but I thought men like women in uniform.....was hoping to be some redneck's fantasy

Mmm my first real feedback on life behind the counter.....someone mentioned earlier to pop into my local Tim's, have a coffee and observe the staff and their routine.....sounds like a good idea.

My sister-in-law works for Tim Hortons. She started out there working in the back as a baker, back when they used to bake the donuts fresh rather than parbaking them in a giant microwave thing like they do now. Since thens he has moved through to managing her own store and she is only 21 so there is good oppertunity for advancing if you choose. It's not the most glamorous job in the world but I think preferable to a lot of the 'fast food' options like McDonalds and stuff.

It's odd how things can develop. When I first moved here a few years ago I just took the first job I could find which was helping out in the office in a supermarket for $9/hr. It was supposed to be a temporary thing (better than being unemployed) while I looked for a 'real' job in the same field as my degree. However as it turned out the company was really good and the job evolved into something more interesting and in the 3.5 years since then I haven't even submitted an application for another job. It's by no means a dream job and it doesn't pay a huge amount but enough when combined with my wife's job to buy a house in Toronto and stuff. So you never know where things will lead and just because you take an entry level job doesn't mean that's what you have to do forever. Once you get into a company and have that job on your resume and pick up the local experience it's amazing what things can turn up, you'd be amazed what kind of jobs exist within companies and a lot of them hire internally first.

Drew

Hi Jaycee,

You've had lots of good advice on here and I hope you pop along to your local TH over the next few days for a 'people watching' session, just to see if it's for you.

Like others have said you never know what opportunities can arise once you get into a company Good luck, and go get 'em girl!

A friend of mine works as a medical coder for an insurance company. This sort of thing :

http://www.medical-training.info/Med...a%3D&c=MK01252

It suits her well as a life long interest in pharmaceuticals has left her with a knowledge of related terminlogy (which she supplemented with a course) and a criminal record such as to make formal employment difficult. Medical coding is a work from home job, packages of claim forms arrive and the worker bangs the entries into the internet. It's piecework but there's a lot better than minimum wage in it if you can type well and are disciplined enough not to wander off to other sites. There are, of course, no benefits.

If you were to take a medical terminology course it might be worth chasing health insurance companies.

First off, I'll be straight about it and tell you that I'm not a Canadian, only married to one, but we live in the States. Therefore, take my suggestions as you wish.

Nine years we had thought about my living in Canada with my hubby so I did the job search route. For me it was easier because I'm a specialized clerical worker, legal secretary with over 25 years in the field.

As a typist/receptionist you'll find that Canadian companies are similar to US ones. Large companies or firms, i.e. law offices with over 10 attorneys, will hire receptionists without requiring other skills to be performed, i.e. bookkeeping. The same with large oil companies, etc. Why? Because they are large enough to have separate departments to handle these functions. Apply to them or better still, apply through an agency. Most large companies will not advertise in the paper but will place their work orders for employees through agencies. Register with one or two and see what happens.

Receptionists need to look trim and neat, smile easily, have good memories, pleasant phone voices and manners. All of which you know already.

If you are looking for a career change then I would suggest you learn whatever word system is in use in your area. Have a feeling it is Microsoft. All our receptionists in our law firm of 75 attornies in just one of the four regional offices we have, are responsible for keeping the conference room schedules through outlook's calendar system, coordinating food orders and deliveries, etc. I digest. I'm sure there are night classes offered at minimal cost for learning Microsoft word and Outlook.

Also typists are passe. Today they are called wordprocessors and here in the States the wages for a WP is high.

Why not checkout the schools in your areas for employment as a clerical worker or even a teacher's aide. Hours are good as are the holidays. Most will have a website with positions open on the site with applications for applying. In hubby's school here in NY, a teacher's aide starts at 12 an hour with health, dental and 401K benefits.

Good luck to you.

Thanks to all and everyone who have offered their advice.....
After doing my temp assignment with the Alberta government today, I have come away with even more positive leads
They have done so much for me in leading me to the right areas in how to get onboard with the AB gov. and have said they would give me a good reference
Will be following up with these leads on Monday so will post back with any further info when I get it.
Thanks again...
Jaycee