Dumb questions

I haven't applied for a job since 1990 and I haven't worked a cash register since 1964. But there I am, old and weary applying for a cashier's job at a Halloween specialty shop. I am old enough to remember when the Halloween decorations came to the door demanding candy and then went away. But holiday decorations have gone way past the Polk Brother's Santa that sat on our front porch. I need a job, they need a clerk. it's part time and season, and pays a whopping $8 an hour. Who knew that during the interview the harried manager would actually ask me, "Why are you looking for work." I should think the fact that I am unemployed was sufficient, but she wanted an answer. Always happy to spin a tale, I told her one. I'm bored with retirement, which is less dramatic than "I am desperate and broke."

Even when I was somebody who hired people, I never asked that job. I might ask what it was about the job that attracted the applicant. But I never asked, "Why are you applying," because when the applicant is unemployed, it seemed obvious. I also never asked anyone "Where do you hope to be in five years?" Obviously, the hoped to be gainfully employed.

Anyway, the manager took a long leisurely up and down look and me in my decrepitude and asked "Are you up to this?" So, I suspect the other, younger, more physically fit applicant gets the job.

Look, I am glad, glad, glad not to be where I was and should have left there long ago. But, I've made such a has of my financial life that I need something, and need it soon. I am looking for work because I need the money and because I am no longer able to find something for which I may be more qualified. Although, I gotta tell ya, I ain't feeling qualified for much lately.