u/melancholic-scribe

I was updating my resume today in preparation to start applying for my next position. After adding my present job’s work experience and reviewing my resume, I realized that I am no longer entry level. I have 4 years of full time experience, plus 2 years of part time experience while in college, and my current duties are definitely mid-level. My duties were also mid-level in the last year of my previous role.

I’ve been thinking of myself as entry level for so long, it was a nice realization. I’ll celebrate tonight with some takeout and cocktails in the cozy privacy of my home.

It’s a good feeling to have solid experience and skills and be regularly contacted by recruiters, especially in the current market for my field (I’m a software engineer). I remember when I got out of college and it took eight months to get a job; the market was in a horrible slump. I remember questioning my degree decision and facing an existential crisis while bartending to get by. And now here I am!

I was recently visiting my relatives for a family reunion when this happened. I love wearing ripped jeans, particularly in spring when it’s warm, and when you have a dozen or more Gen X / Boomer relatives you already know what to expect.

So when my uncle asked “Did you get those jeans half off?” I responded “No actually, they were hole price.”

Whoosh. He completely missed the pun, and said “That’s a shame, because you only got half a pair of jeans!”

I cried internally and am seeking catharsis by telling this story in pointless stories.

I moved to SLC eight months ago for work and I’ve been enjoying it. However I (an average-strength woman) can no longer open glass jars without using a knife to pound around the edges and loosen the seal.

In several states that I lived in before I would shop at Kroger or Fred Meyer, which is called Smith’s here. They’re all the same store. The exact same brands of jars, such as the pickles I always get, are impossible for me to open now. I have bought and opened these pickles no issue in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Georgia, and Alaska. But here in Salt Lake City I can’t open them. I have the same issue with other jars too, not just the pickles.

My theory is that the switch from low to high altitude when they are delivered here is sealing them extra tight. Or maybe I’ve lost hand strength (unlikely). Has anyone else noticed this?