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| Totally unrelated to this post, but I think thistles are beautiful. Must be the Celt in me. |
While it's been very quiet here on the blog, life couldn't be more opposite. You should have been reading about the Daring Bakers' challenge on Monday; however, for my sanity I really needed to opt out this month. August is nearly over and I barely remember it beginning. I would like to tell you my days have been filled with gardening, reading and baking, but nothing could be further from the truth.
At the end of June, Tug and I discussed me returning to work. (I've mentioned before my problem with contributing only to expenses and not income.) We both agreed it will be a big adjustment, but he supported my decision. Fortunately, I could be flexible in terms of full-time, part-time, salary, etc. Tug was very specific that I should only accept an offer of employment if I was completely comfortable with it.
So in early July, I began taking Civil Service exams to return to work at the university I left four years ago. This is a public university and as such, is a state entity. That means nothing. happens. quickly. Especially the employment process.
Instead of gardening, reading and baking in August, I've been updating my resume, trying to figure out which pieces of my pre-culinary school work wardrobe still fits, shopping for replacements and going on interviews. I've had four. I received three offers of employment.
The first interview and offer was in the department I left four years ago. I honestly felt that returning to that department would cause some very hard feelings with the person who is now doing the job I had. And since the responsibilities of the position I was offered sounded beyond monotonous, I declined the offer. There is much to be said for the luxury of choice.
There was no offer of employment from my second interview and that didn't upset me at all.
The third interview was in a very desirable area of the university. It went well despite my being at a total loss and stumbling when asked, "How would a former supervisor describe you?" I'm not comfortable speaking as to others' opinions of me. I was still offered the position, however.
I was set to accept this offer pending university approval. Then I was notified I was eligible to interview for another position. Since the approval for other position was still pending and there are no guarantees until the contract is signed, I accepted the interview. The next day I was offered the position. While my initial thought was that I would be happy with either position, the tension ache in my left shoulder was trying to tell me otherwise. I listened. I accepted the offer from my fourth interview and start on Thursday. The pain in my shoulder is gone and I'm excited about my first day instead of anxious.
Without a doubt, there will be days when "what was I thinking?!" will pass through my thoughts. I know I will miss the freedom of being a homemaker. But I also know it will be good to get out of the house, learn to manage my time again and meet new people. And there will be a very satisfying feeling upon receiving that first check.
Things will probably remain fairly quiet around here for awhile as I adjust to my new schedule. I hope you'll stay tuned with me to see how it all works out.
