My Olympic journey has come to an end.
When I applied and interviewed to be a volunteer back in March, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I knew that I didn’t want to sell hot dogs, but maybe there was something else I could do; something that would perfectly suit my skills and make the most of my abilities. Deep down, I was really hoping that the Olympics needed a short, busty blogger who could work inappropriate references into the luge coverage. It’s good to have a dream.
During the interview process, I learned I had been placed into the Fleet Group. While it wasn’t hot dogs, it also wasn’t ideal (honestly, I had applied to volunteer for either the opening ceremonies or in some sort of media liaison role). I’m always up for a challenge though (and I was appropriately brainwashed by the inspirational videos they showed us), so I decided to take the red pill and see how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Turns out that rabbit hole ends in a parking lot.
I received my volunteer position offer yesterday: Load Zone Attendant at Whistler Olympic Park!
Translation: Parking Lot Monkey in the middle of nowhere!
Do I really want to spend 16 days directing busses of tourists into parking stalls in Whistler?
As crappy as that sounds, I could potentially be interested – I mean, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play Parking Lot and I’d be a part of something huge.
Then there’s the reality of it all: Whistler is logistically impossible to get to because of the car restrictions, so I’d likely be on the Olympic shuttle each day to and fro (adding at least three hours to my day). I’d be standing outside in the middle of the mountains, in February. I am short and not easily seen, and I don’t look good in safety gear. All this can be dealt with – I am nothing if not resilient – but there’s more:
My work isn’t making any allowances for people who want to volunteer for the Olympics. I checked with HR yesterday, and my choices are as follows: use up all my vacation time (I get 15 days a year), or take the days without being paid.
Frankly? I am not that selfless.
I know that not every volunteer position can be an awesome exciting one, but this one is not only boring and horrible, it will cost me a lot of money. That’s the turning point right there – I might consider doing it for the sake of having an experience if I was still getting paid (through work), but if it’s going to cost me a couple thousand dollars, I can’t justify it.
There’s one more reason too, but this didn’t play into my decision at all: my mom is having cataract surgery on her OTHER eye on February 12th, so I’ll need to be in Victoria for the first 4 days of the Olympics. Since the event is 16 days and they want you to work a minimum of 13 shifts, that puts me out. The decision has pretty much been made for me, regardless of what I want.
There isn’t any kind of option on the website that allows you to decline a position – you can only choose to accept it. I want the satisfaction of saying NO I WILL NOT BE YOUR PARKING LOT MONKEY, but even that has been taken from me. There is no justice!
I’m a little sad – I did want to have an Olympic Experience, after all – but I will live. Perhaps I will find another way to take part; one that doesn’t require me to get up at 4am every day. That would be ideal. Anyone want a cute local blogger who can make dirty luge jokes on the fly? I’m your girl!
delicious juice dot com 
I think you should blog your witty and dirty commentary about luge. That would be participating and probably do more good than directing buses.
I’m surprised *anyone* would want that volunteer position. To be standing outside in February in Whistler for hours on end FOR FREE? It’s probably easier if you’re unemployed or retired and don’t have any better options. It’s not a volunteer position for anyone else.
I was looking forward to you blogging the olympics in your sexy and unique way… Is there any chance you can get a press pass?
Ooh, I wonder if I could! That would be fun. I do plan on writing during the Olympics, but as of right now it’s not in any sort of official capacity .. I’ll have to see if I can find any other opportunities around town. :)
I just got my position last week as well – I’m a “host” at the Hockey Arena. While that seems to have a lot of appeal for some people, I really wanted to be on the hill at a snowboarding event. Ultimately I don’t think they listened to what we said in the interviews – since there are 25,000 volunteers, we probably just became a number to be allocated.
I’m sure I’m going to feel like a Walmart greeter, showing everyone where to find the washrooms.
If it’s any consolation, my reward for giving up my time is having to burn holidays, as well. Unlike the Province, my overlords (ICBC) won’t even pay for my effing ferry ride to go over and do training/interview – let alone refund me any of my time. Something about being volunteers and taking the high road, they said.
Gripes aside, I’ll be doing Int’l Client Services – basically I’ll be the major d’uomo for some member of the Olympic Family (e.g., sponsors, IOC/NOC, dignitaries) and chauffeur them about town. I think that will be fun. I can’t wait to see what kind of Chevy Crapmobile I will get to use!
I’m sad that they didn’t seem to listen to people’s preferences about where they wanted to volunteer. Although I’m sure some jobs are more desired than others, it sounds like they could have done a better job of allocation.
I really wanted to volunteer as well, but sadly knew I wouldn’t be getting any free time off work for it. Sad.
I’m still excited for the Olympics! Sorry to hear your volunteer experience didn’t work out better!
Hi Kimli. I just got my volunteer assignment: Load Zone Attendant. I was slotted unknowing into “transportation” back in March and haven’t been able to manage any kind of re-assignment since then. When I read your post it mirrored so many of my feelings. In addition, they ask me to accept the position without there being any kind of job description, schedule or other details. *sigh*. While not for sure, my Olympic journey may also be over.
Well at least I am not alone in feeling confused/disappointed about my placement. I worry that they will lose the majority of their volunteers through poorly explained positions/requirements. I have to say, guiding people is slightly better than what I had envisioned the job to entail – directed food and supplies! Oh well, worst case scenario, I cannot attend their ‘training’ sessions and get booted by defaut. Hopefully it’s better than it appears!
I’m sorry you guys are getting crummy offers too! I know that not EVERYONE can get awesome assignments, but they made such a big deal about the interview process and wanting to find positions that “fit” – so what, we’re only good enough to park buses? I have amazing coordination skills – maybe saying that was a mistake (I suppose buses need coordinating too).
I got load zone attendent too…>< but i have no idea what that means!! kimli are you sure load zone attendent means parking lot attendent with an ugly orange vest? and they didn't even tell me the time commitment, am i directing traffic for the duration of the games? i need more info
I have a similar experience- I was assigned Transport Attendant last week which apparently means:
Transport Attendant role:
-The Transport Attendant assists in the management of the Driver’s lounge at the assigned venue
-The Driver’s lounge is available for specific Olympic Drivers to wait until they are called to duty by their client or system manager.
Responsibilities:
-Create and maintain a friendly and inviting environment for Drivers using the lounge
-Answer the telephone which may be used to call up Drivers
-Monitor the lounges cleanliness
-Monitor the supplies of refreshments provided
-Other duties may be assigned as required
During the interview they asked questions about my experience managing people (that is my job) and event management (I do extensive volunteering as a stage manager and theatre tech crew), knowledge of the City (extensive), woking with politicians and other folks (extensive and successful). I emphasized that I like to work with and meet people.
While I was looking forward to volunteer to get the “Olympic Experience” spending 13 days in a windowless room monitoring the cleanliness and supply of refreshments is not on. The cost to me is quite significant..about $3000 in lost take home pay.
I know that this is a sensitive issue, but some of us older folks-especially women- (I am a very healthy 50 year old) seem to assigned to these housekeeping and caregiving roles out of view of the visiting hordes.
Well, I guess I got someone’s leftovers — “Load Zone Attendant”. Luckily, with the help of google, I now know this means, the parking lot at Canada Place. Thanks and no thanks for all the info.
Same! I was excited to volunteer for the Winter Olympics.. I got an offer as a “Load Zone Attendant” . Thank goodness I googled it first.. I specifically asked that I won’t be able to volunteer during the Paralympics as I’m away in March.. they assign me for a job then. Was the interview a total waste? I think I’m gonna wait until I get another offer…although I may end up with nothing.
Yeah, same here. I have many years of customer service / Management experience and got offered the position of Load Zone Attendant. The interview was a joke. It was clear that everyone was just a number and would be placed in whatever position was needed, not whatever is most suitable. I would have loved to be part of the Olympics, but I’m disappointed in the whole Recruitment process. Like many, I am working full time, so I am not willing to compromise all of my vacation for a job directing cars/busses all day.
In the same boat with you guys. I got “Load Zone Attendant” too at BC Place. Can you imagine standing there while you see all the other volunteers walking into the stadium while you are in an orange vest telling the people in their fancy cars ” this spot please” (with a fake smile).
I submitted my application over a year ago, and they first assigned me in the wrong category and yea it really sucks that the journey does end here.
Just going to try to keep digging for better last minute oppurtunities!