Sometimes, when spirit, or fate, or God, or whatever your preferred nomenclature for the ethereal being that guides your faith, answers your pleas, it comes as a shout rather than a whisper.
What the hell am I talking about? Last week, I wrote about losing one job and this week, I am writing about deciding between two new ones.
Granted, nothing is official yet, but the job I interviewed with yesterday has basically promised me a position of some kind so I have until later today to make my decision.
Meanwhile, the job I interviewed with on Tuesday sounded promising as well. In fact, the librarian I would be working under showed me around so that I could get a head start on getting acquainted with the library. The next step is for me to complete one of those ProveIt Microsoft tests that measures proficiency of certain programs, like Word or PowerPoint-but maybe I'm getting ahead of my story and I should give more background details.
Of all the jobs I sent my resume out to, these jobs as a library assistant or the research assistant for a collectibles company were the two I was most excited about. The library assistant job, because I always thought I would enjoy working in a library setting, and the research assistant, because I love history and would enjoy getting to work hands-on with it. Unbelievably, I snagged interviews with both, but the library job contacted me first.
It was getting late last Sunday night when I checked my email and noticed a message from the library saying they received my resume and that it would be getting passed along to the hiring manager. My hopes swelled but I was cautious not to get too excited just yet- after all, it could've been just a standard form email that was sent out to all applicants.
Happily, I received another email in the morning, but this time it was sent personally from Valerie*, the human resources department point person. I was about to become ecstatic until I read the email a little further....
"The position pays ***. If you're still interested, let's set-up an interview." My heart sank. The pay was much less than what I was making previously and I knew it would mean I would definitely need to take a second job. I would do it if need be, of course, but I wasn't thrilled with the prospect. Still, I was excited to finally have a valid excuse to peel my ass off the couch, so I wrote her back and agreed to an interview.
When I arrived, I was amazed by the beautiful campus and how close it was to my home. I imagined myself riding a bike to work everyday and saving money on gas. I'd need to save every penny I could if I took this job, the cynical part of my brain chimed in. I had gotten there early so I sat in the cafeteria. As I watched all the promising students chatting with their classmates or studying quietly by the window, most of which are years younger than me, I couldn't help but reflect on my own choices with schooling and major, wondering if I had made a mistake that cost me job security and direction.
I didn't have time to mull it over any longer because just then Valerie arrived. I followed her into a conference room while we exchanged greetings. Then, another older gentleman arrived and introduced himself. I gulped tightly as my throat went dry. I didn't even consider the possibility of doing an interview with another person in the room. Valerie then switched on the phone and I was introduced to yet another person that worked in the northern division of the company. I had a mini panic attack as I tried to gather my thoughts, which were now loose and rolling around like marbles. I'd be answering questions from not just one, but three individuals.
Fortunately, I managed to get through the process with no issue and garnered a few smiles in response to my answers. I sighed when it was nearing the end. I had done well.
"How would you like to get a tour of the library you'd be working in?" the man said. He showed me around this bright room with tables everywhere, many of which were occupied by focused students and their piles of books. We had a perfect view of the fountain out back, and the glass windows made the room cheerful and light. I thanked him for the tour and as I left I tried to see myself going there everyday.
The next day, following some advice that Joe gave me, I decided to send one final email to the first company I had pursued when I first realized I was going to be losing my job. There was an available position for a research assistant for a collectibles company that intrigued me, so I had applied. I heard back from them the day after I accepted the position at the "other" job, asking me to complete their application. I had ignored it until I began the new job and realized how unhappy I was, and then I began digging through my email and submitted the application with vigor. As the days ticked by with no response, desperation and depression began to sink in, and I began to accept that I had missed my chance.
Then, a few nights ago while sitting on the couch and talking about it more with Joe, he suggested I contact them one more time.
"What could it hurt?" he said. I thought about it the next day, as I sat in front of my computer and found the HR person's email. I sighed, and sent out one more professional but endearing email, figuring I was sending it out to the universal abyss.
Much to my shock and delight, I heard back from her within an hour. I immediately wrote back and before I knew it we had set up an interview for the next day.
I arrived a few minutes early and was amazed at the stone structure with a luxurious lobby. As I waited, I walked around the room, looking at the cool old maps and fossils. I felt like a character in a Jules Verne novel, waiting to meet the explorer that I would accompany to the Amazonian jungle.
When the HR woman, Karen*, finally emerged from one of the rooms, she led me into a small office. We spoke for a few minutes and then I was able to meet a few more employees one-on-one. I felt my stomach tighten nervously at first, but as I talked more and more, I began to get comfortable and confident. I could see myself in this job immediately. I could see myself, years down the line, expertly eyeing items and keying in their information, learning history and interesting tidbits.
When Karen returned, she let me know that they believe they could find a place for me here and what the next steps would be. As I shook her hand goodbye, I felt suddenly light but thoughtful. I left and came home to discuss it more with Joe, who noticed my bright and excited attitude. He held my hand and looked at me sweetly, saying, "think about where you were three weeks ago. And now, everything is working out. I knew you'd be ok."
And for the first time in almost two months, I believed I would be.
Have you ever been torn between two jobs? What was your final decision and what was the ultimate factor?
