Mr. Toad's Wild Ride

It's been a week since my last blog and I want to go back an close the book on the six job opportunities that I mentioned.

Starting with number six, I met with a staffing agency who, after interviewing me realized the position they had for me I was overqualified for. The salary is what someone who is just starting out would expect. Book closed.

Number 5 -- I never did get a chance to connect with the referral just because there was so much other activity going on. Book closed.

Opportunity number 4. I was invited to interview for this position last Friday and it went quite well. The department does research for the heath care industry. This book is still open.

The third one, I filled out the preliminary questions an then promptly received the typical generic thanks but no thanks e-mail. Book closed.

The second opportunity was an HR role with a well established Health Care company. I provided my pre-screen questions to them and apparently it went into the black hole. The typical no response syndrome. In my opinion, book closed.

The first one: This was a 4-month contract position and I interviewed last Thursday afternoon. On Friday evening I received a voice message saying that the company I interviewed with wants to know when I can start. I connected with the staffing agency late on Monday evening around 5:15 p.m. She told me the Solar Company I interviewed with wants me to start on Wednesday. Great news don't you think? However, she then proceeds to tell me that the rate was being reduced. Mind you, it was being reduced by ONE DOLLAR an hour. I told her that I was not happy with that especially since the commute was over an hour one way!. Her response was, aren't you glad you have a job! Now really, yes I am glad, but come on.

Needless to say, her rate is definitely better than unemployment, even if it was significantly less than my previous position.

Here is where the adventure begins. Literally 30 minutes later I received a phone call from a hiring manager for a position I interviewed with back in April and he is offering me a job. The salary is 20K a year MORE than the position at the solar company, it's a full time regular position and the commute is 7 minutes, yes, SEVEN minutes from my house. What a stroke of luck, that's for sure.

Now I was tasked with telling the staffing agency that I would not be accepting the position after all. And let me tell you, she was not pleased. She told me that I had already accepted the position and that I am scheduled to start on Wednesday. I told her that you never know when opportunity is going to knock. I said it was an offer that I just couldn't refuse. She continued to tell me that I was compromising my relationship with her staffing agency as well as with the Solar company. Book slammed shut.

The company that I will be working for is a Professional Service company that does business with utilities.  My first assignment is with my former employer.  How ironic is that.  I  will be located in that same building I left nine months ago.

My time as a job seeker certainly felt like Mr. Toad's journey to nowhere in particular.



I want to thank all of those who provided me with comfort and advice during this time.  Thank you to all the members on my job search work who were an inspiration and gave me the confidence to persevere.  I couldn't have done it without you.  Special thanks to a former co-worker who stood by my side and told me to have faith.  To a childhood friend, Cathy, who made me realize that help comes from unexpected places.  To my children who told me that there was something better waiting for me.  And last but not least to my husband who has been there through thick and thin.  I love you with all my heart and soul.

So now I start my new journey and this time I know where I am going.