Cross your fingers, and pray!!!!

This morning I got a phone call while I was at work. Normally I wouldn't answer my phone, but I kind of felt like I needed to. It was ICON Health & Fitness asking me to go in for an interview. I have filled out so many applications and submitted so many resumes that I don't really remember which position is for which employer. For some reason. I was thinking that this was for Office Secretary.

I looked it up after work and discovered that it was actually for an Administrative Assistant. I have just been applying everywhere that I seemed remotely qualified for so when I applied at ICON, I didn't really think it would go anywhere. I was quite surprised to get the call.

I went to the interview this afternoon. I still felt like I wouldn't really get the job, and wasn't sure I wanted to, so I wasn't as nervous as I was at my last interview. It definitely helped me be more relaxed. I'll have to keep that in mind. Maybe if I go into future interviews thinking it'll be great to get the job, but not expecting as much, I can handle them better.

Anyway, today I think I did pretty well. There is only one position, and I got the impression that they have a lot of people to interview, so my odds are slim; but I think the interview went well. As she described the duties of the job, I started to get more and more excited. I had a teacher I once worked for tell me that I should be an Assistant. She said that my skills in organization were perfect for the job, and the fact that I always kept her prepared, and kept ahead of the things she needed, were great skills to be an Assistant. I've never considered it until now.

This job would beworking for a Sales Manager who works with other company's (such as Sears, sports stores, etc) corporate offices with people who are called "Buyers." They are the ones who buy the sports equipment in bulk to ship to their stores. I would be in charge of communication through telephone, email and mail with the Buyer's Assistants getting things set up for meetings and such. I would keep track of the Manager's schedule, as well as planning meetings, trips, etc. Occasionally I would make travel arrangements, but quite often would make arrangements for the Buyers who come to Logan; things like accomodations, meals, snacks, etc.

This sounds so exciting to me; a little challenging, hard sometimes, and a little scary. I'm not sure what my chances are, but I might keep hoping for this one.

Update

Today was the last day of the "week" in which I was told that I would hear about the job I interviewed for. I don't know how I feel about it.  A part of me never did think I would get the job. I wanted to believe that it was just my own low self-esteem that wouldn't let me be more positive. I know that it's still possible. Even though they said a week, it was Thanksgiving last week, which could have put them behind. However, I heard the girl that was being replaced talking to someone while I waited for my interview; and she was talking about moving on to a better position. She told this person that they were currently interviewing for her replacement, then she would move on. The impression she gave was that they wanted to find someone quickly. I think that's part of why I don't think I got the job.

I have applied to 4 more jobs since my last entry. At this point, I don't think we can afford to pay rent and utilities, gasoline, our meds, and still be able to afford to eat. Let alone the internet to keep looking for jobs and our cell-phones to get phone calls about jobs.

I'm not trying to complain, but I want to give a full accounting of what it's like looking for employment in today's economy. I know that a lot of the people who read this have been in my situation before so they can understand, but I still feel like I need to share my experiences. That includes how I think and feel about what is going on.

It's scary to think that you could lose your home. My family went through it several times when I was a child so I know my parents understand, as well as a few others I personally know. This is the first time in my adulthood that things have been this rough.

I've always been able to find some kind of employment when it was really necessary. However, it hasn't always been the best kind of work. I've spent a lot of time working at dead-end jobs, or minimum wage jobs. At this time, I feel like I may have to settle for what I can get. That thought depresses me, though. Am I always going to be stuck working such jobs? Why is it that necessity never lets me have the jobs I want? The kind of jobs I could make a career, not just a job?

We were told growing up that if we get an education we can find better employment. I even remember being told that I could find better jobs with some college education, even if I didn't graduate. Today that isn't really true. I have 4.5 years of college, and an Associates Degree, but it hasn't gotten me anywhere. Employers want specific degrees or experience. As I'm sure a lot of you understand, that leaves most of us stuck.

I want to be able to take this opportunity that has happened to me and finally get a good job. Right now, however, it looks like it's time for me to apply at Wal-Mart, fast food places, or even the gas station down the street which is currently hiring.

At this time, it's hard to be positive.

Job Update

It's getting kind of late so right now I'll just give a quick update on the job search.

I have submitted my resume for 5 different jobs, most of them for an office-type position. I have taken one Assessment Test and have a job interview set up for tomorrow morning (this job would be perfect, btw). I also got an e-mail response to another resume asking me to answer a few more questions because, "I have cut down the amount of applicants significantly just based on the résumé’s alone so I congratulate you on having a well written résumé." It's not as good, but could be a good start, and get an official office job on my resume.

That's about it on the job hunt.

There is one more thing to say. Last Friday I got a phone call from one of my 3 guys. It made me cry. I miss them so much. Today I went to visit them. Again, it made me cry; but it was so good to see them.