From time to time, I receive press releases from the city of Bothell public-information officer. This one caught my eye — a place set up in Bothell for the unemployed to search for jobs. I was curious to see what Bothell had to offer our community to help out in these challenging economic times. What I found, was a quiet, comfortable office filled with resources, located next to the Department of Motor Vehicles, near Bothell Landing.
WorkSource Bothell offers opportunities. It’s a casual office where one can beef up the old resume, create an electronic resume, peruse job openings or ask the friendly staff for assistance and information about workshops offered. Well, it’s actually more than that.
“WorkSource Bothell does things way beyond,” says Janos Figeczki.
He adds, “They provide guidance and information in a personal way.”
Janos, a machinist skilled in tool and dye making in his native Hungary, worked for 24 years in a Seattle company. When the company relocated out of the area, Janos found another job that lasted two years. He was laid off in July. All in all, Janos has worked in the business for 40 years, but is willing to take on something else, as machinists are not in great demand at the moment. He now spends a good deal of time researching jobs at Bothell’s WorkSource.
The office contains nine computers for public use, fax machines and copier plus many postings of available jobs. There are “hot jobs” posted on the wall, jobs like landscaper, truck washer, automotive technician to deli clerk and sales merchandise associate. There’s also a file folder available for job searchers to browse through at their leisure.
“They wrote my resume and helped me with computer skills,” says Janos.
He continues, “They showed me how to look into job sites.”
When Janos walked into WorkSource Bothell, unemployed, he didn’t feel good about himself. He notes that the staff, Claudia Parker and Jessica Sharp, pushed him in a positive direction, and in a sincere caring manner, guided him into regaining that confidence.
Janos had originally been to the Lynnwood WorkSource office where hundreds of people come and go. He felt lost among the masses.
“You feel good here,” says Janos, noting the more intimate atmosphere of the Bothell office.
Janos now sends his resume to companies electronically and also pounds the pavement the old-fashioned way, with a personal, walk-in visit. He has come to a philosophical conclusion that since no one is prepared for unemployment, it’s difficult changing your lifestyle, a lifestyle you’ve become accustomed to. He’s also quick to remember his Hungarian roots where his family had little and survived quite nicely.
On the subject of making money, he says, “It’s not how much you make, but it’s how you manage your money that’s important in life.”
Janos notes how amazing it is what the Bothell WorkSource people do for others.
“They give you that little lift,” he says.
WorkSource Bothell is located at 18132 Bothell Way, N.E., Suite B3. For information, visit www.worksourceonline.com.
Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.
