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Vent: Job interviews
I'm feeling kind of lost here and just need to vent and unload a bit as I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed. I guess it's the whole being-in-a-new-city thing and I'm just not sure what it is I even want.
So as some of you know, I just moved to the US about a month ago. I've been searching for jobs and have gotten a few interviews. The problem is, none of these jobs seem like THE ONE. For me in Vancouver, there has always been a specific position at a specific company I wanted to work for, but that hasn't been the case this time.
Keep in mind I've only interviewed for one of them so far, but the other interviews are tomorrow and Wednesday. Maybe the interviews will change my mind?
Job #1: I think it's a rewarding position and I think I might enjoy it. It would be good experience to do this for 1 year or so. BUT it's only part-time, no benefits, and pay is so-so. They want a commitment until the end of the school year.
Job #2: This is an examiner position which would only require me to be there 1-2 times a month to evaluate exams. It would also be good experience if I wanted to teach a test prep course, and the certificate you get from this position is easily transferable anywhere the test is offered (which is pretty much everywhere).
Job #3: This is a full-time position, no word on benefits or even the salary range. I think this one's a bit over my head, and the program director (I spoke to him briefly) seemed kind of gruff and moody. It's also kind of far from where I live.
I could see myself with #1 but my income would not amount to much, and I'd definitely want #2 or some other part-time job for a bit of extra income.
I'm scared to go to #3!! I know the worst that can happen is not get the job but I'm imagining the director guy to be the incredible hulk or something! 
I'm worried that if I take any of these jobs, something better will come up later. I'm worried that if I don't, nothing will come up later!
Ugh... Thanks for listening. I was going to bake some cookies but am now too nervous to do anything but sit here and think of the worst case scenarios...
OK, vent over.
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Re: Vent: Job interviews
I so feel you right now. I've been going through the same thing for the past 3 1/2 months. We moved from Honolulu to Boise, ID in June with no jobs secured. I had one interview right away, but it was more like a cattle call and didn't pan out. For months, nothing really popped out at me. I was either way over-qualified, or under-qualified (I work in the advertising industry). Luckily, a part-time position opened up at an ad agency and I have been hired! I know it's part-time and the pay is not even close to what I was used to, no benefits, etc. But the reason I took this position is because it's a step in the right direction. Low pay is better than no pay, I get my feet wet in the ad world here in Boise, and there is promise of me moving to full-time after my 90 day trial period.
So to get to your vent, if you feel that #1 or #2 would be best for you go for it! If you get hired, you can still be on the lookout for a full-time position. Find a place you will be comfortable and enjoy working at. If anything, it's networking.
I know it's hard to look past all the negative, there were many, many nights that I spent crying & wondering if we made the right decision to move here. It's like my husband says, we moved here to have a better life for ourselves. We weren't happy with our jobs in Honolulu, we want to be a position to buy a home and have a family. Things will work out. It may take longer than we'd hope, but we need to keep the positive in mind. Everything happens for a reason.
I know I've rambled, but I hope you feel better getting that out. Good luck!
Thank you, JanineRM! Like you, I am thinking that a part-time position to "get my feet wet" would be good, even if the pay isn't.
I'm sorry you spent many nights crying but I am so happy to hear that you are being positive, and that there is the full-time promise after your trial period. Fingers crossed!
Thanks again!
Keep your head up ladies! It's tough enough moving to a new city (I know, I did it in 2008) let alone without a job lined up, especially in this economy (which I know we're all sick of hearing about, but it's a fact of reality right now...jobs are really hard to come by these days...)
Chika, would it be possible for you to do both #1 and #2? You mentioned that they are both PT positions. I wonder if there might be some flexibility so that you can do both. That way, your gaining the transferrable skills of #2 but can still take on #1. #3 sounds like even if you got it that you wouldn't like it. I'd still interview and make sure your first impression was correct...it's not like if he offers it to you that you have to say yes. As for finding something better down the road...I believe that no matter how much you like your current job or employer that it's always a great idea to keep your options open...especially these days when loyalty is so often one-sided (employers seem less willing to be loyal to their employees but expect employees to be loyal to them! PSHAW!)
Janine, keep your head up! You've done the right thing...taking something now that'll allow you to build your network in Boise. If you'd like, I can put you in touch with a married couple that I know that moved there about 4 years ago from NorCal. My husband and I sang with them. They're nice people and have two kids...in their early 30's...at the very least you'd know a couple of more friendly folks in town! Let me know!
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no real words of wisdom here, just wanted to offer some sympathy, and hugs! I would interview with all 3 (and anything else that comes up) - interviewing is a skill in and of itself, that you get better at with practice. And doing both #1 and #2 sounds like a good compromise for now, while keeping your eyes and ears open for other openings.
And Janine, good luck with the trial period - i hope this turns into a FT opportunity for you!
Well, interview for job #3 was today and the guy was not a big angry hulk. The job seems a bit more than what I want to be doing right now but I'm glad I interviewed and got the practice. Thanks for your support!
that's great
good job! 
Jaime & Brent
Oahu, Hawaii | Sept. 9, 2005
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Thank you! Right now we're still getting settled though. Once we get settled in our jobs and routine we plan to get out a little more and start getting to know people!