Job

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I have a job! It's at an big-chain music store here in London. The first one I interviewed for.... actually, the only one I interviewed for... and the only one that called me back. Granted, I only sent out two resumes - and was going to send out more on Monday if the new job hadn't called me in for an interview.

Funnily enough, I seriously bombed the interview. Like, hard. At least, I think I did. As part of the interview, I had to fill out a product knowledge questionairre (which I basically left the song area blank.... the movies and computer games were a bit better), then put into a room with two managers that didn't seem that thrilled to be interviewing me. I stumbled over my answers and didn't really have good ones. I was super nervous and it probably showed.

Obviously I didn't do too bad at it since they called me back, but it makes me feel like I'm at a disadvantage since I did so poorly on the interview - kind of like they think I'm incompetent - which I'm not... so its weird. At the same time, I have to admit I haven't been 'the new girl' in... well... forever, really. My first Subway job we were all new since the store was new, the second Subway job I was knew but I still knew the work, and at Crime Stoppers office job, I had already been volunteering 2 years so I knew everyong. This is new job and new people.

Admittedly I love the people so far - everyone is very friendly and lots of fun. The job itself seems reasonably easy, but at the same time, I don't really care about music... or movies... really. It'll be a big of a struggle to get on top of what's hot and new now. Yikes.

So, here's the stats, since I'm sure that's what you came for!

The wage is £6.82 an hour. After 22% taxes (what they said I should expect) it comes down to £5.32 - a less impressive, but more realistic number. I am guaranteed 30 hours a week, which nets me £160 a week. There is opportunity to pick up extra shifts, which I probably will do if I find I want the extra money. (As well, since I'll be earning, well, not a whole lot, I should be able to recoup some/most of what I pay in taxes... I hope.)

It's 90p each way on the bus, or a 20 minute walk. I will probably try walking home tomorrow just to see how long it takes, as I haven't actually done the walk, yet. Bonus is that the store is in a mall with a Sainsbury's and a Waitrose and an Iceland and a Poundland (my new fav store - everything is just £1!) which means that I can pick up groceries and other goods on the way, rather than making special trips.

So yes... I work 9-4 again tomorrow (6 hour working, 1 hour unpaid lunch), and will hopefully get the rest of my schedule for the rest of my time there. I am contractually employed from today until January 3rd. There is opportunity to stay on... but we'll cross that bridge when/if the time comes.

For now... I am knackered. And I've GOT to remember to pay my rent... due on the 16th.

4 comments:

Canadian Saver said...

Congratulations on the new job!!! I'm sure you'll get into the music and the movies soon enough :-)

Canadian Finance Guy said...

Once you get your NI number be sure to opt out of the national insurance. This is 11% that is taken off your pay in addition to the 22% tax. It is free to opt out. The fund will still be deducted but it will be put into a private account like an RRSP. This can be transferred back to Canada as an RRSP. To opt out go here http://www.1stcontact.com/live/index.php?Category_ID=76


Just like in Canada you will not pay tax on the first portion of money you make. I think it is around 5-6000 pounds.

Come tax time be sure to file with your NI number as you will get a refund for any amount you overpaid. To find out more info go here http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/index.shtml

The tax year ends in April so that is when you will file. Once you leave the UK you can file again with your P45 slip, just state that you have left the UK permanently.

For a better paying job check out this link.
http://www.1stcontact.com/live/index.php?Item_ID=7081
If a posting comes up apply for it. They hire mostly people who are in the UK on VISA's - even temporary ones. (This is where I worked)

hklover86 said...

you only work 6 hours and get a whole hour for lunch??? wow lol

Jerry said...

Man, 90p for a bus ride? That's steep. We are in Sofia, Bulgaria, and they are charging a lot for the tram and bus here, too. It's 1 BGN (66 cents US) per ride, which would be OK but there are no transfers. It's 1 BGN for EACH STEP of the ride. Ridiculous. Nothing like cashing in the retirement annuity for public transportation, huh? Sooo, I walk or bike to school every day and my wife has a monthly pass to take our daughter to kindergarten. It works out. I hope the new job is a good one!
Jerry
www.leads4insurance.com