekends and holidays, when 'regular' people are relaxing. Despite that, I can't really bite the hand that feeds me, especially when I've been there barely for a month. There are also night shifts, which I've yet to encounter.
Despite all my complaints the salary is great, well above the average in my county, and the benefits are pretty good as well. I can visit the local gym 8 times a month for free, and I can also use the employees gym at the facility, so I guess I need to start lifting. I also get 3 days off each week, which suits me (right now).
As I applied for the position quite late, I won't be sent to the academy full-time right now. Nevertheless, I'll go through a 2 week basic training at the academy. My contract states that I'll need to go through 1 year academy training at the first possibility, if I want to keep working at the job. What's great about that is that that I'll retain my salary while studying, basically meaning that I'm being paid to learn. After that the salary will rise, but I must work at a correctional facility for the next 2 years.
Right now I see my next 4 years planned out, as I have no idea what else I'd like to do. After those 4 years, I might continue working, but I might also give college a second chance and major in something which interests me, or is beneficial for my career.
Getting a job has been great for me mentally as well. I don't feel that lazy and worthless anymore. I also don't feel like I'm wasting my time when playing games. Or maybe I still feel like I am wasting it when I could do something more productive, but at least now I can tell myself that I have a job and can allow to spend some time being lazy.
When all is said and done, I feel things are looking up. I have my first job, a good salary, and I feel a little less depressed than usual. I've finally taken a step forward.
Nice! I know several guys who went to the academy and became correctional officers. Being able to study in the academy with no need to work while you do so is really freeing!
Thank you all for the kind words! I really appreciate it!
On October 18 2014 01:26 Epishade wrote: So are you gonna be like nice-guy John Bennett or bad-guy Pornstache from OITNB?
If it's the former, people could call you John Bunnet.
I think I'll settle somewhere in the middle I don't want to get fired yet
On October 18 2014 02:01 PassiveAce wrote: never catch me is pretty nice. its like the only catchy song on the album
When listening the songs individually, Never Catch Me is definitely the strongest. I didn't really like the album at start, besides the aforementioned song, but 'You're Dead' has really grown on me. I think the album needs to be listened in one sitting and all the songs should be seen as part of the greater whole. The concept of the album is really fascinating. At one point it's very joyous, while the very next moment it turns really dark. It would make a great theme for bipolar disorder.
Overall, I really like the album. I guess most people would find it too hectic for their taste, but I found it to be quite alright. At some points it feels like the songs could've used more work, and the album is a bit rushed, but majority of it is perfect for my current mindset. 8/10
Just remember two things for the rest of your career. 1) Prisoners are humans, never start to think about them as just "inmates" and you will always be a good guy and you will never be a part of a bad system. 2) You can't fucking trust humans.
Even if this would only be a short term job I think there are so much useful skills you can learn there that would be useful for other career choices (like working with difficult and maybe uncooperative people). Just make sure you keep challenging yourself!
On October 20 2014 00:09 Cambium wrote: Congrats on getting a job. Hope you treat the inmates with proper respect and they do the same to you.
Thank you, I'll try that.
Some inmates, though, seem to behave like kindergarten children no matter what you do. Thankfully I'm not in the juvenile department which I've heard to be the worst.
EPT
I don't want to get fired yet 
