Instant Gratification

Work has been really frustrating these last couple of weeks. More specifically, the lack of work has been frustrating. We get paid twice each month; the pay periods run from the 1st to the 15th and from the 16th to the end of the month.

I've worked exactly one day this pay period.

I work for a public opinion polling firm. There's a major election in just over two months. And we have no work. What's wrong with this picture?

So, on the advice of an ecclesiastical leader, I've been seeking another job. For the record, I hate looking for a job. I hate the rejection; I hate the feeling of having done so much work and having little or nothing to show for it. I hate the whole process. I hate it more than almost anything else I can think of, with the exception of moving. But I digress.

So I've filled out a couple of job applications. I've gathered my references and my prior job information, and I'm working on updating my résumé. Mostly I've been trying to figure out where to look for a job that will pay me what I need and still give me time to work on school stuff. Given that my Master's degree is a distance learning experience, the typical grad school option of teaching a freshman-level class or two isn't even an option.

Nancy suggested the other day that I try to find something at my alma mater or at the local community college. So yesterday I got on SLCC's web site and located their employment page. I found a position that looked interesting (Academic Services Specialist) and decided to apply. I created a login account and added all the appropriate information. Then, with a few clicks of the mouse, I submitted an application for the position. And while I was there, I found two other positions and applied for them as well.

Not fifteen minutes later I got a phone call from an unfamiliar number. It was the office that had posted the first job.

I have an interview tomorrow morning at 9:30.

I have never, ever, ever had this quick a response to a job application. I'm excited. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much—I haven't even had the interview yet, after all—but I'm excited. It's close, it's stable, and the compensation in terms of both wages and perks is excellent. Getting this job would make a lot of things in my life a lot easier.

Deep breaths.

Wish me luck!