Advice
Looking for some, that is. Not giving it away.
I've been interviewing for jobs: a strange new world of suits ("is this *too* dressy for a non-profit?") and portfolios and trying to sell myself as a competant, ernest professional. This is weird for me, considering I really only felt comfortable in middle school within the last two weeks, when I finally let loose and sunk down to my students' level, sort of, zinging them back as hard as they've been zinging me, and joining in choruses of "baby mama" and "oh no she didn't..."
But, nevertheless, coming to peace with moving on and establishing a plan to do so.
The immediate future: I take two weeks off, begin work on June 15th with the TFA summer institute as a school faculty advisor, end on July 15th and get paid three thousand dollars to do so, along with my teacher salary. This part is non-negotiable.
The not-as-immediate future: Begin working at (God willing) one of three establishments on or about July 15th. All three would like some kind of verbal two or three year commitment. This is fine with me, I say, considering that I'll build up my resume and transferable skills; and while my Houston family is shrinking considerably, it's still very much alive and supportive.
The "change is good" future: I hoard up my money, take some time off, and participate in a "drive Mindy's car from California to DC" road trip with Kimberly, who will be returning from her Peace Corps stint in Burkina Faso and, sick of the US, moving just as quickly off to France. Arriving in DC, I look for programing/government jobs who are just dying for a qualified employee like me. Finding none, I mooch off my parents for a year while I wait for grad school acceptance letters.
So many variables and unknowns. But as I realized today on the phone, there's not really much left for me in Houston anymore except for work. Do I really want to commit myself to another number of years away from my family in a city I often despise, just because it's easy? (Let us not overlook the fact that jobs are hard to come by these days, and any one of these three that have fallen in my lap is desirable.)
I mean, what would Robert Frost do?
Would Houston look any better if Mom moved to Albuquerque?
ReplyDeleteI didn't mean to be stirring up trouble! If Mom moved to Albuquerque, though, that could change things a bit.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that the Kimberly-cross-country-road-trip is not a sure thing (she's not entirely sure what her schedule is). But if you want to round someone else up for the trip if Kimberly can't make it, I'm sure that could be arranged :-)
In any case, you might want to look around a bit in DC before you turn down the 3 Houston jobs. See what's out there. Maybe you'll get lucky and find something that doesn't start until fall. Or you'll be so uber-qualified they'll hire you on your terms (ie, don't start until fall). The best way to play is when you have a job lined up for you when you're done playing. Not the only way to play (I certainly didn't have anything lined up before I left for our cross country adventure), but definitely the best.
Mooching off your mom for a year - what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteDad
:-)
These highways are ugly, grey and conrete
ReplyDeleteAnd miles of stripmalls before I sleep
And miles of stripmalls before I sleep...
You are right. RF'd have to drive a few hours to find any woods or apple trees. Wait, This arboretum is lovely... no. Well, we do have a pretty kickin' creative writing program in town, so they must find inspiration somewhere. Maybe I should focus my efforts on getting my people to move out here. It's hot and smoggy, but not without charm. HEY ERIC--The Museum of Fine Arts is hiring TWO development positions. I'm emailing you info.
There are more jobs in the DC area... you have a better shot here. And likely no rent to pay.
ReplyDeleteNo rent, what? Who is this and where exactly are you proposing I live? (My cat's gotta come too.)
ReplyDeleteDon't you live rent free with the rents around DC?
ReplyDelete