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I just got off the phone with Amanda from Housing … and she’s putting me down for a primary Janitor position! Provided my background and medical checks come through and my references don’t say I suck or anything, I should be going down in October!
Oh man, I’m so excited. I tried to stay all calm and professional sounding after she told me – but the second I got off the phone, I just jumped up and down and danced around my room while blasting some cheesy song by The Darkness.
I can’t believe I actually made it happen. I’m going to Antarctica! Thank you guys here so so SO much, I don’t think I would’ve had a chance without your help and advice.
Damn. Awesome.
Anyway, I’m sure I’ll be in touch with lots of dumb newbie questions and whatnot. Thanks again!
– Rebecca
Wonderful news Beccy, now you can take the never out of your log in name, teh second one I think, it doesn’t fit right.
Congratulations, I hope you have a ball and most important thing to bring, apart from a GOOD camera? a smile.hello : can I ask you how much a Primary janitor position is paid in Alaska.
How are you doing by there/
tatianacongratulations! that is EXACTLY what I did when I got my job on Ice 2 years ago. JUMPING and DANCING!!! Keep practicing, there are lots pf parties on Ice in which you will jump and dance!
~AmyThis is the part I like the best. Every year there are always a handful of people who get hired while communicating with likes of us. I’ll never know for sure if our advice helps or not, but I would like to think we’ve contributed in some small way. Lorie and I also did a dance when we were picked, so I know how you feel. And after 6 years this place is still awesome. Congrats Rebecca, I’m sure you will do fine down here. Being a janitor starts you off at the bottom, but I’ve known few janitors that didn’t love the freedom you get as a janitor. You will be around most of the buildings and lot’s of people will meet you. This is your in for the first year, you will have to hobnob a little to move up the ladder for your next season , but you’ll have plenty of chances to do it.
Next step- get your medical done the instant you get the package. That is the one thing that can knock you out. Many people flunk the physical the first time around. That’s because they check everything you could imagine and more. You’re most likely to flunk the blood work and dental. Bloodwork because everyones levels of blood chemistry varies a lot. I’ve flunked for calcium too low and creatinine to high. I never heard of creatinine, but both tests I retook and passed with flying colors. Most likely you will pass the second time around. The secret is to get the initial medical done fast so that if you have to retest you have time to do it. People who wait on their initial physicals end up running out of time. They get dropped for an alternate that got everything done early.
Dental is the same. Expect them to ask for deep cleanings, wisdom teeth etc. Again get it done early.
good luck with the next steps and keep us informed. By the way if you get a chance to come down at winfly do it. Trust me you won’t regret it.
mikeRebecca,
Congrats!!! I was just like you, used this website ad naseum, did everything they told me, and got a cushy office job. I switched to janitor mid season & it is the greatest job down there!! And it is going to be so much more awesome than you even imagine! I didn’t wait to get off the phone before I squealed with delight…and Amanda is a great boss! you go girl!
marshaYer mom always told you: Be careful what you ask for. You just might get it!!
For all you folks that live in caves or were just incommunicado, here a link to Penny the Janitor’s NPR 2-part interview. No, I’m NOT the guy who shaved onto the toilet, and YES we did appreciate Penny, 203B’s Sanitation Engineer! My wife Charlotte made Penny a cappucino occasionally when she heard her early morning vacuuming in the hallway. What a GREAT lady! Here’s a great account of wintering over and worse, when the summer people started arriving. If the link doesn’t work just go to NPR.org and type antarctica in the search box and you’ll find the interview easily. Hang in you Ice-Heads, the nights are getting shorter! Enjoy ! We did! Hunter
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?/stroryId=4711129
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