Well, kids, when it rains it pours.
This Sunday afternoon I am meeting with a graduate student who is looking for someone to help him organize his Master’s thesis — 120 single-spaced pages on academic dishonesty.
On Monday I have an interview to be a part-time English paraprofessional at a charter school for non-traditional students.
Tuesday is my big gig as an election agent.
Whew! I think my days of unemployment may be coming to an end!
Now, I am not saying I am going to be offered either of the positions I am being interviewed for. Nor am I suggesting that I will certainly take either/both positions if they are offered. However, it is nice to know that this chronic job hunter can still get an interview!
Don’t worry, I am aware that Sunday is November 2. I have not forgotten that I have been committed from the beginning to be still until January 1, or, technically, January 5. I don’t consider one night as an election agent to be ’employment’. Do you? How about several hours reading a thesis? Is that really work? I mean, yes, I would get paid. Yes, I would be using my expertise. But, I am pretty sure I could do it in my pajamas, on my couch, with or without an ice pack applied to whatever ache I may have at the moment.
Now being an English parapro? That would count as an official job — regular hours, real humans counting on me, actual skills being utilized. I did mention on my application that I am available for work starting January 5. I still got a call. I still have an interview. So, who knows?
I consider the position I am in to be one of luxury. I am not desperate for a job. We can survive if I don’t work at all. We will surely have to cut corners and go without a few ‘wants’, but certainly all of our ‘needs’ will be met. So, I can be relaxed in these interviews, be myself, hear what they have to say, and honestly communicate whether I feel I am capable of handling the task at hand. Yes, pure luxury.
I have been on the other side. I have been desperate for work before. I have had to step into situations where I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. I have had to have on-the-job training. And truly, this will likely happen again, to some extent, no matter what position I eventually land in. But I have crossed enough bridges, and weathered enough storms to know that, no matter what, I’ll be fine.
Years ago at my confirmation, my pastor placed his hands on me and proclaimed my confirmation verse, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9. And, you know, it has proven true. He was with me when I worked in a group home for emotionally impaired girls. He went with me to my first classroom of learning disabled students. He has led me through all these years of parenting. He has gone before me and beside me through challenges, victories, sadnesses, and joys. Even when I thought I was fighting all my battles on my own. He was there.
So, bring on the interviews. We’ll be there together. Therefore, I will be strong and courageous.
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