Job Hunting Woes

I am going nuts.

Really nuts.

Crazy.

You get it. It's REALLY difficult to look for jobs from 1200miles away. I've gotten several calls, but most of them have revoked their offer of interview when they find out I won't be in Michigan in the next few weeks. But in my experience, it has taken MONTHS to hire, so that's why I've been applying now, especially with the academia jobs (advising/admissions positions at MSU).

However, a break in the clouds! Last week, a particular department offering an advising position that is "academic staff" (lumped in with faculty) called my co-worker, CLB, for a reference for me. The next day (Friday), they called my boss, L, who already wrote me a stellar rec letter. I was sitting here both times they called, and promptly flipped out. Obviously I did not listen to their conversation; that's just unprofessional.

But.

but.

BUT!

I have not heard from them personally. I assume I'm in contention, or why would they bother taking the time to call my references? I know at least the two in my office gave me awesome recs (they are awesome people and I <3 them forever). Maybe they are still debating. Maybe they enjoy making me sweat. Maybe I'm a paraniod nutcase. Maybe they hate me? Maybe I should really stop freaking out every time my iPhone makes my computer buzz.

I also had a phone interview on Monday with another area at MSU. I couldn't get a feel on how it went. I don't like phone interviews--you can't see anyone face-to-face. I am a visual person, I like face-to-face contact. You can tell a lot from facial expressions. It was also a committee--four people. So who knows--one could be talking and the other one could be rolling their eyes and making fun of you! Or, conversely, you could be doodling and making fun of them? I wasn't, obviously, but I guess it's possible. Anyway. Some of the questions were awkward to me--like what would my boss say about me as an employee, and then what would I say about myself? That was hard for me. Because I'm overly criticial, but I'd like to think that L has an accurate idea of my work ethic. I said that I felt I may get too emotionally attached to my students--I get upset when things don't go well for them, and VERY excited when they do. But what can I say? I'm an emotional person. It is what it is.

Anyway. They said they plan to do in-person IVs in about 2 weeks. And have someone in place in July. JULY. Our lease doesn't start til August. But I'd make it work. I would. L is in full support of this, though she is still mad I am leaving and wants me to divorce Dr. Bugs.

I'm nervous I didn't make the cut. I guess I'll find out maybe Friday (I think they are doing phone IVs today and Thursday as well as yesterday), or maybe Monday.

This job thing is really hard on your ego.

In all honesty--I desperately want a job. And I think both of these positions are excellent fits for me, and I would be happy in either of them. I love love love advising students. I just hope the interviewers/people reading my credentials feel the same way.

In other news unrelated to the topic of this post, we have gotten some moving quotes. We looked at Uhaul/Penske/Budget (the DIY route), as well as three moving companies.

The verdict? It will cost almost the same amount to do either. So we will probably hire someone, as MSU is reimbursing us for at least some, if not all, of the move. Just easier to deal with, since we are stopping in Ohio, you can't travel as fast in a truck, I don't want to drive 12 hours then 6 hours alone with two howling felines...
Sometimes, it's just not worth the trouble.

Oh, and if you are one of those employers seeking me out on the InterWebz to see if I'm some kind of psycho/pedophile/felon/nutjob--well, I might be that last one--I appreciate your time and consideration of my materials, and don't you like my blog-posting skillz?

Until next time (which will hopefully be a photo post! Wordless Wednesday perhaps?)...