Getting work and being included

Hello I'm Lorna.

My job is in a hairdresser's. I went there to get my hair done and the ladies there are very friendly.

I told my friend Meg that I wanted a job that paid me money. We talked about lots of things I could do, and I said I wanted to be like the girl who looks after people at the hairdressers. Meg said she thought they might not need another person, but we should go and ask as Agnes (the lady who owns the hairdresser's) might know about a job somewhere.

We asked Agnes, and she said she would ask the other hairdressers if they needed a Saturday girl. Agnes said I could come for a few days to her, to learn how to be a Saturday girl. But I went on other days, not a Saturday. Then she said, I could be the Saturday girl on the other days, and she would pay me. So I didn't have to go anywhere else for a job.

My friend Elizabeth (Lorna's flat mate and best friend) got her job by asking the lady at the employment place (employment support project). They gave her lots of information about money. We phoned them up and asked about how long I could work, so it didn't mess up the rent for my flat, because that was important to know. Elizabeth's lady wrote it down for me, and said I could ring her if I ever needed any help. And we told Agnes she could ring too. I haven't gone back but it is good to know that I could.

I work on 2 afternoons. I hang up the customers' coats and bring them magazines and coffee. I help keep the place tidy and sweep up the floor. Agnes says that I am good for business.

There are 2 best things about my job. One is getting paid.

The other best thing is getting to know lots of people. I didn't know many people before I started my job. Me and Elizabeth had just moved to that area. Now I have my job there,I know everyone who comes into the hairdressers. When we are at the shops, people say 'Hello Lorna' because they know me from the hairdresser's. And I say 'Hello. This is my friend Elizabeth.'

The other ladies who work at the hairdresser's always ask how I am doing. We chat about things like what is happening on the telly. We go out on nights out together.

I love my job.