I have been so busy lately! So busy that somehow I lost a day this week! Everything is like a blur!
On Saturday I started the new old job. Attended a board meeting at a University in Lafayette. Quite a different atmosphere at this university. Ok, yes, I'm a snob. No school, at least in Louisiana, can even come close to LSU!!!! Geaux Tigers! Ok, I digress. Back on track! Started back at the old job on Saturday. A 9 hour day on a weekend. Woo hoo! Monday was back in the office. I can't really say I am training because I am quite familiar with the policies and procedures but just learning, or trying to, the quirks of the 2 associations I will be managing. However, this week was conference preparation for one of the two that I am taking over so I am having a crash course in their conference prep. I am exhausted! It has been 8 solid hours of non-stop work! But it definitely makes the days go by fast! Tomorrow, Friday, I am off to the convention, once again in Lafayette. Yay! Overtime! In one week, I should make what I normally would make in two weeks.
The overtime check will then lead into the next topic of conversation: a new purse or new sunglasses. I'm not sure which one I will get first but I am in need of both!!!! However, Coach is currently having a 30% off sale at their outlet store and I do love my Coach purses! But then, my sunglasses are almost 2 years old and getting scratched up. Oh, the dilemma! What do I get first?
Then there is Jazz Fest at the end of the month. I can't wait to see Bon Jovi in concert. I have to admit, after all these years living down here, this will be my first Jazz Fest. I am excited to go and check it out! Besides the music, there is of course the great New Orleans food and drinks!
I just have to mention the great disappointment when I found out today that BOTH All My Children and One Life to Live have been cancelled. My sister was in tears. My friend Jenny was in disbelief. My mom thought it was a joke. They are to be replaced by two shows called "The Chew" and "The Revolution" (I think that is the second one's name). I am so tired of "reality" and talk shows. I like my trashy day time tv! I guess I will just have to read more books! (I tape the soap operas and watch them at night)
Speaking of books, I just finished Yasmine Galenorn's Blood Wyne. It is the latest book in her OtherWorld Series. As I was reading the book, I was noticing references to events that had happened in the previous book. I couldn't recall any of them. So I looked up the previous book. Yep, I had skipped one. So I've finished Blood Wyne and I am taking with me to the convention, Harvest Hunting.
Very little stitching has been getting done. I plan on taking a project with me to the convention and maybe I'll get some thing done since I'll have two nights in the hotel. After 12+ hour days, I won't feel like "going out".
I hope that next time I get a moment to blog, I'll have some pictures to share of something, anything that is creative and/or fun!
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Job Search Tips
Kathryn left a comment in my last post asking me where I was finding these jobs as she has not been successful yet. Well Kathryn, it wasn't easy and I put a lot of time into the search. The key to it though is to not get discouraged! I know, easier said than done
The first resource I used was the local classified ads. Most specifically the Sunday edition of the newspaper. This is typically the largest listing of available jobs each week.
Second, I made a list of local colleges and big companies that I knew of in my area. Most of them have websites that have a "career" section. I "haunted" these websites at least every other day. You'll start to notice a trend though on each website as to which day they post jobs. One of our local universities lists jobs typically on Friday mornings. So I'd look at it Friday afternoon.
Third, I used a job board. CareerBuilder was a great one. I posted my resume on it and set up searches that deliver available jobs to your email. In addition, you can set your resume to be searchable by employers and give them permission to contact you directly. One of the offers I received was actually off of CareerBuilder. A headhunter saw my resume and sent it along to a company that was hiring. I also received phone calls and emails asking for interviews for positions that I didn't even apply for!
Fourth, apply at your local temp agency. Most temp agencies today are not just for temporary work. They also assist with direct hire. But you never know too when that temporary job may turn into a full time position!
Fifth, never burn your bridges! I left my last position on very good terms and when they had an opening come available, they offered it to me. In addition, my old boss also gave me great references for positions that I was applying to.
I recently heard a "fact" on the radio, for every 10 of thousand dollars you are seeking in salary, that is how many months it will take you to find a job. For example, if you are seeking a salary of $60,000 it will take you 6 months to find a job for that much. It was true in my case. It took me 4 months to find a job.
While searching for a job, keep in mind: 1) Can I do this job?, 2) Will I be happy? and 3) Will it pay my bills? Those are important things. Keep searching. The job market is turning around, or at least the news sources are saying it is. I would agree somewhat. I've noticed an increase in the number of jobs available.
It is a frustrating process but a necessary one. Keep at it. View each interview as "practice". When I finally got my offers, they all came in at once! Here I was hoping for just one and I received two!
The first resource I used was the local classified ads. Most specifically the Sunday edition of the newspaper. This is typically the largest listing of available jobs each week.
Second, I made a list of local colleges and big companies that I knew of in my area. Most of them have websites that have a "career" section. I "haunted" these websites at least every other day. You'll start to notice a trend though on each website as to which day they post jobs. One of our local universities lists jobs typically on Friday mornings. So I'd look at it Friday afternoon.
Third, I used a job board. CareerBuilder was a great one. I posted my resume on it and set up searches that deliver available jobs to your email. In addition, you can set your resume to be searchable by employers and give them permission to contact you directly. One of the offers I received was actually off of CareerBuilder. A headhunter saw my resume and sent it along to a company that was hiring. I also received phone calls and emails asking for interviews for positions that I didn't even apply for!
Fourth, apply at your local temp agency. Most temp agencies today are not just for temporary work. They also assist with direct hire. But you never know too when that temporary job may turn into a full time position!
Fifth, never burn your bridges! I left my last position on very good terms and when they had an opening come available, they offered it to me. In addition, my old boss also gave me great references for positions that I was applying to.
I recently heard a "fact" on the radio, for every 10 of thousand dollars you are seeking in salary, that is how many months it will take you to find a job. For example, if you are seeking a salary of $60,000 it will take you 6 months to find a job for that much. It was true in my case. It took me 4 months to find a job.
While searching for a job, keep in mind: 1) Can I do this job?, 2) Will I be happy? and 3) Will it pay my bills? Those are important things. Keep searching. The job market is turning around, or at least the news sources are saying it is. I would agree somewhat. I've noticed an increase in the number of jobs available.
It is a frustrating process but a necessary one. Keep at it. View each interview as "practice". When I finally got my offers, they all came in at once! Here I was hoping for just one and I received two!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Two Weeks Notice
Once again I have put in my "two weeks notice." Wow! I really didn't imagine that I'd be doing that again. Yes, I've been looking for another position, but it isn't really easy to get a job! After months of submitting resumes and going on interviews, I was handed not 1 but 2 offers this week (not to mention the 3 phone calls I've had asking me for an interview)!
The first offer was for a position with a marine fleet company that was in the next town about 30 minutes away. It wasn't a bad drive. All interstate and not much traffic. I interviewed with them 3 times. I think I met the entire upper management team. During the last interview, they made me an offer for the position. I was so thankful. They seemed to be a great company with great people to work with! I was excited!
But then, a position at my old job opened up. I never thought I would ever go back or even be wanted back there! I loved the work. Liked the people. But the boss and I, well, we had our moments. But he called me to see if I would be interested in going back. I thought about it and agreed. He said he'd get back with me.
So, offer #1 was received on Wednesday. Offer #2 was received on Thursday. Having choices is not always good! I had already tentatively accepted offer #1 based upon passing a few physical tests and a final reference check. But offer #2 was just as good money-wise AND I would pick up all of the benefits and tenure I had since I was returning to the company within a year of leaving!
I went with offer #2. I am going back to the association management business! I was offered my old association but I decided to work with some new ones. Also, my role will be a little different this time as I will be working more with the other coordinators, training them, and developing/expanding programs for the associations.
I am very excited about this. So, now I just have to get through the next 2 weeks at my current job. I can already feel the stress related to wondering if I'll get paid or if I'll have a job melting away! Now I can just worry about doing a good job!
The first offer was for a position with a marine fleet company that was in the next town about 30 minutes away. It wasn't a bad drive. All interstate and not much traffic. I interviewed with them 3 times. I think I met the entire upper management team. During the last interview, they made me an offer for the position. I was so thankful. They seemed to be a great company with great people to work with! I was excited!
But then, a position at my old job opened up. I never thought I would ever go back or even be wanted back there! I loved the work. Liked the people. But the boss and I, well, we had our moments. But he called me to see if I would be interested in going back. I thought about it and agreed. He said he'd get back with me.
So, offer #1 was received on Wednesday. Offer #2 was received on Thursday. Having choices is not always good! I had already tentatively accepted offer #1 based upon passing a few physical tests and a final reference check. But offer #2 was just as good money-wise AND I would pick up all of the benefits and tenure I had since I was returning to the company within a year of leaving!
I went with offer #2. I am going back to the association management business! I was offered my old association but I decided to work with some new ones. Also, my role will be a little different this time as I will be working more with the other coordinators, training them, and developing/expanding programs for the associations.
I am very excited about this. So, now I just have to get through the next 2 weeks at my current job. I can already feel the stress related to wondering if I'll get paid or if I'll have a job melting away! Now I can just worry about doing a good job!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Weekends are too short!!!
I think we need to petition the "job gods" that the work week be 2 days and the weekend be 5 days! This weekend was another weekend that I didn't want to end!
It was another gorgeous spring weekend! Warm temps and lots of sun! Spent as much time outside as possible. Took Duke out to the new dog park where he proceeded to make new friends. Or at least that's the story I am sticking to!!! My perfect baby acted like a monster! He seemed to be "attracted" to a cute little shih tzu and well, he let her know it. Over and over and over again! It was quite the embarrassment for me! Thankfully the owner of the dog had a good sense of humor! When we weren't at the dog park, Duke spent time out on the patio sunning himself.
I got to see Stacy and Marly Grace for a brief visit on their way home from their cruise. We had a yummy lunch at Chimes and I got to open my souvenir from Mexico. This pretty tile that my sweet pea Marly picked out for me.
I've also been steadily working on Cassady's baby quilt. I think I am making great progress.
It was another gorgeous spring weekend! Warm temps and lots of sun! Spent as much time outside as possible. Took Duke out to the new dog park where he proceeded to make new friends. Or at least that's the story I am sticking to!!! My perfect baby acted like a monster! He seemed to be "attracted" to a cute little shih tzu and well, he let her know it. Over and over and over again! It was quite the embarrassment for me! Thankfully the owner of the dog had a good sense of humor! When we weren't at the dog park, Duke spent time out on the patio sunning himself.
I got to see Stacy and Marly Grace for a brief visit on their way home from their cruise. We had a yummy lunch at Chimes and I got to open my souvenir from Mexico. This pretty tile that my sweet pea Marly picked out for me.
I've also been steadily working on Cassady's baby quilt. I think I am making great progress.
The entire quilt. As you can see I have Jill, the spoon and the plate to finish along with the flowers in the border.
Jack is finished!
Almost finished with the Goose!
I may actually get the quilt done in time. MAYBE
On the job front, well, it has taken a life of its own! I have been praying for guidance. What is the career path I should be on. I went back for a 2nd interview with a really great company in the next town over. They spoke of a possible 3rd interview, which I agreed to if necessary. I've heard from 2 people on my reference list who said that the company has contacted them. Yay! Shows they are interested in me! BUT, then, today, I find out that an opening has come available at my old place of employment. My old boss called me today to talk about it and if I'd be interested. I said Yes. Yep, I am crazy. But I miss the work, I said I wanted more pay and well, who knows? I can't turn away opportunities waiting on other opportunities. I am confident (or at least pretending to be) that the right choice will become apparent to me!
Dancing with the Stars starts tonight. There are many "stars" that I do not know but then there are some that I can't wait to see dance, particularly Kirstie Alley and Kendra. I like my "reality" tv!! :)
Friday, January 28, 2011
Full day!
Yesterday I attended a small business conference at Michoud Facility. This Facility is where NASA builds some of their tanks. It was very interesting. The conference was held in a building that covers 42 acres. HUGE building. The employees each have bikes or golf carts to get around the area. The conference was held in only a small area (which was large enough! lots of walking) of the building and tours were held of the rest of the building.
The conference was small breakout sessions about small businesses, 8(a) businesses, and women owned businesses. All information was about how to become certified to bid on federal contracts. My head was sooo stuffed full of information. I'm not sure I've absorbed it all. I still have paperwork that I picked up that I need to read through!
While at the conference I did make a contact with a young woman who works for a PR company. Somehow we got talking about my previous experience working with associations and conventions. Woo hoo! Now it may not lead to anything but she did ask for my contact information because, if I didn't mind, she would forward it on to the HR department at her company because as of right now they only have 1 event planner and they used to have 2.
Then upon my return home last evening, I received a phone call from a company that I had put in a resume with about 2 weeks ago. I had actually forgotten about it and almost didn't answer my phone as I didn't recognize the number. I am so glad I did. They held an impromptu phone interview and then asked if they could call me back again later for more information as I was the first person they had called. Of course I said yes! I 'd be crazy to say no!!!
So it was a very full day for me! Full of information and opportunity! Makes being optimistic that much easier when one has days like that!!! :)
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
The conference was small breakout sessions about small businesses, 8(a) businesses, and women owned businesses. All information was about how to become certified to bid on federal contracts. My head was sooo stuffed full of information. I'm not sure I've absorbed it all. I still have paperwork that I picked up that I need to read through!
While at the conference I did make a contact with a young woman who works for a PR company. Somehow we got talking about my previous experience working with associations and conventions. Woo hoo! Now it may not lead to anything but she did ask for my contact information because, if I didn't mind, she would forward it on to the HR department at her company because as of right now they only have 1 event planner and they used to have 2.
Then upon my return home last evening, I received a phone call from a company that I had put in a resume with about 2 weeks ago. I had actually forgotten about it and almost didn't answer my phone as I didn't recognize the number. I am so glad I did. They held an impromptu phone interview and then asked if they could call me back again later for more information as I was the first person they had called. Of course I said yes! I 'd be crazy to say no!!!
So it was a very full day for me! Full of information and opportunity! Makes being optimistic that much easier when one has days like that!!! :)
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Did it!!!!
I have finally done it! I completed one of my goals for this year. I stated at the beginning of 2010 that I wanted to be open to new things, be it love, career change, move to a new city/state. Well, I have accomplished this goal! On November 1, I will begin a new job!!! It was a hard decision but everything seemed to fall into place that made it seem "meant to be."
I was approached by an acquaintence who owns his own engineering firm. He is currently in the stages of completely reorganizing and restructuring the company. He offered me the chance to come in and do the restructure and reorganization and run the business side of the company. It is everything I went to school for! I can finally apply my masters degree that I earned! I am very excited for this opportunity. I think it is going to be a lot of work but I am so ready for it!!!
Everyone at my current work place is in shock. No one ever thought I would leave. I didn't think I would leave even though I had started to get the five year itch!!! I wasn't even looking. But when I was approached for this position, I had to seize the chance!
Other than the new job, I've been busy! I spent a weekend with my niece and nephew. They wore me out! But it was so much fun to spend the time with them! We had fun! We had a sleep over, played games, went to the park, picked out Halloween costumes. Parker is going to be an ice dragon ninja (not sure what that is, but it made him happy) and Cassady is going to be Little Red Riding Hood (too cute!). We didn't pick out Marly's costume yet as the ideas that she gave me, of course the store didn't have! I am going this weekend to pick out a costume for her and to surprise her!
My little niece, Cassady, is a very inquisitive, active 18 month old. She was into everything!!! But she seemed to take a special liking to my personal journal. She would sit and thumb through the pages over and over. Good thing she can't read!!! Yikes!!!
My Parker, he is getting so big and so full of wisdoms! He had me cracking up with his words of wisdom about me NOT being married. He told me that at my age, I shouldn't bother getting married. "It was too late and not worth it." LOL Oh, I was rolling with laughter on the inside! When we played the game of Life, he told me I couldn't go the college route because I "had done enough of that in real life." I love spending time with him!
My Mom is currently recovering from surgery. It wasn't anything bad but something that she has needed to get done for some time now. So I've been spending my free time on the weekends amusing her. She is now able to drive herself but she still gets tired very easily and needs to take it easy. This weekend I am going over to do some housecleaning for her and hang out with her. The big Texas - Nebraska game is on. My mother and family being from Nebraska, there's a lot of Cornhusker fans around. Me, not so much. I don't like either team but I'll watch them for my Mom. I'm an SEC girl!!!
My Tigers are still undefeated! 6-0! There's even talks of a chance to take a run at the National Championship. I personally think that is a little bit of overkill. We have been extremely LUCKY with the wins that we have had and the last one being against Florida was THE heart attack game of the season so far. We have McNeese this weekend, Auburn next weekend and then we are off until Nov. 6 when Bama will roll in. If we can go undefeated until Bama, WOW!!! We will see what the winds bring our way!
Ok, I am off to relax for the night. Got me some stitching to do! As always!
I was approached by an acquaintence who owns his own engineering firm. He is currently in the stages of completely reorganizing and restructuring the company. He offered me the chance to come in and do the restructure and reorganization and run the business side of the company. It is everything I went to school for! I can finally apply my masters degree that I earned! I am very excited for this opportunity. I think it is going to be a lot of work but I am so ready for it!!!
Everyone at my current work place is in shock. No one ever thought I would leave. I didn't think I would leave even though I had started to get the five year itch!!! I wasn't even looking. But when I was approached for this position, I had to seize the chance!
Other than the new job, I've been busy! I spent a weekend with my niece and nephew. They wore me out! But it was so much fun to spend the time with them! We had fun! We had a sleep over, played games, went to the park, picked out Halloween costumes. Parker is going to be an ice dragon ninja (not sure what that is, but it made him happy) and Cassady is going to be Little Red Riding Hood (too cute!). We didn't pick out Marly's costume yet as the ideas that she gave me, of course the store didn't have! I am going this weekend to pick out a costume for her and to surprise her!
My little niece, Cassady, is a very inquisitive, active 18 month old. She was into everything!!! But she seemed to take a special liking to my personal journal. She would sit and thumb through the pages over and over. Good thing she can't read!!! Yikes!!!
My Parker, he is getting so big and so full of wisdoms! He had me cracking up with his words of wisdom about me NOT being married. He told me that at my age, I shouldn't bother getting married. "It was too late and not worth it." LOL Oh, I was rolling with laughter on the inside! When we played the game of Life, he told me I couldn't go the college route because I "had done enough of that in real life." I love spending time with him!
My Mom is currently recovering from surgery. It wasn't anything bad but something that she has needed to get done for some time now. So I've been spending my free time on the weekends amusing her. She is now able to drive herself but she still gets tired very easily and needs to take it easy. This weekend I am going over to do some housecleaning for her and hang out with her. The big Texas - Nebraska game is on. My mother and family being from Nebraska, there's a lot of Cornhusker fans around. Me, not so much. I don't like either team but I'll watch them for my Mom. I'm an SEC girl!!!
My Tigers are still undefeated! 6-0! There's even talks of a chance to take a run at the National Championship. I personally think that is a little bit of overkill. We have been extremely LUCKY with the wins that we have had and the last one being against Florida was THE heart attack game of the season so far. We have McNeese this weekend, Auburn next weekend and then we are off until Nov. 6 when Bama will roll in. If we can go undefeated until Bama, WOW!!! We will see what the winds bring our way!
Ok, I am off to relax for the night. Got me some stitching to do! As always!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
The Good, The Bad...and the ugly?
I know I am a little bit early on a weekly wrap up, but it's been one of those weeks!
This has been a good week and a bad week. The good parts were that the bad weather finally went away and we were able to clean up and start enjoying spring again. I was able to connect with My Sailor and have lovely nice long conversations with him (it's so rare we get the time to do that!). I've been busy working on some projects and have almost completed some of them! The bad, or not so good, part of the week was that a staff meeting has been called for our subsidiary next week and the COO, CEO, and human resource manager will be there to help with some "personnel matters." Nope, not a clue what that is. The theories are flying though!!! #1 theory: we are all being laid off. There are a bunch of other theories but to be honest, none of us know what it is about. But in today's economy, who knows? I'm amazingly calm about it though. I'm not so sure if that is a good or bad thing?
I will try to have some pictures to put up of completed projects (fingers crossed!). Maybe some pictures of my time with Duke. Hope to get out to the dog park or the levee to give him some time to run and play! That is if it doesn't still look very wet out there. There is nothing worse than wet dog and then having to give him a bath!!!!
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