A Parade for Me? You Shouldn't Have

It's been about 2 1/2 weeks since I finished my contract work.  I had really hoped that I was going to stay with the company, at least through Christmas.  But as it happens, my hours were cut in half during the last week and the reality of the contract ending was hitting me.  I did everything I could to keep the job, but it was not to be.  I really enjoyed the job and really enjoyed the people.  I didn't want to leave but it probably was the right thing to do.  I really enjoyed the job, but it was not where I wanted my career to follow.

I did learn a lot.  There was so much that I learned that kept me wide-eyed, alert, and challenged.

Since my last day was on Halloween, we just happened to have a parade for the baseball World Series winners.  Being located on the main street of San Francisco, we were able to see it.  It made me feel like, oh there's a parade for me.  Since it was my last day, it made me feel like it was a big deal.  I also received flowers from the group, which were very pretty and a thoughtful gesture. 

I am coming on my third week of no work, but I'm still getting paid from the contract job.  While I was working, I had income from school that helped me get through the last couple months.  It was nice to be surprised by school.  And now, I'm getting paid after working for the company a little over a month.

I have been very busy looking for work, but I think this time of year is not the time for companies to look for office workers.  I have been to a couple of interviews and have another one this week.

One of the things I am really guilty of is putting all my eggs in the basket when it comes to interviews.  The interview I have this week is with a mortgage company.  A full-time, real job!  It is located an area that I want to work and actually live.  It is for a type of business I am very curious about and would love to learn about.  It will be a position that will help me achieve my goals of going to school, and it'll be closer to school.

The recruiter who interviewed me over the phone was very excited about my answers and really felt that I could be a good fit for the company.  When you have someone like that behind you, it really gives a lot of confidence.  I'm really hoping that the person who I interview with clicks with me, and hopefully I start working in the beginning of December.  I am soooo ready to work. 

I did have an interview about two weeks ago with the healthcare center in the city.  I wasn't too fond of the location but was excited about a different type of business.  I love going to a new company or new type of business that I have no idea about.  It gives me more experience in such areas.

The healthcare was very cool but for some reason I didn't impress.  There were some questions I was asked about, that were really specific about the healthcare.  I had no real experience and I don't think they were very happy with my lack of experience.  I didn't think that I needed to have healthcare experience for the HR position, but it seems that sometimes hiring managers asked for more than what they can get.

That's okay.  It was not the job that I wanted and when I left I didn't feel excited about the interview.  There have been two times this year when I knew the interview went well and I got the job.  That wasn't one of them.  Usually when I leave an interview, the person I interview with seems to be really excited about me.  I come out thinking, I got it!  My whole body fills with goosebumps because I know that I'm going to be called in within the next week.  That's how it happened one time and the second time I knew I was hired within an hour even though it took two or three hours before I was hired.

When the hiring manager smiles at you honestly and with a lot of heart, more than likely you're a good candidate. 

One of the things I learned at the start up company from the hiring manager is that they like stories.  For some reason, hiring managers love to hear storytelling and see how excited you are passionate about whatever was that you are leaving or have experienced.  I am trying to get my experiences into stories that will show my skills, experience, and my excitement for what I do and what I want to do.

I also signed up for a couple of staffing agencies.  Sometimes I wonder about them, though.  I don't usually have much luck unless I go in for a specific position.  I haven't heard from any of the agencies since.  

I don't mind this little break.  I've been using it organize and to get ahead in school.  My classes ends around Christmas this year.  But I don't go back for about three weeks which is kind of nice.  So if I'm working by that time, great!  If not, I have a lot of winter, spring, summer, and fall cleanup that hasn't been done since I moved back.

I am really excited about this interview because of the confidence I have from the recruiter.

Kick Ma Butt!

Written: Sunday, October 12, 2014 10:32 PM

It's been three weeks since I started my new job.  Or about 2 1/2 weeks almost 3 on Wednesday.

To put it in plain words, I really enjoy working where I do.  I love the atmosphere and the energy.

Even though I'm not recruiting which is what I really wanted to, I sit across from the recruiter and my manager who does recruiting also.  It's pretty fun because I'm learning a lot from both of them and everybody else around me.  Everyone is happy and considerate and inspiring.

One of the things that I overheard my manager say she was talking to someone, describing what the job is like, she said, "this job will kick your butt."

She was not kidding.

When I went for an interview almost 3 weeks ago, the manager and I got along really well.  I was excited to see what was there, but a little nervous because I didn't know what to expect.  But I hope I exuded the idea that I knew what I was talking about.  So within the hour, the manager put me into what she called, "a work interview."  What this was, was putting me to work to see if I could do the job.  I had no problem.  I just told her give me whatever and I'll do it.  One of the things she had me do was go through the applicant tracking system and look at people who would fit in certain positions.  I had no idea what those positions really entailed other than the job description available.  So I went through for a couple hours and did some other things.  About noon, I had a meeting with the manager and she hired me on the spot.  I was really happy that I was feeling wanted and needed by a company.  After my last position, I was a little upset and disappointed in myself.  But as it came out to be, maybe the previous job for wasn't the job I was supposed to do.  I was absolutely miserable because I wasn't allowed to use my talents, my knowledge, and skills to the best of my abilities.  I wasn't challenged.

This job challenges me.  It kicks my butt but in a good way.  I am learning so much although I'm more of an office manager or administrative assistant.  But I like that.  I like when the sales people come up to me and asked me if I could do something for them.  I love the atmosphere.  I love working in downtown San Francisco.

I never thought I wanted to work in the city after being around for earthquakes.  But I love the atmosphere of the city.  I knew deep down inside I was a very big city girl.  When I travel to London, Toronto, and even Paris, I just loved the feeling of the big buildings and all the people around me.  Oh, I forgot New York, too.  I just love strolling down the street and seeing everything.  Walking down the streets when I have time is a new adventure.

This job keeps me busy for hours because I'm still learning the ropes and I get home really late.  I also have to really schedule my schoolwork better.  For example, today is Sunday and I finished the majority of two papers that are due this weekend.  Tomorrow I'm going to try to finish up my discussion work so that I won't have to worry about the rest of the week.  When I don't have homework due or any assignments, my whole focus is on the job.  I can really see myself working in this position for a long time after finish school.  It is not easy to work school and job together in this type of environment.  But I am working around it.

The other thing about this job is that when they hired me, they said they needed me for five hours a day maybe few days week.  I've yet to leave before five o'clock in the afternoon and have worked every Monday through Friday.  It might slow down a little bit after we finish hiring a lot of people.  That's fine.  This position was also temporary.  It's given me a lot of experience.  It's also a start up company.  I've always wanted to work for start up company.  I knew I could do it and even listening to the recruiters I almost feel like I can do that job.  I'm not sure for want to do for this company but I could see myself looking for another type of company and learning the jargon and helping them find the right people.

Every day is a new adventure and I'm asked to do something new all the time.  Every time I get a new assignment, I am challenged but then it becomes second nature.

One of the things I am responsible for is buying office supplies and there are a lot of supplies needed, plus lunches and happy hour goods.  What other place could I shop and spend someone else's money?  It's pretty fun.