Time for a bit of debriefing on my interview last week. To set the scene, the interview was for an institutional research gig at my GradU. It was a number-crunching position for the university at large.
The first half of the interview was just with the associate director, who would be my direct supervisor. It was a bit of "this is what we do," since so few people actually know, and a bit of "here's my standard list of questions." Ze was a bit brusque but was also dealing with a phone call, an email, and two questions from analysts in the hour we talked. I had my list of questions to ask hit all ready and asked most of those that were not answered in the course of our talk.
The second half of the interview was with that associate director and some of the analysts. There were 5 analysts there. We all introduced ourselves and insanity ensued. One of the analysts clearly had English as a second or third language and was difficult to understand. Ze also asked a question about religion that several people at the table squashed and told hir that ze couldn't ask that. I felt really sorry for hir because they all pretty much jumped down her throat. Another analyst had 3 solid pages, single-spaced, of questions to ask me. The rest were just sort of flying by the seat of their pants. The conversation went off on several tangents with several topics set aside for their Thursday staff meeting. I had a list of questions for them as well and asked a few, but tried to avoid anything that might be sensitive in the situation.
All in all, I think it went relatively well. It was odd but they were an odd bunch. I don't mind odd. I'm pretty odd. Put all together, I felt like it could be a good fit for 5-10 years. Ten years would be handy because I could get the 10-year loan forgiveness that way. Loaners would never see that money, bwahahaha!
My only issue was that during the talk, the director pointed out (and the analysts kind of confirmed) that people who get into institutional research stay there forever. I like crunching data and the interview confirmed that they do a lot of different kinds of crunching and there's a lot of variety however, the idea that this would be all I do for the rest of my life is terrifying. And there was very little room to move up in the organization. It was definitely something to consider.
Additionally, there's drama at GradU. Serious drama. I'm worried that if I move back there I'll get pulled into the drama and revert to my bad habits as a grad student. Risking temptation seems to be one of those lifestyle factors you can't really measure ahead of time but it's still something to consider. And Boyfriend would be a 5.5 drive away. That would suck.
On the ego boost side, I ran into the professor I used to TA for in the parking lot. Ze gave me a hug and commiserated about being unemployed (ze was for awhile after hir degree). Ze said "If it's any consolation, all my grad TAs have sucked since you left." Aww, shucks, thanks. Ze used to call me hir Girl Friday. Good to know I'm irreplaceable that way.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
I have an interview...but not here
So, news!
I have a job interview. It's for a data analyst position at GradU. There's just one catch...I don't live in Grad City anymore. In fact, I now live about a 5.5 hour drive away. Let me back up:
As of my last posting, Boyfriend found a new job in Ohio. So, we moved to Ohio at the end of May. The apartment is a little smaller and darker than our last one but we're making it work. It's giving us a reason to downsize our stuff some more. Boyfriend got to cut his commute to about a third of what it was at our last place. Trying to look on the bright side of life, as Monty Python sings.
I have not yet found a job in our New City. Currently, I'm sending out feelers and looking for informational interviews. The lack of a network in our Last City was a big part of my unemployment, I think.
Between Boyfriend's old job and new job, I applied for a position at GradU. It was exactly what I was looking for in a position. At the time we had no destination for where to go next, so it made sense to apply. Well, they took their sweet time getting to the interviews and we had already reserved a truck and put in a deposit for a new apartment by the time they got back to me.
I decided to take the interview, scheduled two weeks out. It should be good experience interviewing and I might be able to get some pointers to make my résumé more competitive. Maybe someone even has contacts in New City and could help me out. Seems like a good idea. Not sure what I would do if they offered me the job. We're just going to jump off that bridge when we come to it.
To sum up: my post-academic adventure now encompasses three different states and may soon come full circle. I'll let y'all know how the interview goes next week and keep you updated on my unemployment follies.
I have a job interview. It's for a data analyst position at GradU. There's just one catch...I don't live in Grad City anymore. In fact, I now live about a 5.5 hour drive away. Let me back up:
As of my last posting, Boyfriend found a new job in Ohio. So, we moved to Ohio at the end of May. The apartment is a little smaller and darker than our last one but we're making it work. It's giving us a reason to downsize our stuff some more. Boyfriend got to cut his commute to about a third of what it was at our last place. Trying to look on the bright side of life, as Monty Python sings.
I have not yet found a job in our New City. Currently, I'm sending out feelers and looking for informational interviews. The lack of a network in our Last City was a big part of my unemployment, I think.
Between Boyfriend's old job and new job, I applied for a position at GradU. It was exactly what I was looking for in a position. At the time we had no destination for where to go next, so it made sense to apply. Well, they took their sweet time getting to the interviews and we had already reserved a truck and put in a deposit for a new apartment by the time they got back to me.
I decided to take the interview, scheduled two weeks out. It should be good experience interviewing and I might be able to get some pointers to make my résumé more competitive. Maybe someone even has contacts in New City and could help me out. Seems like a good idea. Not sure what I would do if they offered me the job. We're just going to jump off that bridge when we come to it.
To sum up: my post-academic adventure now encompasses three different states and may soon come full circle. I'll let y'all know how the interview goes next week and keep you updated on my unemployment follies.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Here we go again
Sometimes, life gets bumpy. Boyfriend's company has hit some snags due to economics and politics. The result: he was laid off...indefinitely. Yeah, it sucks.
The implications of this include that we'll likely have to break our lease and find a new place to live. Without jobs, that may mean a move back to the parents' houses. Not ideal but it's better than a refrigerator box under the overpass. Both sets of parents have offered assistance but both are also retired. Moving is a headache. We're hoping that we'll at least be moving to a city where we have jobs waiting but the economy may not allow that.
On the upside, I can expand my job search from New City. This opens the door to some new possibilities that did not really exist in New City. It also makes it more difficult because the geographic constrictions are gone. Yes, Boyfriend still needs to finish the rest of his residency. However, this experience has taught us that we need to find jobs first and then work toward living near each other. If it happens this time around great, if not, we'll deal with that.
I'm now expanding the hunt to all of the Midwest + Washington, DC/Maryland. Still looking for research administration or data analyst jobs in the Midwest. However, there are several possibilities in DC/MD that appeal. I'm not a fan of big cities but if that's where the jobs are, I'll find a way to make it work.
There is also the possibility of a job at GradU. It's in the overarching grad school administration, not affiliated with my old department. The idea of such a job is appealing as it does not require me to deal with my old faculty necessarily while still living a city I'm very comfortable in.
We're trying to stay upbeat. Really. We have a chance of moving to a part of the country where we fit in better - where we can both get jobs. So, here we go again. Expanded job hunt. Building new networks. Another move.
The implications of this include that we'll likely have to break our lease and find a new place to live. Without jobs, that may mean a move back to the parents' houses. Not ideal but it's better than a refrigerator box under the overpass. Both sets of parents have offered assistance but both are also retired. Moving is a headache. We're hoping that we'll at least be moving to a city where we have jobs waiting but the economy may not allow that.
On the upside, I can expand my job search from New City. This opens the door to some new possibilities that did not really exist in New City. It also makes it more difficult because the geographic constrictions are gone. Yes, Boyfriend still needs to finish the rest of his residency. However, this experience has taught us that we need to find jobs first and then work toward living near each other. If it happens this time around great, if not, we'll deal with that.
I'm now expanding the hunt to all of the Midwest + Washington, DC/Maryland. Still looking for research administration or data analyst jobs in the Midwest. However, there are several possibilities in DC/MD that appeal. I'm not a fan of big cities but if that's where the jobs are, I'll find a way to make it work.
There is also the possibility of a job at GradU. It's in the overarching grad school administration, not affiliated with my old department. The idea of such a job is appealing as it does not require me to deal with my old faculty necessarily while still living a city I'm very comfortable in.
We're trying to stay upbeat. Really. We have a chance of moving to a part of the country where we fit in better - where we can both get jobs. So, here we go again. Expanded job hunt. Building new networks. Another move.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
New Roads, Old Blocks
About mid-December of last year, I took a hiatus from applying for jobs. At the time, due to several unfortunate incidences, I was working full-time for Boyfriend's company. It wasn't great money but it was enough to get by. Since then, the hours have dropped to nothing. Obviously, this is not good for our financial health but we're still (mostly) afloat.
So, I've been taking the time to wander new roads for careers, rather than just applying to anything that sounds promising. Research administration and learning consultant jobs have some appeal. They use many of the skills I have and nearly all ask for a minimum of a masters, if not for a Ph.D. outright. They also ask for experience in education and/or research. I'm a little more optimistic about these leads.
Boyfriend and I have also connected with the local alumni chapter. At various points, we've both gone to GradU. The head of the alumni group has offered to circulate my resumé, like they have for several other alums. I'm working on revamping my resumé to include my research more centrally and to write a cover email that explains the kind of position I'm looking for.
I'm networking and focusing and hoping something comes from this. Of course, this may all be for naught...but that's another tale I'll tell if it comes to be.
-------------------------
On an utterly unrelated note, I'm working on a new fitness routine. It's all body weight exercises, not just lifting free weights. My goals are to be able to do an unassisted pull-up and multiple legitimate push-ups. It'll take awhile. I can barely lift half my body weight.
I'm also trying to start running again. This is easier said than done as I get really bad shin splints after about 50 ft of running. I recently used some of my limited tax refund to pay for new running shoes. The store I got them at has customers run on a treadmill and they videotape your lower legs and feet so you can see how you're hitting the ground. I pronate something fierce which is, apparently, not good. So I have new shoes that should help with the shin splints and I'll stick to running on trails, not sidewalks, for awhile.
So the plan is to keep looking for work, focusing on research admin and consulting jobs, and to take care of myself. Here's to keeping on keeping on.
So, I've been taking the time to wander new roads for careers, rather than just applying to anything that sounds promising. Research administration and learning consultant jobs have some appeal. They use many of the skills I have and nearly all ask for a minimum of a masters, if not for a Ph.D. outright. They also ask for experience in education and/or research. I'm a little more optimistic about these leads.
Boyfriend and I have also connected with the local alumni chapter. At various points, we've both gone to GradU. The head of the alumni group has offered to circulate my resumé, like they have for several other alums. I'm working on revamping my resumé to include my research more centrally and to write a cover email that explains the kind of position I'm looking for.
I'm networking and focusing and hoping something comes from this. Of course, this may all be for naught...but that's another tale I'll tell if it comes to be.
-------------------------
On an utterly unrelated note, I'm working on a new fitness routine. It's all body weight exercises, not just lifting free weights. My goals are to be able to do an unassisted pull-up and multiple legitimate push-ups. It'll take awhile. I can barely lift half my body weight.
I'm also trying to start running again. This is easier said than done as I get really bad shin splints after about 50 ft of running. I recently used some of my limited tax refund to pay for new running shoes. The store I got them at has customers run on a treadmill and they videotape your lower legs and feet so you can see how you're hitting the ground. I pronate something fierce which is, apparently, not good. So I have new shoes that should help with the shin splints and I'll stick to running on trails, not sidewalks, for awhile.
So the plan is to keep looking for work, focusing on research admin and consulting jobs, and to take care of myself. Here's to keeping on keeping on.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Radical Shifts
For those who missed it, I have been working as a part-time administrative assistant. One thing I have learned from this job is that I cannot sit at a desk for extended lengths of time. Literally, if I don't need to be at the computer or the phone, I'm walking around or pacing or moving somehow. Trying to stay sitting just results in my shifting in my chair a lot or spinning around or moving folders from one side of the desk to the other. I think I used up all of my ability to sit still in grad school.
And no, it's not the result of too much coffee. I've tested that hypothesis already.
This puts a wrinkle in my job hunting plans. I have been looking for administrative or data analyst jobs. Jobs that would go well with those transferable skills one picks up in academia. The problem is, well, you have to be able to sit for a long time in those jobs. They're desk jobs. Since I seem unable to do this, a change in job hunting strategies is needed.
Now, I'm shying away from straight up desk jobs. I only apply to jobs that ask for at least a "Masters degree preferred." The description needs to include a large variety of tasks that seem an unlikely find in any schmo off the street. Of course, those types of jobs tend to be higher up on the corporate food chain and require experience in a specific field that I don't generally possess. This will be interesting. At least I have a lot of experience in project management, public speaking, teamwork, networking, and managing people (classes in academic-ese).
I've also taking to working out more. The apartment complex has a decent gym. The upshot of being underemployed is that I can use that gym during the day when everyone else is at work. I managed to do 4 legitimate push-ups today. Not "girl" push-ups or push-up variations. Actual push-ups. Not bad for someone still recovering from dissertating chub-up. I think I'll work to being able to do a pull-up next. Or running a 5k. I haven't decided yet. Working out has given me a lot more energy of late (probably part of that whole unable to sit down problem). Maybe I'll take up kick-boxing again. Who knows? Hope y'all out there Blog World have found a few utterly non-work related goals on your recovery path.
Special kudos to Currer whose recent post gave me the inspiration to finish this one. Good luck with your Coach!
And no, it's not the result of too much coffee. I've tested that hypothesis already.
This puts a wrinkle in my job hunting plans. I have been looking for administrative or data analyst jobs. Jobs that would go well with those transferable skills one picks up in academia. The problem is, well, you have to be able to sit for a long time in those jobs. They're desk jobs. Since I seem unable to do this, a change in job hunting strategies is needed.
Now, I'm shying away from straight up desk jobs. I only apply to jobs that ask for at least a "Masters degree preferred." The description needs to include a large variety of tasks that seem an unlikely find in any schmo off the street. Of course, those types of jobs tend to be higher up on the corporate food chain and require experience in a specific field that I don't generally possess. This will be interesting. At least I have a lot of experience in project management, public speaking, teamwork, networking, and managing people (classes in academic-ese).
I've also taking to working out more. The apartment complex has a decent gym. The upshot of being underemployed is that I can use that gym during the day when everyone else is at work. I managed to do 4 legitimate push-ups today. Not "girl" push-ups or push-up variations. Actual push-ups. Not bad for someone still recovering from dissertating chub-up. I think I'll work to being able to do a pull-up next. Or running a 5k. I haven't decided yet. Working out has given me a lot more energy of late (probably part of that whole unable to sit down problem). Maybe I'll take up kick-boxing again. Who knows? Hope y'all out there Blog World have found a few utterly non-work related goals on your recovery path.
Special kudos to Currer whose recent post gave me the inspiration to finish this one. Good luck with your Coach!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Not Dead Yet
It's been a bit so I thought I'd throw in an update.
I'm still working for BF's company. I still like the people and my boss. It's their slow time of year now, so I'm not working much. I think I'm going to get a grand total of 14 hours on this paycheck. It sucks a bit but it's more money then we had before.
The end of the year is the company's busy time and there were some personnel issues, so I was working nearly everyday. I was getting used to it. I was feeling like a could fit in and make a life here. The paychecks were nice. The job wasn't ideal but there was some hope there. And then it hit the slow time and things, well, went to what they were originally meant to be and the reality of that was a bit harsher than I was expecting.
Dealing with being replaceable has been rough. Dealing with rapidly changing company policy that makes even my little job unnecessary has been rough. But the biggest issue, by far, has been working with someone who doesn't share my work ethic. There are few things more demoralizing while looking for a full time job than working with someone who doesn't appreciate theirs. I'll admit, it gave me a mental breakdown. I can't get an interview...ze's angling for a promotion.
I have to give a shout out to my BF on that last one. He came home to that after working a long day and still went out of his way to cheer me up and remind me to have a little faith. He found good opportunities, they just took awhile. I'll find some of my own eventually too. It's just easier to have faith some days over others. Yup, BF is all kinds of awesome sauce!
----------------------------
On an unrelated note, I'm working on a couple posts. One is about a radical change in my thinking about what type of job I would like. Hopefully I'll get that one out soon. Yeah, I know, I'm being a tease.
I'm still working for BF's company. I still like the people and my boss. It's their slow time of year now, so I'm not working much. I think I'm going to get a grand total of 14 hours on this paycheck. It sucks a bit but it's more money then we had before.
The end of the year is the company's busy time and there were some personnel issues, so I was working nearly everyday. I was getting used to it. I was feeling like a could fit in and make a life here. The paychecks were nice. The job wasn't ideal but there was some hope there. And then it hit the slow time and things, well, went to what they were originally meant to be and the reality of that was a bit harsher than I was expecting.
Dealing with being replaceable has been rough. Dealing with rapidly changing company policy that makes even my little job unnecessary has been rough. But the biggest issue, by far, has been working with someone who doesn't share my work ethic. There are few things more demoralizing while looking for a full time job than working with someone who doesn't appreciate theirs. I'll admit, it gave me a mental breakdown. I can't get an interview...ze's angling for a promotion.
I have to give a shout out to my BF on that last one. He came home to that after working a long day and still went out of his way to cheer me up and remind me to have a little faith. He found good opportunities, they just took awhile. I'll find some of my own eventually too. It's just easier to have faith some days over others. Yup, BF is all kinds of awesome sauce!
----------------------------
On an unrelated note, I'm working on a couple posts. One is about a radical change in my thinking about what type of job I would like. Hopefully I'll get that one out soon. Yeah, I know, I'm being a tease.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
New job updates
Well, this was the end of week three of my new job. Essentially, I'm a receptionist. I answer phones and schedule people for appointments and deal with paperwork. I'm only part-time and a "fill-in". I just keep things afloat while the normal folks are out vacationing, taking care of sick relations, etc.
It's not the most exciting job by any stretch. I am bored most of the time and have little way to change that at this point. And I am using very few of the skills I acquired in academia. It's hardly a dream job. However, it pays the bills and gets me out of the apartment.
So, some random points:
It's not the most exciting job by any stretch. I am bored most of the time and have little way to change that at this point. And I am using very few of the skills I acquired in academia. It's hardly a dream job. However, it pays the bills and gets me out of the apartment.
So, some random points:
- The people I work with are pretty awesome. They are all intelligent, funny, generally happy people. The clients who come through the office are usually upbeat happy folks. It's generally a cheery place to work and a good remedy for those days when I find myself in a funk.
- My boss is actually also pretty awesome, what little I've seen of him. He does share some of my old advisor's better qualities, which makes me a bit nostalgic and sad for what might have been. Everyone was telling me dire stories of Boss's temper and indecisive OCD quirks. Gotta say, having run into him a couple of times, I don't get the issue. Maybe they should all meet my old advisor and then Boss wouldn't seem so distressing to them. They all say he's actually a really good guy and a great boss for the most part. I could tell you stories about him but it would make you feel bad about all the things you haven't accomplished in your life and what a rotten person you are. Yeah, he was one of those annoyingly talented do-gooders.
- Boyfriend has been acting a bit odd about the whole new job thing. Some days he's fine with it. Some days, he pushes for me to keep looking for a better job (I'm currently taking a break from all the rejection). Some days he inadvertently makes me feel like a failure and like I'm horning in on his territory. It's this last one that's problematic. Our specialties relate to each other, if not outright overlap. He was hired to be head of research for the company, eventually. They want to do research on Chewy things. Well, my research for the past several years was on Chewy things - Boyfriend's was on Gooey things (a related discipline). So I have the expertise they want while his is only related. This discrepancy is something Boyfriend and I keep to ourselves but I think he is worried I might highjack the position he was hired for. That's not something I want. This is ultimately going to be very awkward.
- Nearly everyone in the company is a conservative Republican Catholic. I am nearly as far in the opposite direction of all those modifiers as I can get and still be considered mostly sane. It has been interesting. I try to avoid discussions of politics or religion and find common ground where possible.
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