A full-time job?

We've had several employees leave the YMCA I work at over the last couple months (a normal occurrence), and I've simply told the boss, "For what it's worth, I'm willing to take extra hours, with 28-32 being optimal" (thinking that was about as many as I could get). So, at least for the month of June, I am SCHEDULED for 37 hours per week!

I capitalized "scheduled" because I've often worked that many or more, but it was because I volunteered to cover other shifts versus actual scheduled work. So, it would appear that at 37 scheduled hours I am now considered full-time. Cool!

Of course, one thing about the YMCA (a non-profit organization) is that they are not big on full-time employees. Only 10% of their workforce is full-time. Even then, my 37 hours per week - while falling into the full-time category - is not considered in that 10% because it's not like I get any kind of benefits at all.

One issue I have with the YMCA calling themselves a "Christian" organization is that they really don't take care of their employees very well (at least in the greater Fort Wayne area). Sure, everything looks good on paper, but if you don't pay 90% of your employees a livable wage or any kind of benefits... I hardly consider that to be "Christian."

At any rate, I am glad to be working this much at one place. With the 37 hours per week at the Y, plus the parking lot work at the church, I haven't felt the need to do any Uber driving. That's plenty for a sap like me. I can always pick up Uber again when the parking lot is done.

So, I feel kind of good about finally working myself into this many hours. The Y doesn't normally allow peons like me to get this many hours. I feel that my availability and desire to work, plus the fact that I show up when I'm supposed to and I'm not afraid to take initiative and do things no one else wants to do, makes me an "ok" employee (I try not to cause any problems).

I understand I will never be a "desired" employee at 55 years of age, but it's not like I don't have anything to offer. I'm willing to show up at 4:30 am 4 days per week, and fill in wherever needed (I work 5 am-1 pm 3 days per week; noon-5 Wednesday; and 9 am-5 pm on Friday). Plus I like to think I work pretty hard. I clean up sweat, scrub shower floors, pay attention to detail in how things look, and go the extra mile beyond appearances. I actually had someone tell me the other day that my Y is "the cucumber water of Y's." They went on to explain that meant they appreciated how we went the extra mile to clean and sanitize beyond mere appearance. I considered it a pretty high compliment from someone who regularly works out at my Y, and also works as a personal trainer there.

While it's not at all what I envisioned for myself over halfway through life, I have no qualms about taking pride in such a servant-type role. Plus, only working at one place is way better than needing to have multiple jobs for someone such as me.