Job vs. Passion

All of the second year students warned us that 22 months is a very short amount of time, it would fly by, and to enjoy every last second of it. You know, they weren't kidding! It's been nearly two months since we moved down to Durham and it feels like it was just a few days ago. I like to think that it's precisely because we've been enjoying every moment that our time is going by as quickly as it is, but also that it only feels like a few days to me because admitting that I've been unemployed for three months is a bit soul crushing.

I think that my family and friends have been tip-toeing around the subject for the past few weeks and honestly, thank you for doing so. It's hard to stay optimistic and hopeful through this process and when the only report you have to give is "nothing yet" that optimism can turn to pessimism in a flash. So, breaking my own personal vow of (blog) silence on the subject I figured I'd get a bit intimate for a post and give everyone a detailed job update.

Each day starts the same, I get up early, clean the kitchen and then sit down with a cup of coffee and my laptop. After catching up on email, Facebook and checking in on LinkedIn, I begin the job hunt. I apply for at least one job a day, usually two or three, through sites like Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com, Monster, etc. Most of the time the jobs are something that I am somewhat qualified for, but certainly don't feel excited about. Every once in a while there's one that I really want and I carefully and creatively construct a cover letter that I hope will get the hiring manager's attention. For those jobs I also dig through my network using sites like the aforementioned Facebook, LinkedIn, Bentley Alumni Network etc. to see if there's anyone on the inside that I may be connected to so that perhaps they can get my resume passed along to the right individual.

When I run out of jobs to apply for on the job search engine sites, I look at all of the companies in the area that I'm interested in working for to see if they've added any new positions. I apply for at least three University jobs a week whether through Duke, Fuqua, UNC or NC State. They are the largest employers outside of Research Triangle Park and since I'm only going to be here for a couple of years, why not work at a Univeristy? Once I've exhausted all job search avenues, I begin the ongoing task of networking. LinkedIn is an amazing resource and I have reconnected with alumni, former work colleagues, and friends through the channel and continue to find more people to add to my network. I also attend the weekly Fuqua Partner's lunch and any other event that may help bolster my network while supporting my end goal of finding a job. Okay so drinking wine at the Wine Club event last Wednesday was also really fun and I'm not always thinking about finding a job, making friends is important too.

Every day and week that goes by I realize that I am one day or one week closer to leaving Durham. Cameron is aiming to be a consultant when he finishes his MBA. As much as we enjoy Durham, the chances of us staying here are slim to none. So where does that leave me? If I found a dream job here then I would hope to be able to transfer or telecommute when we leave the area, but that possibility seems remote at this point. What about getting your own MBA, you ask?  Well, I've thought about it and it's definitely something that I want to do, but not yet. I am going to need all of the support I can get and I like to think that Cameron appreciates my support as well. As much as he would encourage me to do whatever feels right to me, I feel that it would be best for me (and our relationship) if I wait until he's finished with his MBA before I begin my own program. Plus, every time I look at the GMAT book I feel physically ill, the square root of what?!

Okay, this is turning into a real downer of a post so how about some good news? I had an interview last week. It's not for a full-time job, and not even for a marketing job, but I feel passionate and excited about it and that's a big step in the right direction. After a few demoralizing weeks of applying for jobs that I really don't feel passionate about I asked myself, "what do I feel passionate about?".  For starters, food. I love cooking, eating, exploring new restaurants, and reading about up and coming chefs and trends in the industry. Can I make an entire living out of that passion, I'm not sure yet, but you have to start somewhere, right? So I applied for a part-time gig with a gourmet food tour company here in the Triangle. The woman who founded the company and runs the day to day operations will be going on maternity leave and needs someone to wear her shoes for a few months. To make it more "full-time" there could also be an opportunity to be a tour guide with the company, which would be a great way to explore the restaurants and downtowns of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro while meeting the mastermind chefs behind the scenes.

I am a strong believer in the "everything happens for a reason" mentality and that as long as you continue to work hard, everything will turn out fine. As I write this post I have received an email for an informational interview at Fuqua as well as a request for a second interview with the food tour company... hard work paying off? We'll see. Wish me luck and I promise to keep everyone posted.