BilduEnjoyer

joined 4 months ago
[–] BilduEnjoyer@hexbear.net 5 points 1 week ago

My grandmas house had one of these. The bathroom area had two entrances leading into the SINK ZONE then there was a toilet/bathtub behind a door. She had a lot of grandchildren visit and it was more common for people to have 3+ more kids in the 80’s/90’s so having two sinks made things more efficient.

 

Pictured: A large mural of the Palestinian flag with a reference to Geurnika by Pablo Picasso.

Basque word of the Day: Askatu- Freedom/Liberation

Things are going well here. The Chinese friend I mentioned in the previous post is now my bestie. We’ve been hanging out daily and she even offered to host me in China so I could visit her family! I told her I plan to take her up on this once I get my Spanish citizenship in a few months.

She knows I’m gay/trans and she wants to be a matchmaker, “I will help you find a good man!” thonk-cri

I’ve been thriving here and every day I’m so happy that I managed to escape Burger Land.

HOWEVER: By having a Chinese friend I have been exposed to good ole sinophobia and racism. A dude at the bar asked me “why the Chinese? Why are you with Chinese people?”

We’ve been harassed by the elderly when we tried to study in a cafe. I’ve been pestered for looking not Basque enough (though I think in this case it’s because of anti-tourism sentiment in the region), and we’ve gotten dirty looks for just… hanging out?

Granted, most of it is from cranky old men. The rest is from general assholes. Most people have been chill, especially younger people, but after coming from the USA the bold racism is a culture shock and frankly- fucking annoying.

[–] BilduEnjoyer@hexbear.net 1 points 1 month ago

Ah, I recommend keeping it succinct and answering more questions should they ask. Caregiving + death of a close family member is a very good reason for a gap and, in my experience hiring and being hired- good employers will be understanding.

I can relate to wanting to explain everything, I was always (and still can be) afraid of being misunderstood, but the more I’ve practiced interviews the more I’ve learned to respond succinctly. Honestly, a job interview is more to see confidence and if you’ll get along with your co-workers.

Just talk casually, like “Yeah, I had to spend time caring for a sick family member and I lost a parent. It was a full time job.”

Anyone who is sane will be empathetic, if they aren’t, fuck that job, run.

Also my favorite job seeking tip is at the end of the interview ask this question: “If you were to hire me, what strengths do you see me in that position? What would my day to day look Iike at your company?”

By asking this question you get the employer thinking about you already working there and that will stick with them.

I also recommend that prior to the interview you have a good meal, exercise, and do some breathing exercises to relax. It is tough when you are desperate for work, but the reality is the more that you relax the better your chances. Focus on what you know you’re good at and be kind to yourself.

[–] BilduEnjoyer@hexbear.net 1 points 1 month ago

No problem, good luck with your job hunt!

[–] BilduEnjoyer@hexbear.net 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (5 children)

OK so, I’ve dealt with long job gaps before. IMO, 2 years isn’t that bad. It’s pretty easy to skirt the issue around this. (I’ve also helped with hiring employees so i know the drill)

I recommend being honest and saying “My father passed away, and I took some time to process this. Then I worked on myself did odd jobs, and now that I’m feeling better I feel I can better commit to your company.” Keep in mind- odd jobs can include hobbies, learning skills like languages, or even learning ways to improve yourself emotionally. When we were looking for employees we wanted to see people who just used that time to better themselves. (Tho I worked for a nonprofit that helped students so ymmv)

A good workplace will be sympathetic. I recommend going to a job center and doing some mock-interviews to help build your confidence up.