Thursday
Dec032009
The next step
Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 08:11AM
When I started my job two and a half years ago, it was with the mindset that it would get me through my Master's program, and then I'd be on to bigger and better things. But then the economy fell out from under us, and I found myself living in the state with the highest unemployment rate in the nation. When I finished my degree in August, I began to make new plans: I'd stay at my job until the Giraffe was done with school, then we'd open up our job search beyond this city, beyond this state, beyond this country even. There were no job openings around here, and I didn't want to move away months before our wedding, so I was stuck until he could come with me. It was discouraging and disheartening to know I'd have to stay at a job that was far from where I wanted to be in my career, especially since I just spent two years and too much money on a degree that was supposed to move me forward.
Although I was resigned to my situation, I did still keep my eyes open for local job opportunities, only applying for those I'd be truly interested in accepting. But my hopes remained low when rejection after rejection rolled in. Then, suddenly, last month I found myself at an interview, and then a second interview, and then I was on the phone accepting a new position. It has its downsides, but the job is at a nonprofit (which is what I went to school for) and it's in a field I'm really excited about. Just when I had accepted that I'd be in a holding pattern until at least June, this incredible opportunity was given to me, and I couldn't be more grateful.
The biggest downside is that it's not quite local. It's in a city a little over an hour away from home. The Giraffe and I tossed around several ideas, but in the end we decided I'd commute to work until he finished school in the spring, then we'd reassess. So just as winter is setting in, I'll be driving to and from work, an hour each way, every day. I'm not looking forward to it, but for such a good opportunity, it's worth it.
The strange thing about getting a job right now is that along with feelings of elation and relief, I feel very guilty. I know so many people who have been laid off, are underemployed, or are stuck in jobs they loathe because they can't find anything better. I often feel like I want to apologize for my good fortune. It's a strange internal conflict between joy and guilt. I know I worked hard for this position - two years of school, making connections, etc. But so did many other people who aren't being rewarded in the same way. I'm having a really hard time reconciling it with myself.
Although I was resigned to my situation, I did still keep my eyes open for local job opportunities, only applying for those I'd be truly interested in accepting. But my hopes remained low when rejection after rejection rolled in. Then, suddenly, last month I found myself at an interview, and then a second interview, and then I was on the phone accepting a new position. It has its downsides, but the job is at a nonprofit (which is what I went to school for) and it's in a field I'm really excited about. Just when I had accepted that I'd be in a holding pattern until at least June, this incredible opportunity was given to me, and I couldn't be more grateful.
The biggest downside is that it's not quite local. It's in a city a little over an hour away from home. The Giraffe and I tossed around several ideas, but in the end we decided I'd commute to work until he finished school in the spring, then we'd reassess. So just as winter is setting in, I'll be driving to and from work, an hour each way, every day. I'm not looking forward to it, but for such a good opportunity, it's worth it.
The strange thing about getting a job right now is that along with feelings of elation and relief, I feel very guilty. I know so many people who have been laid off, are underemployed, or are stuck in jobs they loathe because they can't find anything better. I often feel like I want to apologize for my good fortune. It's a strange internal conflict between joy and guilt. I know I worked hard for this position - two years of school, making connections, etc. But so did many other people who aren't being rewarded in the same way. I'm having a really hard time reconciling it with myself.
in Family, Friends, Giraffe, grad school
Family, Friends, Giraffe, grad school
Reader Comments (14)
Congrats on the new job! I have a major commute too - though much of the time I can take (long, boring but mostly relaxing) public transit. I've found it's an adjustment like anything else - feels pretty normal now. And I suspect that with some time I/you will be in a position to ask to work a modified schedule, or work from home sometimes, to reduce traffic/driving time.
Congrats on the new job! That's very exciting!
And yes, I understand your internal conflict between joy and guilt. Remember that you worked very hard to be where you are. And you've faced your own personal trials and tribulations (maybe they weren't job-related). Luck has also been on your side, but I remember a quote "The harder you work, the luckier you get." Enjoy your hard work and the success it's brought. Keep working hard, and pay back to society, when you are able to.
Congrats again!
Don't apologize for your good fortune. You worked hard to be where you are...and you deserve what you get.
I agree with Kim (and not just because we share the same name) - don't apologize for getting something you worked hard for and deserve!
My commute to work is 45 minutes on a good day. I read some study awhile ago that the average commute time for people in the Baltimore-Washing Metropolitan area is close to an hour (if not more) so your commute doesn't seem so bad to me! :-)
CONGRATULATIONS! You know I am so thrilled for you. I'll keep checking for peeps in that area. And I agree with the above. Don't feel guilty!
CONGRATS! Thats awesome!
Maybe download some podcasts off itunes to keep you company on the commute. They are life savers for me! Or even books on tape/cd from the library!
this is just awesome news relish in it!
hip hip!
Congrats! Now I know what that random message I got that one day was all about :) I can understand feeling like that - but it's exciting - cherish it!
Dude. Do not feel guilty. For these reasons:
1. You worked hard for it.
2. You deserve it.
3. Maybe it's a sign the economy is turning around a bit.
4. We could all use good news in our lives. It's great that you found a job! Only a real jerk would begrudge you that.
5. You left your old job. Hopefully they'll hire someone who really needs a job to fill your position.
Congratulations!
Awesome, congratulations. Drive safe!
Hey email me about your new job. Where is it? What are you doing? I'd love to hear about it!
Oh yeah, and Congrats!
Congrats!
My bff's fiance just got a new job an hour away from their home too. It's tough because it's that distance where you can drive it every day, but you just would rather not. Hopefully winter is mild this year and the job is so very worth the extra effort.
Best to you whenever you start (or if you already did)!
Congrats!
And as others have said, don't feel guilty at all!
Congratulations! Do not feel guilty about finding a job you absolutely deserve. My brother, who turns 35 today actually, has spent the better part of six years unemployed and mooching off my grandmother by living for free in my great grandma's old house. He lost his last job because he mouthed off to a supervisor, and ever since then we all thought he'd be unemployed indefinitely. With so many good people out there who were laid off because of the economy, why would anyone want to hire someone with an attitude problem?
A few months ago my husband started getting calls at home from potential employers regarding my brother. Apparently my brother had listed Nathan as a professional reference, but the two of them had never worked together. My brother called to ask Nathan to lie and say they had worked together, but Nathan was wise enough not to risk his professional reputation. But the dude found a job, a full-time gig with benefits and the whole package. Though the family is happy to see him employed now, we're all wondering how the hell he managed to pull it off.
So anyway, I told that very long story because there are definitely people out there who should feel a little guilty about finding gainful employment. You are not one of them.