On June 2 when I found out I'd have to 'take the summer off' I was very angry. The anger passed because by the following Thursday I'd had some very positive interviews.
Yesterday I had a team member tell me how she's not happy there's no room in the budget for salespeople at our current firm. That's silly, because sales is what keeps the engine running. It's what keeps food on the table. The firm may become something else come the fall I would like to continue to keep the door open in case any of the project managers need some contract work (or any of the engineers whom I really care about). Contract work is good.
On Tuesday my first ever photo show hung at my neighborhood Starbucks (many of you may remember I posted about that a while back when I got asked to do it). Two hours later I had landed myself some freelance graphic design work for the .org that is hosting the photo show. I'm so psyched to help them (shout out to http://www.amazingthings.org ).
I've been using Craig's List mostly to apply for jobs. One is a PR Manager job (phone interview tomorrow) that would require me to maintain the company blogs among many other tasks. That's right, blogging on my 2 blogs (hello, Gatherites!) has led to me being able to apply for jobs that really combine my PR, Marketing, and High Tech experience!
Tonight is my last night temping for Microsoft until July. I'm working at a Train (the band) concert tonight at Fenway park!! That has been a rewarding experience these past few weeks...the folks at MS really have their act together. Plus, they seem trendy and smart which is nice too.
As my cat chirps out the window at the birds I'm here telling you that just since last night at 11pm (via Craig's List) I've landed two more interviews. I made it to the final interview for another company that I'm really excited about. That's at 1pm today.
Sometimes it's hard letting go and moving on. Sometimes it's painful. I cried, I grieved, I hid under the blankets. Then I got out there and got my act together. I need to pay of debt. I need to have a 401K again (it's been 3 years since I had one of those buggers because start ups don't have 'em). I've slaved away for the past 18 months building my resume and working for an amazing team. I'm ready. I've purchased a new planner (yep, I'm the only tech worker that still uses pen...and paper!),and a new business card holder. Blank pages and empty card holder to the world...
In a few days I shall register for my fall classes to pick up my MBA again. It's exciting...and scary. I dropped out in 2002 for a reason. This time I hope to finish. Being a grad-school dropout when my husband is chugging away in semester 2 of his (Engineering & Management program at Brandeis U)...I just need to fnish.
First I need to get me a job. I just spent $1200 on airfare to Seattle yesterday...and I can't pay for that with air.
Wish my luck in my final interview today for my #1 job choice. I just got off the phone with a guy who only wanted to give me $30K/year. That pays the mortgage and....well that's it because taxes keep going up as does homeowners insurance. $30K/year stresses me out.
One of the founders of my job that ends tomorrow told me yesterday: "Don't sell yourself short."
And he's right.
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Comments: 15
This article in the BostonGlobe Careerworks today, says it for many people.
http://bostonworks.boston.com/news/articles/2006/06/11/crafting_the_new_american_dream/
I hope some people who are 20 and 30 something realize their parents had the same wisdom and not much cooperation for it.
Don't suppose you'd be interested in helping me spreading the word about the studio, would you? We could work out some sort of mutually agreeable commission-type compensation for it (I'm a startup too, so alas I don't have much of a budget), but I could really use someone to help me get clients in the door. I'd only ask for part-time help, whatever you could spare. If you're busy, that's fine too - definitely paying the mortgage should be your first priority.
Wow, thank's for that link! I appreciate it. My parents have nice secure state jobs...they've had to fight but a different sort of fight. My grandparents owned their own store, so they had to fight with finding quality help (a major challenge). My mom most days has no idea what I'm talking about because she has never worked in corporate America. She keeps telling me things will work out.
You're right though, I'm the voice of those who can't speak. :)
Let's chat sometime over the weekend and work something out. We were having so much fun the other night we forgot to talk business. I believe in the goals of The Zen Kitchen and I want to help you. Give me a call anytime on my cell Friday (before 5pm) or anytime Sat or Sun.
Did you know I'm getting paid $15 an hour to be here right now playing on gather?
You are so sweet. Everyone on here with their amazing writing has kept me chugging right along!
Craig's List has led to so many good things (I saved $6,000 on a four-wheeler from Craig's List and my cousin got some kick ass red couches).
:)
Btw, the CNBC bit on Gather airs June 28 between 7-8pm. It' will also be picked up by NBC and MSNBC.