Job Interviews are like Blind Dates

Ok, so I have never gone on a blind date - but, with all the interviewing I have been doing during this current span of a job search - I feel confident enough in my experience to make some education guesses to back up that statement. My stomach gets all tied in knots on my way to an interview. Even though I have taken extra time to get ready - shower, hair, even makeup. I lay out my "professional" outfit the night before, and stock my leather portfolio with fresh copies of my resume and references. I try to come up with thoughtful, intelligent questions about the company, the job description, the work environment.

Same would be sure for a blind date, I can imagine (minus the portfolio)... but with even more heightened attention to smelling good and coming across as "cool and confident, relaxed." All the while those nerves bubbling up in my stomach. The searching, frantically for some fascinating topic to bring up. "Is he attractive? Does he think I'm cute? Am I talking too much? Is my breath minty fresh? Can we order wine....soon?"

Interviews are just akward things, totally nerve wracking. The back and forth chit-chat about where I am from, what got me to this phase of my life, my interests, career skills...blah, blah, blah. In truth, they are just sizing me up....taking me in...judging me. And that's fair - I signed up for the torture. But man, it takes a LOT out of me. A lot.

I had an interview this morning - at a local wine shop. (I thought of you, Courtney!) The speciality manager there needs an assistant to help with making sure the store looks and feels good, to design the window displays, put together gift baskets, prepare chocolate and cheese platters for tasting parties. Inventory, some customer relations, etc. Doesn't that sound fun?? It seems awesome to me! And I really liked the gal I met with. She is our age and really enjoys working there. It is in a great location on a cobblestone street in a section with local theatre, quaint restaurants and unique boutiques (by the way....random thought...wouldn't "Unique Boutique" be a fabulous store name?...anyway - I digress). It would be part time, which in some ways is lovely and in some ways terrible. The pay is no where near what I made before, even if they did give me full-time hours. But, the flexible schedule would allow me to pick up a second part-time job as well.

That second job may be an office position at a local church. The one I mentioned in my last posting. (I have the interview in 2 hours from now!!!) But, they don't pay well either. So - I would have a full and busy schedule - but not even make half of the salary I need to live on up here.

But, what I have been thinking is.... it has been MONTHS since I had any real routine. Sure, I get up relatively early in the day and make to do lists, conquer projects and keep busy - BUT, this structured schedule, as poorly as it pays, would get my into a rhythm again. I would also feel better about making some money of my own, instead of borrowing more from my folks. Those are probably two good reasons to pursue this avenue, right? I will have to keep my efforts going to look for a permanent full-time, well paying job...but, this plan may help bridge the gap a little until that materializes. Oh how I would much rather be working hard maintaining a home, raising children, growing as a wife! But, apparently God has different ideas for me right now - and I need to accept that.

So wish me luck on my second blind date....errrr....interview, of the day! Off I go!