At Long Last Months-long job search ends in landing a position

Being a sucker for chick flicks, I love a storybook ending. When I started writing this blog in March, I hoped that my story –– this weekly report of my misadventures in job-hunting –– would end with my landing the perfect job. Let’s just say I’m going with Plan C.

Ultimately, what I found to be my dream job had less to do with what I would be doing and much more to do with where I would be doing it. I found the right place.

St.Vincent Health caught my eye in June 2008 when I responded to a job posting. As was my norm, I thoroughly explored the organization’s Web site before deciding to submit my resume. I don’t mean to sound corny, but I actually got goose bumps when I read St.Vincent Health’s mission and core values. Before I finished perusing the Web site, I found myself so touched that I was in tears. How could I have lived in Indianapolis for almost 10 years before I considered targeting this employer?

The good news is that I have landed a job with my ideal employer. The bad news? While I am no longer unemployed, I now join the ranks of the underemployed.

I think back to a time a few years ago when my neighbor was excited about starting a new job with Eli Lilly and Co. I asked what she would be doing, and she said, “Who cares? It’s Lilly!” At the time I found her reply to be rude. She never did tell me her position. I imagine she took a job that was beneath her experience or education level. Now, I have to admit I have a similar attitude. Ah, who am I kidding? She was still rude, and I have a much more tactful reply.

My fluff response might be, “I will be working in a part-time position that lays the groundwork for a career change and opens the door to greater opportunities within the organization.” In all honesty, I will be doing work that does not require a bachelor’s degree and will likely use little of my ability to plan and communicate strategically. The job is only part time, and my income will be well below where it should be. But you know what? Sometimes we just do what we have to do.

Am I anxious about what lies ahead? Sure. Do I have some fear that I might not get out of the rut of being underemployed? A little bit. But I find comfort in the Lord.
One of my most recurrent “earbugs” –– a song that gets stuck in my head –– contains the lyrics, “I lift my eyes up to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” The words are taken directly from Psalm 121. Powerful stuff! How can I go wrong?

I am excited to be working in the health care field. I am thrilled to have found an employer whose employees speak so highly of it. And I am especially grateful that I have the experience and talent to continue to maintain my recently launched business, Masterful Communications, as a means to supplement my income. Most of all, I am relieved to be stepping out of The Unemployment Line.

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by Cynthia Baxter

Setting Free the Bird in Hand Job offer doesn’t always equal acceptance of offer

I’m typically not a risk-taker, yet lately I have been. Last week, while I was on vacation, I turned down a job offer. In fact, the position was with the company for which I most want to work. Perhaps I should clarify.

I mentioned previously the quick response I received after a recent application frenzy. I submitted my online application just before midnight on a Thursday and by 9 a.m. the next day I received a voicemail reply. I’m pretty sure that was a record.

The phone screening that followed consisted of really basic questions: Can you provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States? Do you have reliable transportation?

The interviewer also asked what shift I preferred to work. She implied there were multiple openings. I replied that I’d rather work days, but I was pretty sure the posting was for a second-shift position. Third shift was my second choice.

Apparently the only openings were for second shift.
Then the interviewer asked in what part of town I lived. She gave me the impression there might be an opening nearby. I discovered none of the openings would be a convenient commute.

She also let me know the starting pay rate. I made more on unemployment. Seriously. But that was no longer an option, so I decided to grin and bear it.
I went to an interview and left with a strong sense that I would be offered the job. On the same day, I learned of another opportunity, still within the same organization: a higher pay rate, day shift, but only part time.

Like I predicted, the HR coordinator offered me the position for which I had interviewed. I asked for a few days to consider the offer. Next I listed the pros and cons for both opportunities and had a long powwow with my husband. The adage “a bird in hand is worth two in the bush” came to mind. Though I saw the job only as a temporary solution, it was mine if I wanted it. The part-time opportunity was not a done deal.

Where do things stand now? This week, I submitted my resume for the part-time position, and I know it is in the hands of the hiring manager. My volunteering for the organization has given me a slight advantage, but I’m still in wait-and-pray mode. I have only a tinge of regret from turning down the job. However, I know I did what is best for my family and me.

So here I sit, still unemployed and likely gaining no sympathy from those of my readers who have decided I’m being too picky. True that I gave up what some might say was a worthwhile opportunity.

I recall something a former co-worker once told me: “I work to live; I don’t live to work.” I can be a loyal, hard-working, valuable employee, but that doesn’t mean I have to give up what is most dear to me, namely time with my family.

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by Cynthia Baxter