Skidding Into Home Plate

We are now in the home stretch.

My son and me, that is.

It is May and that means high school graduation is officially three weeks from today. He's counting down the days as we speak (or type, in my case).

The job search for myself is also taking off and hopefully landing somewhere wonderful soon. Tomorrow I have two job interviews at two different types of salons. One is a corporate-type facility while the other is a private, very upscale salon. Each type has its perks, but if all goes well and the vibe is right, I'd love to have the luxury of leaning toward the private salon.

For most of my life, I have worked the corporate lifestyle and mentality. Time is never one's own and your value is determined by someone else.

Not that I'm into money alone, mind you. I've had some wonderful jobs where I got paid well.

But it's just that the time/money thing is so heavily connected that you don't have the freedom to really live. Part of my doing the cometology thing is to finally gain back some of my own life and be able to live again. That's really hard to do in a corporate environment.

So if all goes well, I'm hoping for a chance at the private salon. It will be an enormous risk, something that is a real struggle right now. But with risk comes the chance for reward. Plus it gives me another opportunity to show my son that mindset not just in word but in deed.

So here's hoping for sunny skies ahead these next few days and weeks. I'll let you know when I skid into home plate.

The Next Great Adventure

The last two weeks have been a veritable whirlwind.

I finally have a job!

It's not formal yet - she discussed it with me over the phone and now she's putting together the written offer to present to me on Monday. Then she'll conduct the background check and send me for a drug test next week. If all goes well (and there's no reason it wouldn't) then I will begin my new job on the 17th.

Isn't God's timing amazing? This morning I arrived home from the fourth and final interview - this time with their HR manager - to find a letter from the unemployment center in my mailbox. The purpose was to let me know that next week is my final week to receive the standard round of unemployment compensation.

So pleased that I'm not going to need it. Once again, the Lord has shown me that He's in perfect control over everything. I just need to do what I can do and leave it all in His hands - something I'm not all that great at, but each situation gives me more opportunity to learn.

Don't you find it neat that just as my unemployment is about to run out, I suddenly receive a flurry of interest and activity from months of putting my resume out there? Don't you find it so cool that I've had an entire summer to spend with my son - the first in his whole life - and will begin the new job the same week he begins his junior year of high school?

I do!

I can't tell you the number of huge and tiny but wonderful blessings God has allowed me to see and experience along this particular journey. Every day I've tried really hard to focus on the good things that have happened through all of this (some days not as good as others) and to thank Him for what He's been doing behind the scenes.

That makes me even more grateful to all of you who have been lifting us up behind the scenes too. Because of you - my family and friends - you've been an integral part in what God has been doing in our lives and I want to shout out a huge THANK YOU. Each one of you are so appreciated.

Thank you for being such an important part of our lives. Now on to the next great adventure!

The Trap Is Set

This week I've been sorely remiss in posting even though I've been home here and there. Well I think I have a pretty good excuse.

There's been some major job interview activity!

Monday morning I received a telephone call which resulted in a solid phone interview. There was an almost immediately rapport with the interviewer. She then asked if I would be available this week for an in-person interview. We set that up for Wednesday afternoon.

So I then popped an email to my hairdresser. It's been many months since I had the care of her services, so she squeezed me in at 7:30 Wednesday morning. What a sweetie!

So I went to my Wednesday afternoon interview feeling confident and perky with a spring in my step. We hit it off nicely, spending well over an hour and ahalf discussing my varied experience along with a tidbit of what the position entailed. Then she picked up the phone and called a gentleman to see about his availability for round two.

My second interview was yesterday morning. During the night, I woke up at 4:00 and couldn't go back to sleep. I prayed that I'd at least be halfway coherent for the interview and made sure to drink plenty of coffee (but not too much). Even though the interview started off a little slow, it progressed until I felt we were both on the same page. He gave me some positive signals and I left there feeling extremely enthusiastic, not only about my chances but about the job in general. Very exciting.

I know there'll be a process, but I sure hope sometime in the next week or so I receive an offer. The trap is set, merely waiting for the right moment.

And I thought this would be a ho-hum week with my son gone. Little did I realize...

Going Mental

Taking Saturday for a mental health day must have been a good thing. A really good thing.

I have a job interview.

Yes, even though the pickings are slim I've received another call for an interview. This is with a firm here in my hometown that is growth minded and yet still a small enough institution in which to have some influence and just plain fun.

After all, I love to be a part of making things happen.

Which is part of the issue in dealing with the big boys. Don't get me wrong - each player has it's piece in the puzzle. But for me, I prefer to be able to immerse myself up to my waist and slog it out with the best of the forward thinkers.

Which is probably why I love watching Deadliest Catch. I'd go out on a crab boat anyday if ever given the chance. Probably puke my guts up and be scared half out of my mind, but hey - what an adventure in which to do it. If you're going to die, why not go out in such a setting?

But getting back to the daily dose - I'm just really excited about the possibilities of being a part of such an institution. Whether I personally make a mark or assist in someone else being able to make theirs, slogging it out with the best is what makes it all worthwhile. All I want is a chance to prove myself.

And I still want to go crab fishing in the Bering Sea someday. Yeah, I know - then I'll really be mental.

Starting To Get To Me

Something hit me over the weekend. I'm starting to feel a bit nervous about the job situation. I've had one job interview in the last two months. Yes, the industry has been hit hard, but gee!

Figured there would be a little more activity. Initially there was but it has waned drastically during the last couple of weeks. It's starting to get to me now that this could go on for awhile. Oh boy.

Been trying to make unemployment stretch as far as possible so that I don't have to supplement from savings. Really glad now that I've been doing that because my savings might just have to last me when unemployment runs out. Oh gosh, never thought I'd actually come to that but reality is rapidly bearing down.

Ouch!

Nothing more has yet to happen with the job I'd interviewed for, but she did warn me that they've got alot going on at the moment and don't have a definite timeline for the position yet. Just hate to be hanging my hat on only one peg though. Sure would be nice to have a couple of irons in the fire about now.

But I did pray that God would open a new path if that was in His plan. My only problem is that I don't have a clue about how to go about pursuing my passions in a way that would provide some sort of immediate income. Wish He'd just point out the path and exactly where I need to go to get there, but that is rarely His way. Just wish it wasn't so scary.

For now I'll continue to pray and keep my eyes and ears open to His leading. Maybe He'll hold onto my fear in the meantime too.

The Start of Spring

So spring break starts.

My son's spring break started this week. Funny, when I was in school we usually thought of spring break starting at 3:05 on a Friday. Times change I guess.

He and his best buddy decided to do a sleepover here at our house. They've been playing video games all evening. I've been reading.

Finished the book by Stephen Ambrose - Band of Brothers. Marvelous book. I'll try to write a review tomorrow.

Later this week we're going to be heading off to visit family down in Oklahoma. My dad and I will be finalizing offers on some of the houses around here that we've previously looked into purchasing as rental homes. I really hope it works out on a couple of them, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Otherwise I'm on round two of antibiotic treatment for this stupid ear infection. Now I'm up to 875 milligrams twice a day for a grand total of 1,750 milligrams a day. If this doesn't work it's surely going to kill me.

Boy, I can be a real complainer sometimes. :-)

I'm just glad for a chance to get some rest this week. My son is happy for it too. He's been staying up late writing the last few nights, something I need to get back into doing as soon as I'm able.

Then there's the hope of the second interview for the job possibility. Just waiting and hoping and praying for the right thing to happen either with this job or another. Not throwing in the towel until the good offer comes through.

In the meantime, I need to take advantage of the time I have remaining. Hope it won't be too much longer until employment finds me once again.

But it can wait until after spring break is over with.

Post-Interview Interview

I've been on the phone almost non-stop since I returned home from my interview. Since my son has his big contest concert tonight in preparation for their Memphis trip, I'd better go ahead and blog while I have time.

As I've mentioned, it's been more than ten years since I last interviewed for a job. When I get a job I usually stay for quite some time. It's a matter of loyalty, you know. To prepare I emailed and talked to a friend of mine that has been in HR most of her adult life. In order to feel somewhat good about the process I wanted to ensure I was "up" on the current interview techniques. The most important thing she told me was to just be myself.

I must have been well prepared because the interview went very well. We talked, asked questions of each other, and just discussed our general viewpoints on certain related issues. There were several times I was very frank, but I got the impression she appreciated that. Later in the interview she highlighted certain components of their culture. Each time it was a reflection of something I'd told her earlier about my own viewpoint. Ding-ding-ding, we have a winner!

Needless to say the interview went for about an hour and ahalf - pretty good, I'd think. They're going to be making decisions on candidates for secondary interviews soon. I've a good feeling I may be in the running.

As I was driving home I reviewed the job description she'd handed me. If I may be so bold, it sounds like the job was written just for me.

Hey, it is a fairly new position too. Hmmmm. :-)

Well Glory Be

Well glory be - two great days in a row.

This afternoon I got my son off to his second forensics tournament (they were out of school today), had lunch with some dear friends, and got a request for a job interview.

Yes, you read that right - I HAVE A JOB INTERVIEW!

It's about stinking time.

This is with a company I've been excited about the prospect of working for. Small, local firm with forward-thinking, growth-oriented goals - that's what I'm talking about.

The possibility of working for this company is the only thing that has had me thrilled in the job search arena. However, I put in my application for two different positions with them almost two months ago. Hadn't heard a thing since. Was disappointed to say the least.

Then out of the blue (while I was very sick, mind you) I received a message from their HR department. Called them back twice with no response.

Figured they might be a bit busy but was very anxious to hear back from them. This is the only company that has made my heart do a little up-tick at the thought of working for them.

Shortly upon my return from lunch, I received a phone call from their HR manager. She apologized for not having returned my calls (returning her call) and that they'd been quite busy the last couple of weeks.

No problem! I was just glad to talk to her now.

We've set up an interview appointment for next Tuesday at 11:00.

For anyone out there reading, if you're a praying sort I'd appreciate as many prayers to the Lord as possible at the moment. Seeking His guidance in the job search.

Hope on the Horizon

Received my unemployment card over the weekend.

Gosh, I hated filing for unemployment. I've typically had a good savings built up. Still have some, but it will have to be utilized to supplement unemployment as needed until something more comes up on the job front.

Hopefully it won't be too much longer.

Actually I received a call back message for an interview from a company I applied with a couple of months ago. Guess I didn't make their initial cut, but I'm finally getting at least a foot in the door.

We've been playing a bit of phone tag and haven't been able to connect. I'm hoping tomorrow that I'll finally reach her live and in person and we can get an interview scheduled.

This is a company I'd really like to consider working for. Small, but growth oriented company that is really going places in the area. That's the kind of ship I like to sail on - forward thinking and small enough to still have good input in helping to achieve goals.

Which is one reason I jumped on this job opening initially when it popped up. Not a perfect fit, but I can always learn procedures. It's just the chance to get involved somewhere where I think I could have great input.

Hopefully I'll get that chance.

Another Interview!

Well the calls have started.

My son has another job interview.

His interview with Braum's went well. They told him the slot would probably be open in about two weeks. Figured someone had just given their two week notice.

Then Pizza Hut called. He's got an interview set up for next Tuesday. I asked him how it felt to get a call from the potential employer instead of making the call himself. Actually he preferred making the call himself because he felt more prepared. The direct call left him feeling a little ill-prepared for the discussion.

Hey, I told him it was still a plus because they scheduled him for an interview. That would be his opportunity to dazzle once again.

He only hopes they don't judge him based upon the phone call.

Interviewing 101

Since my son has his first job interview this week, I've been trying to prepare him for it with a bit of coaching.

In my life I've interviewed several times but I've probably been the interviewer alot more. So I figure I have a little bit of experience in what to guide him to be prepared for when the questions come.

First - eye contact, very important. My son has a tendency to glance around alot when he's nervous or not comfortable with someone. Talk to the person not the floor, wall or ceiling. So because of that...

Two - it's okay to start the interview with letting the manager know that he's a little nervous, it being his first interview and all. That will be a good ice-breaker and help to clear any tension in the air.

Three - it's also okay to ask the interviewer to please repeat the question if you're not sure what they're asking for. In a previous job, we had a manager at one of our branches who asked the strangest question - "If you could be any sport, what would it be?" Not sure how effective a question that was and exactly what he was looking for but he usually got a few weird looks and blank stares. It's better to ask for clarification to be certain you understand than to stare like a deer in headlights.

Four - think of some of your strongest character traits and a few of your character traits that need a little work. Be ready to back up why you think these are important components of who you are. And above all, be honest (hey, isn't that a character trait too?).

Five - be a little flexible, but stand for your principles. I told my son that if Sundays are a sticking point between getting the job and not, offer himself on Sundays after three. Also, as soon as he's driving on his own, he'll be available a bit earlier in the evenings during the week. However, under no circumstances were Wednesday night or Sunday mornings available. That's our family/church time.

Certainly hope I've properly prepared him for this. He discussed his schedule availability on the phone with the manager and she thought they could work with it. Sounds like this might end up being a good fit.

Now it's a matter of getting through the interview. Suspect he may just do so with flying colors.

Hacking At The Moon - and other nighttime events

We've advanced to the coughing stage. Just when you need sleep to get over the junk, you spend your nights hacking at the moon.

Hey, there are still some things to be thankful for. My son has his first job interview this week!!!

I knew it would happen someday but just didn't think it would take this long. Thursday right after school he runs over to Braum's to interview for several positions they have open. Certainly hope they're willing to work with his schedule. I'm keeping Wednesday nights and Sundays open for church and family time, but the rest is up for grabs.

The last place he talked to on the phone wanted closers. Hello, he's still a student. Ain't no way I'm going to let anyone pressure job before school.

Gotta learn to keep the priorities in life firmly in place. That's why no Wednesday nights. I have told him that if they really need him that he could work after 3:00 on Sundays but Sunday mornings are off limits. That leaves Monday night, Tuesday night, Thursday night, Friday night (hey, that's a real plus in this town!) and Saturday. With school work thrown into the mix, I think that's enough availability.

He'll only be part-time for now anyway. After all, he's still got a life to live now. Then Europe next summer.

I'm thinking my evenings very soon may allow for a tad of free time. I could get used to that.