a new lifestyle – per diem

My, oh my, how quickly things can change. I’m currently suffering and trying to recover from a blow to my ego that happened about an hour ago. In the matter of about 72 hours, I went from stumbling onto something that resembled a job, albeit per diem, to more or less being sent home before grabbing my cup of coffee. I’m taking blame for it though. I was told to arrive at a location between 5 and 6am to a place that would require at least a 30 minute commute. To make a long story short, I would’ve made it by 7, so I placed a quick call to my contact to let him know. And with a job like this, I wouldn’t blame my contact for telling me what he told me: you don’t have to come in [click]. I actually already forgot what he said verbatim, but the fatal blow was that he hung up immediately after he said it. I’ve only had angry girlfriends hang up on me with such coordination.

But like I said, I’m taking the blame because it was my fault for being late. I will admit that it felt a bit harsh, but having met him the day before, I can understand his tone. Plus it’s only my second day and this is my first job that I get my call time the night before I’m to go in. I also felt pretty useless for a few hours yesterday thanks to my inexperience around some of their equipment. But that’s to be expected, right? Oh yeah, I was working as an A/V tech. Not your local high school geeks, this was advanced, expensive and pay-for-its-sophistication technology. In other words, once I learned the ropes, I would’ve fit right in. Or so I would hope. And it looks like one of these ropes I missed completely. What is the meaning of that metaphor anyway? Climbing a rope in gym class? Boxing ring? Rickety bridge with planks of broken wood?

As it stands, this story isn’t over yet. Due to this just happening, I can still call the “main guy” to see if I’m completely done or if I have a chance to redeem myself. I’m not one that likes to be late and I do the best I can to make it a habit to show up early to everything… which is why I understand why a late call from me would translate into “just don’t bother.” In this business, if you’re on time, you’re late. That’s a law that’s repeated in any job that involves performance, unless you are the main attraction.

But with this being the first paying job I’ve had since February, I want to follow up ASAP. I already spoke to my support team and they told me to do likewise, and that this job is also a pit stop to what I have planned to do and I’ve already alluded to in earlier posts. 3S:FX Productions is still coming soon…

And for the record, writing about this experience is helping me cope. I have nothing negative to say about the company or people I was working with. In case you missed it, I’m saying this was my fault. Lesson re-learned.

UPDATE

Turns out that all is not lost. A simple phone call more or less helped to clear up the matter and everyone is on good terms. Perhaps a misunderstanding? Whatever the case, as long as I can help it, I won’t let them down again.