A quick rehash for those out of the loop. After failing to secure full time seasonal employment upon my wayward return to Wildwood from Lake Tahoe (oh how I miss thee!), in an act of desperation I returned to a job position I worked during intervals in the 90s. Working in the capacity of a "parking lot attendant monkey" requires absolutely no special skills. However, I have noticed that compared to the previous years I did this stunt, it definitely seems I am working a lot harder for a lot less.
As opposed to my past experiences, the people who run the lots expanded their scope of operations. Whereas in the past I could usually manage overseeing a single lot and manage some small downtime during lulls, "fate" usually has me stuck in the "odd lot" - a proverbial ugly stepchild of the lots of which no one seems to want. This lot is really 3 small lots in one and also has a bike rental business to boot. I find it difficult to oversee this area as one's attention is constantly divided and focus is lost or compromised. Throw in the occasional rental request and I get the distinct impression that I am working 4 jobs in one. All this for the tidy-paltry sum of...drum roll...$7.50 an hour.
This pittance in pay is a sore comedown from what I have been earning over the last several years in the motel/hotel biz. Adding to my chagrin is the fact that kids less than half my age are likely earning more dinero than I am and feelings of humiliation and anger come to the fore. But, I made the choice to come back to Wildwood and fully accept the consequences for doing so. And of course, at "least" I have some form of a job. Times are tough, so I hear. But that doesn't mean I'm happy about it - not one damned bit. And I am willing to accept accountability for my choices - ill and judicious, equally.
Today's work episode was particularly grueling as Wildwood was host to an invasion of soccer tournament participants and their families. After getting a view off the boardwalk revealing crowds on the beaches and boards of which I haven't seen since the 70s and early 80s, I realized the rationale behind the lot manager's decision to charge $20 to park. Every space was filled to capacity and then some.
I personally have never seen this type of congestion and was a bit flummoxed by it all. Of course, the lot managers wanted to hustle and work the situation (and me as well) to the core, exploiting the opportunity to make maximum dollars at minimum waste. Running around 4 different lots in the hot sun while getting "barked" at by my ahem, "superiors" was an ingratiating and diminishing experience for certain. Sure, it was a hectic day, but a profitable one - for those running the show. My pay however, remains the same and I did not receive a single tip.
The likely reason for such likely stems from the feeling of being "fleeced" by the "powers that be". I had more than a few customers inform me that they were outraged for paying $20 to simply park (though these rates are commonplace in places like NYC) as well as others who simply balked in astonishment. I am very quick to explain that I in no way have no jurisdiction behind the rates charged and definitely DO NOT benefit from them when increased. I'll be damned if I am going to be the recipient of such bullshit and will defray and deflect the blame to where it's apropos. Sorry, $7.50 an hour just doesn't cut the mustard for customer complaints.
Whatever book reading I am managing to accomplish is going at a glacial pace as I am continuously distracted. Yes, of course I am not being paid to read - but sometimes, there's just nothing else to do. But I get the impression that I am being saddled with the most responsibility without a commensurate measure of pay. Sean and "Oscar" have it easier, working lots with far easier supervision and less hours. At present, I'm working 6 days a week, something of my own choosing.
I know it's been said before but I'll say it again - why the hell did I come back to this place? Wildwood is so tired and stale anymore and just seems to reek of base carnality and materialism. No apologies here, it's a diss well deserved. But somehow I sense this experience is what I need to solidify my resolve NOT to return here when I exit in the not so distant future. I am tired of situations that insult my intelligence and endlessly exasperate. Such factors will be found in many places; but I doubt I will encounter them in the quantity and fashion as I have been in Wildwood.
Sure, every cloud has its silver lining. But today, I only observed the darker side.
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