It's Been A While

So, with all the enjoying of the last couple weeks before dental school starts, I've been pretty neglectful with my blog. Which is crazy, since I actually have some big news to share:

I officially took the full 6 weeks of the nanny job

Believe it or not, I actually had a phone interview this week for an office job. It went well, and I was really struggling between pursuing this new job or doing the 6 week temporary nanny job. In my heart, I wanted to do the nanny job. I was just concerned about turning down something full-time for something that has a clear expiration date.

After some thought and a talk with Joe, I decided to go forward with the nanny position. While the office job would be full-time, the specifics of the role didn't seem like something I'd enjoy. And when I think about working in an office again versus working as a nanny, nanny wins every single time...

It may seem like a crazy gamble, but I feel like it's one I have to take. I have a feeling that if I didn't give the nanny job a shot, I'd always wonder what it would have been like (I certainly already know what an office job and dealing with clients is like...). Plus, the dad told me that he and his wife would try to help me something full-time (whether another nanny job or a job where they work) after the 6 weeks. Creating connections is HUGELY important in looking for work - so I feel deep down that this is the right choice and really, not nearly as much of a gamble as it might seem.

A Week Without Job-Hunting

I can officially suspend my job hunt because I will be employed soon!

(Well, at least until October 1)

That's right, starting August 15 I am going to be a nanny! It's the temporary position I planned to cancel the interview with (since it seemed like I might be getting a full-time job), but they wanted me to interview anyway. They said that if that other job does want me, I can work until that one starts and then babysit some nights/weekends. It's really an ideal situation, because no matter what I'll be working for 6 weeks. Plus, babysitting opportunities will give me supplemental income no matter what job I have. Supplemental income is important, since I'll be making half of what I made in San Francisco.

***Side Note*** I'm really excited because this family seems great. They have two girls ages 4 & 5 who are awesome, love crafts, and love Disney princesses. As you can see, we have a lot in common. I am going to get paid to play, how sweet is that? ***End of Side Note*** 

This all means that instead of another Monday trolling Craigslist and job-boards, I can take a break. Best case scenario is I get the full time position and don't need to look for any more jobs (yay!), worst case scenario is I have a job for 6 weeks and can start looking again in September for jobs that would start after 10/1.

Whatever the case, I am excited to finally have some $$$ come in and something productive to do with my day.

You know, more productive than sleeping in and watching TV.

Six weeks of Disney princesses, tea parties, crafts, dress-up, Barbies, etc.? I can totes handle that :)

What a Difference a Day Makes

Given Philly's dismal job market and the fact that I have heard nothing but silence and bad news since I started looking, I decided this morning to apply for a couple of nanny positions.

I had been debating the idea for a few weeks and even signed up for two websites where parents can connect with potential nannies. I had considered nannying the last time I looked for a job, but the difference in pay between a "regular" job and a nanny job in California was pretty large. In Philly? Not so much. Not that nannies make a lot, it's just that every one else seems to make so little.

Since the pay would be roughly the same, and I'd likely enjoy nannying a whole heck of a lot more than an office job, I threw caution to the wind and applied for two positions this morning that seemed like good fits. One was a temporary position (figured it might be a good chance to get experience and a reference) and the other was a full-time position for a family that lives pretty close to us.

Less than 20 minutes later I had responses from both requesting interviews with me!

I met with the mother who advertised the full time position today, and I think the interview went well. If anything, maybe I sounded like I like kids too much. She seemed a little worried that I might get pregnant soon (nope, not happening) and she wants to make sure I can commit for at least 1 year (which I get). She said that she'd like me to meet her son and husband next week, so my fingers are crossed. It seems like a great family to work for, and I can't wait to meet the little guy.

After the interview, I decided not to pursue the temporary position. That position would start immediately, isn't full-time hours, and would only be for two months. Since I have to wait until sometime next week to know about the full time position from today, I don't want to get myself in a situation where I accept the temporary job and lose the full time one.

Joe made the point that if I got such a quick response from both families after applying, I'd probably be able to find another full time position if the one from today falls through. Since we haven't run out of savings (yet) and I really liked the family from today, I went with his recommendation.

Of course, I still have dozens and dozens of resumes for non-nanny jobs floating around out there, and it's possible that I may get called for an interview for something else. I'm not officially going the nanny-route, but if it works out I really do think that it would be a job that would bring me a lot of happiness and purpose.

After all, nannying must be awful nice if these ladies did it twice ;)

***Side Note*** Okay, okay. Fran Drescher was technically a teacher in The Beautician and the Beast, but come on. She was essentially a nanny. ***End of Side Note***
 

Level 1 DONE

I did it! Level 1 of 30DS is complete, and tomorrow I begin level 2.

Crossing off day 10. Only 20 more to go!

I am so excited about finishing Level 1, but dreading Level 2. As boring as Level 1 got, I did like knowing what to expect. Not sure WHAT tomorrow will bring...

Actually, I take that back, I know what most of tomorrow will bring. Job hunting. Ugh.

There are a lot of frustrating things about job hunting, but one of the biggest is that places want specific industry experience. For example, an administrative assistant position at a college doesn't just want an applicant with administrative assistant experience, they require the administrative assistant experience to be in a university setting. Because of this, I think I'm going to have to start looking at entry-level positions.

Since entry-level jobs pay even less than the jobs I have been looking at this month, I'm seriously considering becoming a nanny. After all, my dream job is to be a stay-at-home mom, and this seems like the next best thing. Believe it or not, nanny jobs are very comparable in pay to jobs I have a shot at around here. If I have to start from scratch in an entry level position anyway, why NOT nanny. It could be fun!

This Gal Needs a Glass of Wine

I'm feeling very antsy lately, full of nervous energy and I hate it.

The unknowing as to what job I'll have, how many interviews I'll have to do, when I'll start, etc. is not pleasant for a control freak like me. I should be enjoying my free-from-work time, but instead I am constantly refreshing my inbox.

I really wish I could have some booze to get me through this, but I am on a diet and can't trust myself with a glass of wine (since it will undoubtedly turn into multiple glasses of wine).

Oh don't I wish

So, instead, Joe and I have been watching a ton of Saved By The Bell. It's actually pretty therapeutic to watch the antics at Bayside again. A few things I've noticed now that I am older:

1.) Mr. Belding is the world's creepiest principal (click here for proof from Buzzfeed)

2.) Alan (the "fat nerd") probably has a lower BMI than most high school students nowadays

3.) The teachers aren't shy about throwing shade at their students

4.) I'm pretty sure Jessie did more harm than good to the feminist movement. Ever heard the phrase, "Catch more flies with honey?" - she clearly hadn't 

5.) Does Bayside provide adult education classes? What else would explain the (obviously) 30-year-old extras trolling the halls 

6.) They could show episodes to today's youth as anti-bullying videos - the gang can say some pretty hurtful stuff

7.) I feel really sorry for the guy who played Max. First a regular, then reduced to a "guest star", and then suddenly MIA. As Joe put it, "I guess they decided to go a different direction than a restaurant owner/waiter who did magic"

8.) On the topic of magician waiters, how annoying would this be to the average person? Stop playing around and give me my darn food!

9.) It's still fun to sing along to the theme song (and impossible NOT to)

10.) Zach is still a hottie

Not a Gym Member... Yet

So... I didn't join the gym yet.

I know, I know. But hear me out.

The 30 Day Shred has basically been killing me. I feel pathetic saying that, since it's only 25 minutes, but facts are facts.

It's not that I can't make it through the workout. I can. (I may be sweat-drenched and cursing Jillian, but I can do it.) It's the fact that my legs are aching not just while I am Shredding, but every waking hour of the day.

I don't blame Jillian entirely. I blame our stairs too. I HATE stairs, and we live in a two story apartment on the third floor of a building without an elevator. Now that we have Buster, I'm hiking up and down the stairs several times a day. Plus, Joe and I are trying to walk him at least 30 minutes a day and I've made stupid shoe choices for each excursion.

***Side Note*** Joe has been doing most of the taking-Buster-out duty, bless his heart, so I definitely want to give him credit. I think he senses I am about to cry every time I approach a stair ***End of Side Note***

So, long story short, I've been less than motivated to add more exercise to my day until I get a bit more acclimated to this new, active lifestyle of mine. Perhaps tomorrow or Wednesday (Zumba day!) the motivation will be there. We shall see. I don't want to injure myself or get burnt out.

Today I certainly wasn't going to make it to the gym for the first time, because I spent hours applying for jobs.

Ugh, job-hunting is truly awful. I applied for a few things last week, and only heard back from one: an e-mail that people more qualified than me applied, so they were passing (ouch). I know the job market isn't great, but this is the first time I've experienced that firsthand. I was absolutely qualified for the job, so the fact that they had better candidates freaks me out a bit. Jobs in Philly don't pay well, and the cost-of-living isn't that much better than San Francisco. If I have to shoot for lower positions that means I may be looking at a $30k drop from my previous job.

The whole thing is freaking me out.

Today I cast a wider net, applied for twice the jobs I did last week, and re-jiggered my cover letter (I customize for different jobs, but the basic skeleton is the same). Hopefully I get some news soon. My fingers are definitely crossed.

Any advice out there? Or, better yet, job leads in Philly ;)