It’s Wednesday 15th June. Regina and Anielka visit our office to find out at what time they should arrive the next day for their first working day. Regina has applied for the post of resident assistant, Anielka for a vacancy that requires alternating between day and night shifts during the week, as she has a daughter at home.
They both got through the selection procedure that we kept quite formal. First I had an informal conversation about the vacancy with the candidates, which helped them to assess whether they are truly interested in filling the vacancy, and it helped us to get an initial impression of the candidates. After that they sent an application letter and their curriculum vitae, and then were invited for an interview attended by three members of the Board. Finally the candidates did some psychological tests.
First working day
It’s Thursday 16th June, the first working day when we expect them at 8 a.m. We’re full of anticipation. Regina arrives early, 7.30 a.m. That seems positive, but it is not: she’s come to tell us that she’s changed her mind for various reasons and that she is no longer interested in the job. In spite of the selection process that took at least three weeks she withdraws from the job at the last minute without even having started it. Fortunately Anielka arrives as expected at 8 a.m, full of energy and keen to get going! In the picture you see Eva, our activities’ coordinator, and Anielka, the assistant.
Half full or half empty?
For me this is a new experience of aspects of Nicaraguan society. But is it unique? When I talk about it with people in my circle they are not surprised. It happens regularly, irrespective of the kind of job, although it is less common when the salary is attractive. And even with us Regina is not the first case. She is already the second person who at the last moment declined the job of being an assistant living in the home. Well, we have to take it as it comes. And do we look at a glass as being half full or half empty?
Astrid Delleman in collaboration with Stichting Vivir Juntos