A Refreshing Interview!!

I walked into this particular interview not knowing what to expect.  The open position was a foot in the door, a very promising, lovely door into a company that I have heard only terrific things about.  I trusted the words of those who led me to this company, but thought they were too glowing to be real.  They weren’t.

With my resume, application, and references in hand, I walked to the receptionist, told her my name and who I was there to see.  The busy woman was answering questions and directing people on the telephone, a phone that rang constantly.  She was putting this one on hold, talking to that one, agreeing that it was a lovely day to a passing co-worker and handing me the necessary “Visitor” badge and sign in sheet.  I’ve never seen anyone do so many things so well in such a short time!

While I waited for the Human Relations Manager, Kathy, to greet me (I was way too early) I was very busy checking out my surroundings.  In front of me a poster on the wall described the many reasons why working for this company was such a positive experience.  There were many reasons listed that all showed the care and consideration they provide their employees.  I was impressed.  Next to the poster was a company photo, everyone full of broad, happy smiles.  Under the photo was an outline of the same with everyone’s name listed.  This listing clearly showed that everyone had a place of value and significance; it was as if it was a large, happy family.  So far, so good!!

Five minutes before my scheduled meeting time, Kathy came to usher me into her office.  A lovely, classy woman, Kathy’s broad smile and kind eyes welcomed me immediately.  By the time we reached her office, I felt at home.  I know that sounds crazy and maybe it is, but it is true.  We spoke for about a half hour.  I may have told her more than she expected, but I felt at ease and comfortable being myself.  I explained my career desires, my concerns and hopes, and honestly expressed what I am looking for in a work situation.  She listened, truly listened, and offered constructive, valid advice and insight.  Obviously an intelligent woman, my impressions of this company were ever increasing.

As I waited for my next interview to begin, the Vice President of Human Relations came out and spoke with me.  We had been corresponding through email off and on for a couple of months and it was great to put the face with the name.  Another impressive, clearly professional woman!  When she returned to her office, I sat for another minute or two in the comfortable seats outside the HR area.  I listened to the calming quiet that enveloped the area, the welcome balloon that was slightly deflated, but still cheerful, was swaying to the breeze from the air vent. An open door gave me a clear view of the office across the way, a woman was busy working, concentrating. 

It felt wonderful.

Vicky appeared right on schedule and we shook hands and walked to her office just a short way away.  I still cannot believe that I didn’t know her before.  One word passed between us and I felt an instant connection to her.  As we talked, I felt as though I knew her for years.  Her warm smile, friendly approach, and willingness to REALLY see me rendered me almost speechless.  She holds a truly impressive talent for people.  As co-workers poked their heads in to ask her various questions it was obvious that this was a collaborative, hard-working but very supportive team.  Vicky is an impressive woman.  She knows her stuff.  Her competence is apparent, but beyond that, her caring came through loud and clear!  I would be so proud to work with her one day.

Honestly, I have a feeling that the position I went in to discuss will be offered to someone else, and I understand.  However, I am hopeful that one day another position that more closely fits my experience and talents will come up.  After all the interviews I have been on in this stage of my life, this one was special.  These women were special.  This company’s mission is special.

To Kathy and Vicky, thank you.  It was truly my pleasure and honor to meet you and I sincerely hope that you don’t mind if I do stay in touch.  It would be more than a thrill to one day be able to call you both co-workers.  Thank you for your time.

I may not have obtained a new position today, but I regained a hope for the future.  With Vicky’s help and guidance I feel more positive than I have in a long time.  To my brother who introduced me to and told me about this special company, I love you.

There are superb corporations out there, filled with warm, compassionate, friendly, wise people.  Hooray!!

Morning Coffee, Morning Thoughts

It’s cold in the house this morning.  This December has been unusually warm so far.  I am not complaining; that’s for sure.  However, this morning is rainy and chilly and it happens to be an excellent morning to sit back and truly enjoy my steaming hot cup of coffee while I do what I love, write. 

As I sit here, appreciating the warmth of the coffee, I have a few minutes to reflect, a rarity, as most mornings require running around, getting things done and getting out of the house. 

Since I lost my job, my better paying job, life has changed.  I am lucky in that unlike others who have lost their jobs, mine was definitely secondary.  My husband pays most all of the bills and I only need to contribute a small amount which my part-time job covers.  I am also extremely thankful that healthcare is one of the benefits of his position.  I can’t imagine how anyone who was laid-off and doesn’t have those benefits, exists. 

I am also exceptionally lucky to have a wonderful friend as my manager.  My friend, who hired me “until you find something else”, which now happens to be over a year ago, is a considerate, intelligent woman. I enjoy working with her.  She’s energetic, thoughtful, and always pleasant.  She has a heart as big as the universe.  The store where we work is close to home and most customers, most, are happy and pleasant.  I am thankful.

But, life has definitely changed.  The vacations, clothes, cars, and just general day-to-day expenses are no longer purchased without great thought and deliberation.  For example, my daughter needs to update her laptop.  A few years ago, I would have simply purchased the MacBook Pro she truly needs without a second thought.  Now, it’s not that easy.

With the holidays just around the corner, both Chanukah and Christmas, I used to enjoy and look forward to shopping for everyone.  I would shop for just the right gift, a gift that would touch the heart of the recipient; I wouldn't give much thought to price. Just seeing the look of joy as someone special opened their gift was my selfish pleasure.  When I would see that light of “wow, you really do know me”, I would feel happy.  Now, that same shopping is frustrating.  I find what I know the person on my list would love, but just can’t buy it. 

With my situation being one of the luckier financial ones considering the plight of the unemployed, it’s no wonder the economy isn’t picking up as quickly as it could.  When I think of the millions of unemployed and under-employed people, people who were middle management, like me, who are now working for so much less, it’s not surprising that demand is down.  With people spending less, companies need to produce fewer items, to produce fewer items they need less employees and the cycle continues its downward spiral.

I suppose what this is leading me to is the fact that unless the economy is stimulated, unless money is pumped into the economy, into the hands of the average citizen, not removed from them; the long-term situation will not improve.  I resent being told by some that this is the time our government needs to cut back.  No, wrong!  When corporations are sitting on trillions of dollars of profit, not hiring, getting by without risking anything, keeping us down, this is the time for our government to spend. 

Ours is a government for and by the people.  The people need help.  Our government needs to remember that they represent the people, not the corporations.  For despite what some say, corporations are NOT people.  When GE needs a colonoscopy, let me know, until then, forget it.

I think I need a second cup of coffee………..

Have a great day~

What is it you're looking for?

Funny.....I heard this subject line in a movie I was watching this morning and it really struck a chord with me. What is it I'm looking for?  Maybe, I'll have better luck finding something worthwhile to me, something that clicks, if I'm looking in the right place!  
Well, a good question deserves a thoughtful answer.  So, I sat and I thought.  What is it I really like to do?  
My first thought.......I really enjoy being with people, I am definitely not a loner.  Of all the places I've worked, my favorite jobs were jobs where I either helped people both inside my department and my company (my human resources career) or jobs were I worked as part of a cooperative team, a team that supported each other, helped each other, laughed, worked, celebrated accomplishments and even cried together.  That camaraderie became something I looked forward to each and every day.  
Being at work always has good days, productive days, fun days and hard days, but when those days are shared with a group that is like family, it is truly a pleasure.  One of the worst parts of unemployment, is the isolation.
Maybe that's why I enjoyed sales, too.  In sales, you are around people, meeting them, helping them, learning from them.  I've worked as a Real Estate agent, as a saleswoman in an upscale clothing store, and now at Five Below, a retail outlet where everything costs $5 or below....catchy, eh?  Retail is hard work, it's strenuous work when in a physical store moving stock, unpacking shipment and working varied hours, but it does have its rewards.  It is fun and sometimes it is funny.  People are so different.  One customer is nice and thoughtful, the next will throw their money at you while yelling at their small child and dashing out the door.  Their frustrations become apparent.  Their personalities interesting.  Each day brings new encounters and new people, and that is definitely a perk.
But, what does all this tell me?  Well, I realize there's one thing I didn't mention - salary.  Of course I enjoy money and all the freedom and fun it can provide, but at this time in my life I realize it's not my motivating concern.  After existing on an unbelievable cut in salary, and getting by, I realize money is great, but spending my days in a positive, cooperative, encouraging, environment with good people is truly my present goal.  How do I find such a place, after all that information cannot be found on any website.  Perhaps that's why references and referrals of work locations have become so important to me.  I don't mean to sound full of myself, but I am a capable woman.  I am a fast learner and a hard-worker. I have succeeded in many, varied fields and have been happy doing many, varied tasks, as long as I was around positive co-workers.  So, I suppose I have learned something important by taking some time to think out what I am looking for.  My main task right now is to find a position where they will welcome me aboard.  A position where I can become a positive, hard-working team member.  A position where whether I am filing and handling office details or analyzing data, or selling, I am in a place where I feel valued and productive. I miss being part of a work family. 

Know of any place worthwhile?

Unemployment woes

Okay, so I'm 53.  I realize I'm not young, but I'm not old either!  I had a job interview last week.  I was very excited since I not only knew people who worked at this company, I knew I was absolutely, positively right for the job.  I have all the qualifications and then some.  My experience in an almost identical position, doing the almost identical work, was successful and those who worked at this location knew me and recommended me.  So, did I get the job?  No.....they "passed" on me.  That was the word from the nice woman in HR.  Passed on me, like I was a fruit salad!  Why?  Because the system I worked at previously was too sophisticated and they didn't feel I would be able to work through the problems on a less sophisticated one.  Actually, their impression is completely off.  I did work with one system that was more sophisticated, but I also worked with one that was probably less sophisticated, and I told them so during the interview!  And, in any case, the first woman who interviewed me (about 30 ish) who would be my boss, said that no one outside the company knows their system and anyone would have to learn it.  So, I am left with a few options. Either they just didn't like me personally OR my age worked against me.

I am so frustrated!  Just had to vent.