Why so drama?
June 9, 2009
It’s June 9th.
I still haven’t gotten feedback or follow-up from the place I really really want to hear from, and I have a couple anemic freelance options to consider.
One is a lock but it’s just a favor for a family friend, a one-off deal that I could probably complete in a solid week.
The other is something I really don’t want because it’s going to a huge mess to navigate (workload + politics — TONS of politics) but it may come down to that or unemployment. I’d rather put off the latter for a while longer if there’s a solid financial advantage to making this commitment. We’re in talks this week. A very “we’ll see” situation.
I’ve done my best to keep maintain Zen-mode since the end of last month but it’s slipping from my grasp like a wiggly water toy you play with at the Discovery Channel Store.
The delicate fabric of that calm is revealed when those closest to me ask the most innocent questions about my plans or job situation. It feels something like a vise of atmospheric pressure closing in, reminding me that I still haven’t got my life ordered properly and by the way, young lady, what do you intend to do with your life when you grow up? I’m not sure which movie character menacingly delivers that line, but I’m properly chastised/chagrined every time.
No answer, I’m afraid. But I’ll repair the bastions of calm and move along my day. Trying not to fret too much about the terrifying maw of a completely unscheduled life after a date three weeks into the future.
Strange. Writing about it is rather calming.
Wow, seriously?! How annoying. I hope they follow-up soon. Like yesterday š
Karen
I’m trying to send calm thoughts your way. It probably won’t work since I’m so rarely calm myself, but it’s worth a shot. š
Yikes, what is taking them so long?? If there’s one thing I hate, it’s waiting for a phone call. From anybody.
Calming breath, I’m sure everything will work out. Smart resourceful people like you are never down on their luck for long, you will get through this! I’ve been unemployed before without a plan, somehow it all worked out. Keep the faith.
My ancient mother used to say that if you don’t hear from a potential employer after you’ve interviewed, you should call. I don’t know whether that still applies in this Brave New World, where people are so rude they don’t even bother to send you a thanks-but-no-thanks notice. But nothing ventured, nothing gained: what harm will it do to call the person and remind him or her that you’re still interested in the job?
Money happens. I know that sounds insane, but it’s true. It’s amazing how money seems to come from unexpected places all the time–freelance jobs, opportunities, windfalls. You already have plenty to support yourself for quite a while. You may be surprised at how cheaply you can live if you put your mind to it…the savings you’ve set aside will last longer than you expect. In any event, what you have will tide you over until you get freelance work or another f/t job.
So don’t panic. As for what you’re going to do with yourself: you can budget your time exactly as you budget money. You will be rich in time, the most valuable commodity next to your health. Build a budget — a structure — that keeps you on track to do the things you like to do (socializing, traveling, free entertainment), the things you have to do (housekeeping, job-hunting, money management), and the things you need to do (exercise, lifelong learning).
Karen: I knew that it was going to take a while … just not THIS long..
E.C.: Thanks, that made me smile.
L.A.Daze: I assumed they were busy with work and travel. Or not liking me. *frown*
Miss M: still breathing …
Funny About Money: I know I should really get past my baglady syndrome; it’s a challenge to see past my parents’ legacy and realize that I am not doomed to follow their path in this economy.
But this is freedom, and freedom is GOOD. Scary… but GOOD.