I got the job!

This will be a true testament to how many people read my blog because comments and e-mails will be flying in cyberspace over this news. I GOT THE JOB! For those of you who don't know me well, I have been out of work for close to 22 months. Yep, you read that right. Almost TWO YEARS. How does one survive on a record like that? First, there was the severance. Next, there was unemployment. And third, there was always freelancing from my old company. All 3 served me well and allowed us to keep food in our bellies (far too much if you saw me), a roof over our heads (with a leak in the basement closet), and clothes on our backs (haven't bought anything new in 2 years).

This has been quite an experience. I know every trick, every job website, every personnel director from here to Illinois. My cover letter document probably has over 200 letters to various companies, specifically Wash U and Wash U's Med School. That was my dream, but I would have been happy with any institution of higher learning. The problem has always been putting me in a peg. I was a developmental editor for 18 years and there just is no such job like that in the St. Louis area, no other publishing company that could utilize my organizational and multi-tasking skills. So I decided I had to find a category for my skills and chose "administrative assistant." But I don't do coffee and I don't take shorthand.

Because I have had to teach myself every computer skill I have since my former company used to throw new equipment and applications at us like baseballs, I am pretty damn good at the computer and possess the biggest skill necessary: no fear. I can file with the best of them. I can cajole and nag any doctor for his/her manuscript. I have received flowers from a spouse who thanked me for getting her spous's manuscript off the diningroom table. I give "great phone" and can smooth talk a wild beast (i.e. doctor) with my cool kindness. I love fonts and am a perfectionist when it comes to making documents look nice. I go do the extra mile for people I work for and with. But how do you put those skills into terms employers can understand? And the problem in the 21st century with job hunting is most of it is done via the internet so no one is obligated to reply. In 2 years I have probably only received 10 rejection letters, which I always greeted with Steve "The Jerk" Martin enthusiasm when I saw that someone had to type my name on an envelope. Otherwise, no one feels that they have to write, e-mail or call you when you aren't chosen. I have probably only had 5 interviews over this time, and only ONCE has someone called my former boss for a reference. That would be this job that I was just offered. ONCE, I tell you, after the number of times I have listed references.

This job is destined to challenge me, which will be good because I swear, one more week watching "Matlock" will surely atrophy my brain cells. Although I am sure I could pass the Bar if I watch that show for just one more month. I think I have seen every episode twice now in this 22-month period. I will have to tape "Ellen" and "Oprah" now since I am thoroughly addicted to those shows. I will be fine with missing all my other workmates (esp since they cancelled "The Sharon Osbourne Show" and "The Wayne Brady Show"). This means no more working or watching tv till 3:30 in the morning (Yep, you read that right.) and waking up at 11 (for "Ellen"). I have led a rather strange "third shift" kind of existence over the past 2 years. And I have promised to get a million things done and have done nothing. I am someone who gets much more done if my time is highly scheduled. I have volunteered as much as possible and had lunch so often that I thought I would turn that into a permanent lifestyle. I will truly miss the freedom from semi-unemployment. I have to wake up at 7 and exercise and eat breakfast now. A part of me is panicked at my new lifestyle even thought it's the lifestyle (except for the exercising) that I had for 30 years. Wish me luck.

My college daughter, Mabel, has spring break in a couple of weeks and had no plans. We were going to hang out together as we have many times for the past 2 years. Part of me wishes this new job came up in April so we could hang out together, but I thought that would be a little rude to mention when I was offered the job. Don't you?

Thanks for all your hugs, well wishes, good vibes, comments, e-mails, prayers, and lunches. You know who you are... and I will never forget the love. Myuuuh!