Employment

Well I succeeded to the idea that I was going to be able to get another design job before my unemployment was up. There was the option to file for a 20-week extension, but I need something to do. And I need more money than unemployment was providing --- thank you gov't, but I'll handle things from here.

I had a mini-panic attack this past Friday when I realized I had 4 more unemployment checks before my account was out. That's 2 months. What am I going to do in 2 months? I haven't found a job in 5 months, what will magically make one materialize in 2? Especially at the end of the year when companies don't have any money left in their budget. So I attacked the bartending wanted ads on facebook, showered, got 'dressed up', printed out my bartending resume, and went to pursue a couple bartending postings.

First one I arrived at was in a strip mall on Sawmill Rd in Dublin. Nice area, right next to a golf course. However, I was intimidated as soon as I stepped in the door. The bartender behind the bar had short jet black hair, a tight black tank top on, wings tattooed to her back, bra straps showing, tight spandexie shorts and knee high black boots. 'Oh man' I thought 'I can't go back to dressing like that to make tips.' Mind you, I never too it quite that far in college at the sports bars, but I've been known to wear low enough cut tank tops to show off a red lacy bra, or push the limits on how short the skirt can be. It paid my way through college.

So I smiled and asked her for an application. A man at the bar patted the chair and said 'Take a seat, I'm the owner' I said hello, sat down and slyly pushed up my Vicki's bra. And then it got even more awkward. There was another bartender girl, brown hair, sitting on the other side of the owner. She smiled and introduced herself (I'm horrible with names, for the life of me I can't remember hers). The owner read over my resume while I filled out the application, looked at the brown haired bartender and said 'So what do you think?' She shrugged 'She's cute, blond. We don't have any blonds, you should hire her.'

I definitely felt like a piece of meat at that point. 'At least you're cute' I thought to myself. I could be the worst bartender you've ever met and you just hire me like that? Crazy. The owner talked to me a little more, hired me, then asked me to come back later that night to talk to the manager about scheduling.

Alright, back into the car. I drive across town to Polaris Mall to find where Dave & Buster's is opening a new location and see about their interviews. I had seen their post on craigslist asking for Servers, Kitchen Staff, Bartenders, etc. But I had also noticed that they had been posting these positions for hire for weeks. What would my chances be? With so many people out of work, all of OSU's students coming back to campus... they would have to be full.

I walked into an vacant store space in the mall where D&B were renting out space to hold interviews. There were 5 or 6 tables set up with applications and pens laid out. I smiled at the people behind the computers, sat down and started filling out an ap. I finished, took that and my resume up to the man, Seth. He looked it over 'Applying for a bartending position?' 'Yup, that cocktail, or wait staff' I said. 'Have a minute to talk?' 'Absolutely' and I followed him to one of the tables and sat down.

We talked for about half an hour about what drinks I knew by heart, why I liked bartending, where I wanted to be in 3 years, where had I worked, what I liked about those places, what would I do if someone needed cut-off, how could I tell if they needed cut-off, etc etc etc. I was surprised with how few drink recipes I could think of off the top of my head. After the interview I was kicking myself - I know a ton more, just froze up I guess. No matter, I did get the job.

After the majority of the questions he said 'Well I'll tell you what, I'm going to hire you. You seem knowledgable and reliable. But I have one serving position open and one bartending position open - and I have someone in mind for the bartending position already.' I had been pretty passive the entire interview. Just answering questions and polite conversation. When he said this, I jumped into action...

'I'll tell you what' I said 'I've helped open two bars as a bartender. I know how openings and the first month goes. You can hire your friend, or whoever you have in mind as the bartender, and I'll take the serving position. But in 2-3 weeks when one of the bartenders isn't working out, or they don't show up to a shift and there's an open position - I get that bartending position.'

He smiled at me 'Okay, you can have the bartending position. How's Monday at 9am for orientation?'



:)

Now if I could get a design interview and use those persuasion tactics on them!

What is your brand map?

Really interesting article over at Truely, Deeply/Madly In fact, really good brand-conscious blog. I'm going to make this a daily read.

I want you to want me...

I'm so tired of people asking me about my job search. They just care, I understand. It's exhausting telling people "No I haven't heard anything from anyone - No no interviews, no leads"

Trust me, you will hear it ring from the heavens when I get an interview. I don't even care if it's for working at Wendy's down the street! "What? You want to talk to me? Absolutely! No pay? I'll be right there"

Facebook, Twitter, text and phone calls - everyone will know! And then, I probably won't get the job... but the no-interview-glass-ceiling will have been broken. And it's all daisies from there :) right?


It's draining though, that's for sure. Now I've only been unemployed for 4 months (April 24th) but I've sent out over 150 resumes, most with cover letters and about 1/2 with work samples.

I've received less than 15 rejection letters, or hiring progress reports of any kind. I've inquired about the status of the job of ten positions after I've applied and received ONE reply with a staus and ONE saying please don't inquire. The majority of the postings say DO NOT CALL DO NOT EMAIL THIS WILL DISQUALIFY YOUR CHANCES FOR THE POSITION. And I completely understand their side of the deal. They don't want to have to answer 150+ phone calls a day of unemployed people convincing them that they're the best for the job. I wouldn't at least...



Another thing that almost offends me, but I know their intentions are good, are friends that ask if I've considered going back to school for something different. ????? I didn't realize that being laid off in the worst economic period since the depression meant I had to give up on my dreams and doing what I really love. Or even the friends that say (this was actually said to me) "Are applying to any job or are you still STUCK ON a design job?" Like they don't exist? Did they all disappear and someone didn't tell me? I know all the other markets are rainbows and butterflies too... Heck I have friends in medical jobs that can't find positions right now because all the hospitals are on hiring freezes.

All in all, I know it's just friends and family caring - I just wish there was something I could tell them.

Until the fated interview comes, I just keep applying, just keep applying

Guess it only took talking about it...

139!

Running... continued

It's been a month - still no job, but running and working out has progressed. I'm down 10-12 lbs (depending on the day) from when I moved back to Ohio. I'd like to lose another 5-8ish but I'm just sitting 140. I can't break it. When I started running/working out/eating better - I lost the beginning pounds in two weeks - POOF* just gone. It was cake... well not cake, too much sugar... easy as pie, dammit, not that either... :\ easy peasy

But I can tell I'm losing inches, so it's muscle growth I know. I'm just fixated on the scale.

My running has improved. I was baaaaad at the beginning. Not being able to run an entire mile at once, but still finishing. Now I'm up to 2 - 2.5 miles straight. Not quite to the 5K straight yet... but getting there. I'm still fairly slow 10-11min miles. I think the distance is more important to me right now than the pace. I can get the pace up later.

The lifting is going great. Stomach is looking FABO! Arms are leaning up... just waiting on the legs to follow suite :) I know they're getting better, the jeans are loose. But the child bearing hips are def where I store my weight. Maybe I should do more sprinting?



16 days till D-Day (D-Day will be the first time I see the ex since Christmas... have to win the break-up, right?)


The job hunt is still less than desirable. It's rare that I find a job that I'm excited to apply to. However I did apply to 3 in the last two weeks that could be promising. Nike is looking for a Color Designer in Portland, Ore. I would la la love to be at Nike, let alone live in Portland *pinch me! I'm keeping my fingers crossed tightly for that gig.

Second is an EGD job in Philly. I've never been to interested in the east coast, but it's close to the beach, I love a good cheesesteak, I would get to see another Real World House (I'm a fan, I like to visit the old houses of past casts) and the job is really EXACTLY what I want to be doing in the market.

Third is a position with Covergirl for a store designer. I think they'll probably lean towards an interior designer here - my background is much stronger in signage than 'decorating', but I could fake it really well :) and that job is in Baltimore. I don't know much about Baltimore - but I'd love to visit their ball stadium.

I hate running...

... just because I'm insanely jealous of all those fit skinny people that can run long distances. I've always been a sprinter. Ever since I was little. I could out race anyone in a short footrace - but just died when it came to stamina.

However being laid off recently, I'm going stir crazy. I have no goals (other than the obvious to find a job) and no drive to do much of anything.

So I've decided to become that which I am not. A runner. Not just a runner - a decent runner. Able to finish a 5K in under 30 mins.

I bought new running shoes and the Nike Plus to help me track my progress and am forcing myself to go go go...

Race #1:
Columbus Clippers 5K Aug 1st