The Traveling Spotlight: Working It!

Brent over at BMW inspired me to write this post up.

While composing this list, I realize that I have had way too many jobs in my lifetime, and surprisingly no savings to show for it.

Work History

Dishwasher (1986)- The start of my lifetime of indentured servitude and where I now rethink "If I knew then what I know now..." I worked at a Chi-Chi's restaurant, and upon going home, I would smell like a chopped onion.
Line Cook (1986)- a job so bad that dishwashing was actually better.
Buss Boy (1987)- First job where I got to hang with all the gay waiters. They used to take me out after work. Way too many parties later, I got fired for falling asleep during a lunch shift.
Waiter (1987-1997)- What can I say? Once an actor...always a waiter.
Amusement Park Ride Operator (1987)- And I never worked a day that summer without being hung over.
Bartender(1988-1997)- One of the most fun jobs I have ever performed. Working at way too many clubs, I learned that everyone loves the bartender...and well let's just say I would have done most anyone for a tip.
Phone Sex Operator (1990-1993) My mom found this job for me while I was in college. I was given a basic script to work off of, and incentives to keep guys on the phone for longer than 15 minutes. I learned here that I give damn good phone.
Downhill Ski Instructor (1990-1995) My specialty was the beginners. Must of been something about seeing grown men laying down in the snow.
Actor (1989-current)- The resume is way too long for this one, but I've been performing off and on since 89. Best show I've performed in is the Touring Production of Angels in America. Worst one was playing a reformed evangelical Christian for a church production in Colorado.
Stand Up Comic (1990-Current)- Once again, way too many places to list, but highlights include getting taped for Comedy Central (They later edited my set out to shorten the program), performing an opening act at Caroline's, and performing nearly 50 (last count was 48, but 49 is in the works) times at the same club that made Roseanne famous.
Financial Aid Administrator (1990-2001)- Where I learned that you fill out the FAFSA, send it off to the Central Processor, and in 4-6 weeks you receive a SAR back. This SAR has and EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) that is subtracted from the total budget for a year. All aid is based on the EFC. PELL grants are awarded to those with a 2800 or lower EFC, SEOG to those with a 1400 or lower EFC, and work study to those with an EFC less that 1000. All students can qualify for a Stafford (formally a GSL) at varying levels of 2625 for Freshman, 3500 for sophomores, 5500 for Junior and Seniors, and 10500 for Grad students.
HIV tester/Educator (1993-1997)- Best part of that job was that I could screen out potentially slimy boyfriends. Worst part was attending the funeral of a 17 year old boy who never told his parents he was positive and therefore never got any medical treatment.
Computer Applications Developer (2001) - Can you say layoff? Maybe that's why I don't feel bad that the company was later blamed for a 16 state blackout last year, and had to shut down a nuclear power plant for unsafe conditions. Screw those mothers!
Office Temp(2002-current)-the job that keeps on sucking. No health insurance, no paid sick days, no vacation time off, and the company you contract with can end the contract at any time and you find out when you show up for work. Additionally, since I know enough about programming, I get trapped into doing IT work at 1/3 the pay of what I should be getting. This will come to an end soon, as I continue to search for work. Until then, I beg and plead for additional work and pay.