Conversation
Ryan:
Hey, Alex. You look really exhausted. What gives?
Alex:
You don't want to know. I mean, I've been slaving away at my nickel-and-dime job just to keep my head above water.
[Really.] I mean some people think I'm a workaholic,
[Who?] Well, everyone, but I have to put in a lot of overtime just to make ends meet.
Ryan:
Well, why don't you ask your boss for a raise?
Alex:
Huh? The last guy that did that got the ax, an' he was in line for a promotion to supervisor.
Ryan:
Well, you just can't keep working your fingers to the bone for peanuts. [I know, but . . .] Hey. Look. I have connections with a guy who works for a computer company, an' he owes me a favor, and he might be able to pull a few strings an' line you up for an interview.
Alex:
What? You mean like to last job you helped me get, an' then the company went belly up after only a week? I mean fat chance. I'm not going to try selling electronic toilet paper dispensers again.[Hey, that was cool.]
Ryan: No, that was different.
Alex:
Ah, man. Hey, thanks, but I'm still looking, and I'm not going to get my hopes up just because a few other job searches haven't panned out. I'm going to look at my options.
Ryan:
Well, whatever you do, the only way you're going to get ahead is by getting your face out there, an' you're sure to land a better job than you have now.
Alex: Well, I know. Exactly, if I can just get my foot in the door, then I can show my stuff, but I'm not . . . . absolutely not going to kiss up to ANYONE to get ahead.
Ryan:
Gotcha. Hey, I'll give my friend a call, an' see if he can set up an interview.
Vocabulary & Phrases
What gives?: What's wrong?
slave away: work very hard
nickel-and-dime: not worth much
keep your head above water: just barely able to survive in times of money difficulties
workaholic: a person who works a lot
put in overtime: work extra hours
make ends meet: make just enough money to pay for expenses
get the ax: be fired from a job
be in line for: have the expectation of receiving something
work your fingers to the bone: work very hard
(for) peanuts: very little money
have connections: know important people within a company or organization
pull a few strings: influence or control others to one's advantage
line up: make arrangements
go belly up: fail, go bankrupt
fat chance: something that is unlikely to happen
get someone's hopes up: feel like your hopes and dreams will come true
land a job: get a job
get your foot in the door: get a chance to work for or be involved in a business or organization
show your stuff: demonstrate what you can do
kiss up to: try to please someone to get them to do something
gotcha: okay, I got it
listening website :)
http://www.ezslang.com/job-hunting-1.htm
