Brett has three more weeks of work
Then he has one month’s pay so we’re good ’til April. We have plans to get us through summer but in an ideal world, one of both of us would have a replacement job in April. I’m not quite worried yet; I may be in a couple of weeks.
I wish I could talk more about my job hunt and networking but obviously I can’t. I can tell you that so far it’s all been very interesting and encouraging and I’m meeting a lot of nice people who I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t been job hunting. I’m also stretching myself a lot in good ways and I think that fall will find us four in better, more lucrative and more satisfying positions. (knock wood)
My parents — both! yes my dad, too! — have been huge supports. My dad has been checking in regularly and despite having a full plate of his own, has been generous with encouragement and (asked for) advice. My mom, as always, is my best cheerleader and recently when I called and asked her if she could loan me some money to professionalize my wardrobe (ten years of full-time parenting has left me with a sad, inadequate array of mismatched work-ready clothes), she insisted on giving me the money instead.
Yesterday I helped judge a regional-level middle school writing contest, which was tons of fun. The woman who invited me is great (we’re teaching a writing workshop together today) and the other guy who judged with us was hilarious. We each announced a winner to the bleacher-full gymnasium (microphone and all) and when I said “my” winner’s name, she squealed and skipped all the way across the gym floor to get her award. What with her reaction and the organizer-supplied free pizza, I’d say that I would jump at the chance to do it again.
I so lucked out last fall when I stumbled on a suit sail and was able to buy three suits for the price of one essentially. I wear them all the time. But I know what you mean about building a better work wardrobe. I have some of the basic pieces now, but really have to go find a couple of extras blouses, some jewelry and a scarf or two.
We are experiencing the whole “doors closing, windows opening syndrome” too. I hope it lasts.
Don’t you love how excited kids can be? It can be contagious–and although those moments are few and far between, it’s why I teach
a friend of mine, with a wardrobeful of dry clean only suits from her professional job decided to stay home after giving birth and needed to go get clothing for sitting in the park and pushing a stroller and being spit up on.
That’s great that your mom helped you with the clothes. I’ve been teaching for several years, but still very casual compared to the corporate world. Fortunately, a while back I opened a credit account with Ann Taylor Loft… or not so fortunately, depending on how you look at it
I wrote about my interview last week in protected posts - you can view it if you’re logged into xanga. Thanks for the congrats on our anniversary!
Tiff
i am not saying this lightly, or to minimize your education or ability, but have you considered jobs out of your preferred vocation.
What a stressful situation. But I’m not surprised to see you handling it with your usual grace and humor.