An Update on Life
It's been nearly a month since I was laid off. And I must say it's been an interesting experience.
I haven't been out of work since I moved to Atlanta in '93 and I haven't truly rested. For the first 3 weeks, I was so fervently working to finish up left over work, to job hunt online, write my resume & build my portfolio, and read everything I could get my hands on. ((( for anyone who cares to peek, here's my digital portfolio--> http://www.catandmousedesign.net/ )))
After the first three weeks, I'm resting finally. The job hunt continues of course, filling out my DOL form daily... but not with the ravenousness of the first weeks. I was realizing my connection to who I am is not all about my career.
I had a great interview the 2nd week with a truly ground breaking company that I would love to work for. The position was slightly over my head, as it was a creative services management position and it would have strained my abilities. I got the call yesterday that they chose another candidate and I was relieved. But, knowing that this new manager will need to hire a graphic design staff, I asked them to keep me at the top of the list for a senior design position. The HR director said I was very impressive in my interview with him and in my interview with the CMO. And he was glad to hear I would consider a lower position than the management opening. I should hear back in the next week about a 3rd interview with the new creative services manager.
I've had a few "warm-up" interviews, which always went well. They were great for practice, as they were with recruiters. A great interview for some freelance, but nothing's come of it yet. And I have an introductory phone interview on Monday with a huge company. I also have my eye on a position with a private school as their staff graphic designer/photographer/copywriter. They start interviewing in July.
I've been working on the sewing room a bit this week, repairing the backdoor to the dogrun that MollyBear destroyed. Been sleeping late and reading more. Been keeping to myself and not really wanting to socialize... feeling like I'm in "protection" mode... and hoping I'm not offending anymore in the wake of this. Most of it is that money is insanely tight, not allowing for doing anything fun or social, and I'm saving my gas money too.
On the car front, the last week of May, my car's timing belt broke and smashed a bunch of valves on the engine. My baby beetle is sitting in the mechanic's parking lot, waiting on a whole new engine (used, rebuilt) to the tune of over $3000 >__< Melissa's parents were kind enough to let me borrow their extra car, a Mercury Sable sedan, until I can save up enough to repair my car. It's like driving a hovercraft compared to the Beetle.
This is my fault and not the car's. Somehow, I failed to get the timing belt changed at 100K. When I look back, so many other things were happening. I couldn't afford the 100K service at the time. And now I really can't afford this. It sucks. but I'll live.
I haven't been out of work since I moved to Atlanta in '93 and I haven't truly rested. For the first 3 weeks, I was so fervently working to finish up left over work, to job hunt online, write my resume & build my portfolio, and read everything I could get my hands on. ((( for anyone who cares to peek, here's my digital portfolio--> http://www.catandmousedesign.net/ )))
After the first three weeks, I'm resting finally. The job hunt continues of course, filling out my DOL form daily... but not with the ravenousness of the first weeks. I was realizing my connection to who I am is not all about my career.
I had a great interview the 2nd week with a truly ground breaking company that I would love to work for. The position was slightly over my head, as it was a creative services management position and it would have strained my abilities. I got the call yesterday that they chose another candidate and I was relieved. But, knowing that this new manager will need to hire a graphic design staff, I asked them to keep me at the top of the list for a senior design position. The HR director said I was very impressive in my interview with him and in my interview with the CMO. And he was glad to hear I would consider a lower position than the management opening. I should hear back in the next week about a 3rd interview with the new creative services manager.
I've had a few "warm-up" interviews, which always went well. They were great for practice, as they were with recruiters. A great interview for some freelance, but nothing's come of it yet. And I have an introductory phone interview on Monday with a huge company. I also have my eye on a position with a private school as their staff graphic designer/photographer/copywriter. They start interviewing in July.
I've been working on the sewing room a bit this week, repairing the backdoor to the dogrun that MollyBear destroyed. Been sleeping late and reading more. Been keeping to myself and not really wanting to socialize... feeling like I'm in "protection" mode... and hoping I'm not offending anymore in the wake of this. Most of it is that money is insanely tight, not allowing for doing anything fun or social, and I'm saving my gas money too.
On the car front, the last week of May, my car's timing belt broke and smashed a bunch of valves on the engine. My baby beetle is sitting in the mechanic's parking lot, waiting on a whole new engine (used, rebuilt) to the tune of over $3000 >__< Melissa's parents were kind enough to let me borrow their extra car, a Mercury Sable sedan, until I can save up enough to repair my car. It's like driving a hovercraft compared to the Beetle.
This is my fault and not the car's. Somehow, I failed to get the timing belt changed at 100K. When I look back, so many other things were happening. I couldn't afford the 100K service at the time. And now I really can't afford this. It sucks. but I'll live.