Tue 28 Jul 2009
Well, I was beginning to think I’d never be able to say this again, but…
I got a job!
Six months to the day after I was laid off as part of a mass lay off at the last company at which I worked, I started work at my new job, and I couldn’t be more excited. I really like the people I’m working with, I’m thoroughly impressed with my boss, and the work is exciting, fast paced, challenging and compelling. How did I get so lucky?
As someone who has worked steadily since I was 14 years old — often at multiple jobs — being out of work for six months was frightening. Even scarier was the fact that there just didn’t seem to be any jobs in my area of expertise available. I got close a couple of times — once, I was second out of over 2,000 applicants — but even those positions paid over $15k less than what I had become accustomed to making. It was completely demoralizing and depressing, but I kept pressing on, and from this experience, I learned that the job search is easily as hard work as any position I’ve ever held. A year and a half ago when the company I was working at was bought out, and my position was moved over 1,000 miles away, I had three great offers within two weeks of beginning my job search. This time, during six months of constant applications, resumes and cover letters, I had zero offers.
Of course, I don’t have to tell any of you that it was the economy. Ten percent of you are out there looking for jobs right now, and I’d venture to guess than 80% of you are biting your nails, afraid that a pink slip will come with your next pay stub, while the remaining 10% are either fortunate enough to be secure in your position or oblivious to the sword of damacles that is hanging over your head.
As for myself, all I know is that I have never appreciated having a job more, and I will do whatever I can to excel at it, so I can keep it. I know that I am one of the lucky few who got laid off in this economic downturn to have gotten a job, and I’m even luckier to have gotten a good one.
July 28th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Yay Maggy! From the sounds of it maybe fate was holding out for this job.
July 28th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I think you’re right, Derek. If I’d gotten that other job, I’d be making half what I’m making now. Things definitely worked out for the best. Now, we have to get Jason a job!