Whilst sitting in my car, drinking my free cup of Greggs hot chocolate, I was thinking....
...... if I can't cut costs any further, could I actually earn a bit of cash? With the local elections coming up next month, I sent an email to the council asking how to apply to be a poll clerk on the day, as it's something I've always quite fancied doing. To my surprise, I had a reply the next day with an application form to download and send off. I posted it off and was amazed that, almost by return of post, I was offered a job in my own village. I've completed and passed the online training and have to attend a physical session as well. To be honest, I'm a bit nervous but I'm determined to give it a go. Election day itself is a very long day; 6.30am to approx 10pm (10.30pm once all is tidied away) and I'm not sure how I'll cope with that physically. I can but try.
Has anyone ever done the job? Any tips?
Thanks for popping in and stay safe wherever in the world you happen to be x
Good luck. Those hours would put me in bed for a week!
ReplyDeleteIt might do the same to me yet! :)
DeleteI've not done it, but a friend and her daughter are doing it locally. I imagine things to consider would be a flask of hot coffee, a bottle of water and easy to manage snacks. And dress in layers - the doors will be constantly open so you might get chilly. Have a good breakfast before you start, and make sure you have planned something easy to prepare if you're hungry when you get home. And take it easy on the days before AND after! I'm so glad you've found this extra source of income!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the suggestions, Angela, I might not have thought of layering up for instance! :)
DeleteI've done it several times but getting up that early was the thing that made me stop. My advice - take a cushion and much more food than you think you will eat and things to drink and a book to read but only something you can pick up and put down easily as people come in in dribs and drabs. I used to do some letter writing which worked well. Used to take a radio too but probably shouldn't have!
ReplyDeleteIt's a VERY long day but worth it although they don't do the training morning before hand now which was always several extra pounds pay. Plan a rest day afterwards!
Once you done it you will get asked again which is handy
Yes, Sue, it's the early start which made me hesitate but it's good money so well worth making the effort, I think. The training session only took an hour as it was focussed on the new ID requirement and I will be paid for it too.
DeleteSome great tips there so thank you!
After 6 years of being retired I was asked if I wanted to do some Seasonal work for the Home Office who were short of Qualified Officers. I returned for 10 months and that was enough. The money was fantastic but I won't be doing it again as the shifts although short we very unsociable. One day I could cope with. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping I can manage the day comfortably despite the long hours, Tanya, especially as I don't have far to travel to the polling station. I've been warned that boredom is a problem. Fingers crossed !
DeleteMy Dad tried to get involved many years ago but found that they were over subscribed by local gov. employees who took the jobs on annual leave days!
ReplyDeleteI was amazed that I got in so easily and even more so when I got an email asking if I knew anyone else who would like to do the job. I think the new ID requirement has put people off doing it so I'm hoping it won't be a big issue!
DeleteSounds interesting, can you let us know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteI certainly will, Marlene!
DeleteYou've received good tips from the others. I really don't have anything else to add, except perhaps make it a point to walk a few steps every so often, if possible. Hope it goes well.
ReplyDeleteLots of really good advice here Angie, so I just want to wish you all the very best for the day.
ReplyDelete