BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: open mike
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 03:01 PM

since yu are able to achieve Phd,
that is a sign that you can meet
a challenge and excell!!

Perhaps you could gain some insight
into your skills and posible empllyment
by simply making a list of your abilites,
affinities, etc.

both music and biochemistry !
you must have a good balance
between your right brain and left.

luck and skill will combine to
your benefit. so take a deep breath
and know that it will all work out!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 07:39 PM

Hi Pauline

I enjoyed talking to you at the Getaway and look forward to seeing you again next year, hopefully having got past the present problems.

I can't really add anything more to what has already been said. I know that the caring of Mudcatters can make a difference in difficult situations, as Kendall and I have been the recipients of that caring in the past.

Trying to maintain a positive attitude can be difficult and is all a matter of one day at a time. Some days will be worse than others and it's just a matter then of recognising and accepting that this happens but that tomorrow will be a better day. You have some real positives going for you - your music and your obvious intelligence, and they will stand you in good stead through this time. You also have the support of a large 'family' some of whom you haven't met but who still care for their fellow Mudcatters.

I'll keep watching the thread and sending good thoughts your way.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: kendall
Date: 19 Nov 04 - 08:42 AM

I know who you are, and you might be surprised to find out how many of us know you.
The matter of losing your job; if you are sure that they let you go on some pretense that makes it look like your own fault, contact the National Labor Relations Board.
In the matter of a car; check the classified ads in your newspaper. When you find something interesting, go to your computer and bring up www.Kelley Blue Book.com and find out what it is really worth. Then go look at it. If you like it, go into the computer again and bring up www.Carfax.com. Enter the V.I.N. This will tell you if it has a history of flood or collision damage. Then hire a mechanic to road test it. These two will cost you a few bucks, but buying a lemon will cost you many more bucks, and you will be stuck with it.

Good luck to you, and remember, you are not alone.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Nov 04 - 09:42 AM

buy a used car from someone you know...that way you'll be somewhat familiar with it, and if they value your friendship, they won't rip you off too badly.....

I've had good luck (with emphasis on the word luck) with buying a van off ebay. Trick here is ask lots of questions...get a vibe from the seller. Call him/her on the phone and talk talk talk. I got a van for about $2400 whose bluebook value, according to my county clerk's office, was about $7100....the county clerk didn't like that too much and made me jump through all kinds of hoops to title it in my state, because they were losing a fair amount of sales tax they could charge me (bastards, screw them)....I got the van so cheap because the guy was moving across the country and needed cold hard cash (and I was the highest bidder, of course). I drove it back 600 miles no problem. I have driven it lots since I got it home and knock wood I haven't found anything wrong with it yet.

Sometimes you can do well at auctions also. You sort of have to know what to look for though. The ones I've been to, they don't let you drive the vehicle, but if the key is in it you can start it up, put it in gear, move forward and back a few feet, etc.

Check the oil and coolant before starting up. If the oil has white filmy stuff in it, coolant is leaking into the oil galleries, and that's not a good thing. It means the motor needs major work. Check to see if the oil looks clean. Of course, the seller could've just changed it before he put it in the auction, but if it's dirty (black) it implies some negative things about the seller, like he probably doesn't take very good care of his vehicles. Look underneath and look on the ground to see if anything is leaking out.

Check coolant and see if it looks clean (lime green). If it's rusty looking, it's dirty and hasn't been changed in a while. That can mean the coolant system is corroded as well.

Turn the key to "On" without starting. Check if the idiot lights all come on (oil, battery, check engine, temp, etc). If not, it could mean that some of them were disconnected to conceal a problem.

Start car and check the exhaust for blue smoke. If so, that means car is burning oil, not good. Hold brake and put car in gear, check to see if transmission shifts smoothly or "clunks" into gear. If it clunks, drive train could need work in the neighborhood of a few hundred dollars.

Once car is running you can check to see if A/C, heater, radio, etc works.

Auctions I've been to, once you've won the bid on a car, you have about one hour to drive it around, check everything out, and if you find something majorly wrong, you can bring it to the attention of the auction manager to seek some sort of "redress of grievances." I've never had to do this so I can't comment positively or negatively on this (sometimes the engine and drivetrain will have some kind of limited warranty - 30 days perhaps - that will be included as part of the sale).

My ex bought a SUV this way. She got it for about $2k less than what it "booked" for. We drove it and I noticed a "bumping" noise. I'm thinking the rear end/axle is bad, and I go back to the auction manager and tell him about it. He drives it and says it's a defective tire, sorry...no refund or rebate or anything. Oh well, I can live with that. That was about 5 years ago. She's still driving it. (new tires fixed the problem)......

This is just a smattering of things to check for. Hope it helps. Best of luck to you.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 03:26 PM

I've been rereading this thread and loving it. While it's true that my happiness has to start within me, it also helps to get positive energy from friends on and off the Internet.

I've always had trouble with self esteem and it's very, very hard to have faith in myself. Open Mike wrote on this thread that my Ph.D. says something good about me. At first I dismissed this as nonsense, because intelligence really doesn't have anything to do with hard luck. Then I remembered why I'm proud that I finished graduate school. It was my attitude. I felt weak and incompetent, but I hung tough and kept persevering, in spite of the voices inside my head and coming from my own graduate advisor's mouth telling me that I couldn't do it. Eleven people started grad school in my department at the time I did, but only five made it through to their doctorate. Incidentally, 4 of the 5 were women. Some of the people who dropped out were very intelligent and hard workers, but they didn't have the thick skin or determination or whatever it takes to hang on. We all know that a song can save your mortal soul. All through grad school, my divorce, and other difficult experiences, I've reminded myself , "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize." It helps.

Through my long (2 1/2 years) unemployment, I lost faith and hope. This time, I will try hard to keep these things alive inside me. It won't be easy. There will be setbacks and disappointments, but I will try. It will help me to get some more positive energy and good advice from the Mudcat community.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,jacqui.c
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 04:45 PM

Pauline - you made a good start by reaching out to other Mudcatters. I've been thinking about you and hoping that things get turned around and it sounds as if you are starting to do just that.

This may seem rather trite but sometimes it can be just a case of looking for the doughnut, rather than seeing the hole.

Please keep us informed on how things are going.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Nancy King
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 05:06 PM

Pauline, you're sounding much better already. Keep it up!

Good luck!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 03:12 PM

Oh, boy! I know I shouldn't get excited yet, but I just got a call for a job interview. It's with a company I've applied to numerous times and even interviewed with once. I'm not sure, but I think that two of the people I'm going to interview with are people I've interviewed with before. My interview is scheduled for Wed., Dec. 1. I'd really like to get this job. Wish me luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 03:33 PM

Just another gig, they're lucky to have a PhD with an onstage presence....

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Janie
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 03:34 PM

There you go, girl! Sounds like you really know that keeping a positive frame of mind is not only necessary---but also requires work! And, clearly, you know how to work.

When you really get into a spiral of worry, remember, the only function of worry is to make you feel bad.

None of us can always be or feel "strong", and that is when we lean on friends, in the flesh and in virtual reality.

If you find yourself dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future, STOP. IMMEDIATELY. Distract yourself with some positive activity. Go help someone else who needs it (like a beginning violin player;^) Go busk on the streetcorner and watch how people appreciate your art. Meditate. Eat some ice cream. Go to Starbucks and have a latte and read National Geographic (Or National Lampoon!) Wear that wonderful hat and cloak.

Above all, APPRECIATE AND VALUE YOURSELF.

I too will keep sending good energy and prayers.

Janie

I don't know how good mass transit is in the DC area if you really need to get around, but is it possible to forego a car and its expenses at present?

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: MMario
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 03:36 PM

What's that saying about doors that close and doors that open?

Best of Luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Juan P-B
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 04:00 PM

Go for it Pauline babe!

Mrs P-B is a life-long adherent to the 'one door closes another one opens' school of thought and it took me 18 years to agree.

If your new boss (to be) has any sense he will see what a gem he has in you.

After all! He's called you back after maybe realising that the person he chose over you last time was the wrong choice - The others being interviewed are, of course, also in the running so...

Best foot forward, be positive, SMILE, but most of all, relax and tell him what a diamond you are!

Good luck
Juan P-B

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Jeanie
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 05:17 AM

That's great, Pauline ! May this be the turning point to your finding many new openings and fresh opportunities in all parts of your life. I couldn't agree more about the "doors and windows" thing. Like I said when you posted last week, for something new to come in, a gap first has to be made for it, and life has a way of creating those gaps, often (or always ?) at times when we least want or expect them. That's the way it always seems to happen to me, anyway. Hard to see it in the heat of the moment, but it is a good and positive thing. Gaps like to be welcomed by positive action, as you have seen !

My own sudden gap in translating work - my current main income source - led me last week to apply for a couple of drama jobs I wouldn't have become aware of if I'd been up to my eyes in the Deutsch as usual. (I do patchwork of freelance jobs). Strangely, this morning, some more translating has come in, plus the drama people have asked to see me this week. My feeling is that Someone Somewhere opens and closes the doors, and the Someone Somewhere is totally good. It is up to us whether we see or go through the new doors or not.

All good wishes to you Pauline, and to Bassic and everyone else on the thread who has found themselves in an unexpected gap at the moment.

- jeanie

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 07:15 AM

Best of luck with the job interview Pauline. We'll be thinking of you on the day.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 07:40 AM

Good luck Pauline We will be thinking of you and sending out positive thoughts. What times the interview?

~Debs~xx

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Carly
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 01:25 PM

I just got home and found this thread. I am impressed again at the support, and good advice, to be found here in mudcat. Pauline, we'll be cheering you on; call me if you need a friendly ear.

With love,
Carly Gewirz

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 12:54 PM

Keeping this one alive at least until after the interview.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 02:21 PM

Thanks, Sinsull. I need a lot of positive energy from the group.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 04:47 PM

You've got it Pauline - hope you had a good Thanksgiving today.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 08:53 PM

A song can save your mortal soul. Just now, a voice spoke to me. The voice came from my radio. It was the voice of Stan Rogers. He was singing Mary Ellen Carter.

No matter what you've lost
Be it a home, a love, a friend
Like the Mary Ellen Carter
Rise again.

I forgot to mention, in my initial post to this thread, that I also lost a home during my hard times in the last three years. It was my spirit place. The IRS didn't regard it as my home because it wasn't my primary residence, but home is where the heart is, and it was my home.

I've had too many losses in too short a time, but I must rise again. Thank you, Stan.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 01:26 AM

Keep playing, Pauline, your violin music has really touched a lot of people. Do something you really enjoy every day--it will help keep your spirits up, and you deserve it! Sorry I didn't join in with my good wishes earlier--I forget to "check in" with the Mudcat more frequently. I'll be thinking about you on Wednesday. Please keep us posted.

--Linda Goodman

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: M.Ted
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:54 AM

Don't let the bastards get you down, Pauline--if you have the energy--pursue the National Labor Board option that Kendall mentioned above--while it true that an employer can let you go for no reason, there are some "reasons" that are unacceptable, and can cause big legal trouble for them--even without litigation, this can translate into a useful settlement (often paid as additional severance pay), if the employer sees that are interested in pursuing it--

As to the used car thing, consider checking out Carmax in Rockville--the have a huge inventory on the lot, and, if you don't see exactly what you want(year, model, mileage and price) you can check their on-line inventory and get it from there--there cars are mechanically inspected and tested before they offer them for sale, and they say that they will not offer any cars that have been damaged in accidents, etc--they come with a warranty--also, you won't need to negotiate price--

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:40 PM

We're off the the UK tomorrow but didn't want to go without wishing the best of luck for Wednesday.

We'll be signing on occasionally and will watch out for further news.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Metchosin
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 12:41 AM

Best of luck Pauline!

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 11:28 AM

You'll be on my mind & in my heart tomorrow!

bbc

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Jeanie
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 03:10 AM

Good Luck for today, Pauline.
Thinking of you,
- jeanie

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 05:34 AM

Well I was thinking of you sending huge amounts of positive thoughts!!LOL did it work? Let us know. I will log on again later and check this thread.

~Debs~xx

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: MMario
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 08:29 AM

Best of Luck today !

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 10:45 AM

Luck has nothing to do with the interview. Show them who you are and why you are the best person for the job. Show them too that you are interviewing them. Maybe it's not a good match for YOU. have fun!
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Dani
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 12:57 PM

OK! How'd it go!?

For what it's worth, I, too, remember you well from the Getaway. And it seemed to me this year that you had an aura of 'smile' about you that hadn't been there before. Maybe it was just the beautiful music you were making??

Anyway, I wish you well, and second what many have said about seeking professional help when the overwhelmed feeling doesn't go away, and talking with friends isn't enough. It's out there, even for people without the means to pay for it right now. Sometimes, therapy is the greatest gift you can give yourself, and there's no shame if YOU don't put it there.

Be well,

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Dani
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 03:10 PM

One more note: I've had some hard times lately, myself (girl, we should talk.....) and my sister sent me a card. On the front it says, "I heard you've been feeling blue.... Is it like a cotton candy blue, or more of a French blue?". It tickles me everytime I see it!

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Janie
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 03:15 PM

Waiting to hear .....;>)

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 10:50 AM

Thank you all for your positive energy. The interview was so-so. I'm really overqualified for the job and I made my qualifications clear, but the interviewers weren't excited about me. It reminded me of playing a gig at which the audience never gets warmed up. It was one of the strangest job interviews I've ever had. The interviewers were more nervous than I. They acted like this was the first interview they've ever given, or maybe the first interview of this type. They read from a list of questions, and they were all HR-type questions ("What do you consider your greatest strength," "Describe a job situation in which you felt particularly challenged," etc.) They were both technical people and one of them would have been my supervisor, so I expected them to talk about the work. Sinsull was so right when she said that I should interview them. Maybe I should have tried harder to warm the audience up. What I did learn from them about the job, however, was not so good. The work sounded pretty boring and the pay was not particularly good. My initial reaction was that I'd like to have the job and get paid while I keep looking for another job. Now I think that it's just as well and I'll just keep looking for something better.

As I write this, I'm listening to an American Folkways recording of songs and speeches from the American civil rights movement. I just heard MLK say, "No matter what happens, keep on walking. If you can't walk, crawl, but keep on moving."

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: MMario
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 10:57 AM

AMEN, SISTER!

Seriously - though you may *feel* sometimes like Alice when she had to run as fast as she could in order not to go backwards - you *are* moving forwards.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Dani
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 11:00 AM

Pauline, I've printed it out, and will keep it in front of me to get through this day.

I am having a super-hard time, different than yours, but also no fun.
You probably came here to share your despair, but instead, you are sharing your hope. thank you for that.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 11:21 AM

Sounds like the right reaction. I can't count the number of interviews I've been on, through the years. Some of them, I think, are just to get us prepared for the "right" interview. Live & learn & keep on living & learning. Don't lose heart!

best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 11:26 AM

A step in the right direction, Pauline. Isn't better to know that you don't want it and won't take it than to scramble to get it and be miserable. One bit of advice: In every interview, your goal has to be to get an offer or an invite back. You need the practice in closing the deal.

As to warming them up - get there early, watch how the office/lab operates, make positive comments on what you have seen. Ask about the interviewer - how long have you been here? Two weeks - why did you decide to work here? Five years - you must love it here...and let them talk. Getting there early also gives you a chance to see the office dynamics. I was on an interview for a high pressure sales job and walked in to discover the receptionist crying. Worse - every single person in the office was involved in her little snit - including the Sales Manager. How the hell could anyone make money there if the pay is commission and the receptionist won't answer the phone? SIGH.

You have experienced the latest innovation in Human Resources carried out poorly. Interviews are carefully choreographed to get the best information AND avoid law suits. Your best weapon? Ask questions. Prepare them in advance so it looks like you are thinking on your feet. Make it clear that you are so good that you feel comfortable interviewing them. It is a game. And the winner is rarely the best qualified candidate.

Put it behind you and move on.

I am half happy/half pissed. There was a job I really wanted, had FOUR interviews for, and lost to another candidate in September. Guess what? They are advertising it again this time with the home office in MA doing the interviewing. My ego won't let me re-apply - their loss and mine. They should have hired me in the first place.

SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Hollowfox
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 05:18 PM

That's right, hon. A friend of mine told me there's a Japanese saying: Fall down seven times, get up eight.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 12:22 PM

Sinsull, thanks for your very good advice. I remember reading some things on the Internet about asking the interviewer questions, but, in the past, I had only done that for a second interview. I read some more articles on the Internet last night and got some very useful information. Everybody says it's very important to ask questions to show the interviewer that you're really interested. There are a lot of recommended questions on the Web, some of which I like and will use. I also thought about some of the questions I have asked in previous interviews. Some of them were very good, and I'll use them again, Succeeding at job interviews, like everything else, is really a function of your mindset. Asking questions to the interviewer would make me feel less passive and more directive. So, I learned a lot about interviewing from this interview. I also relearned something I had known before: working out takes a load off my mind. I'm so glad I joined a gym recently.

Sinsull, I advise you to put your pride aside and reapply for that job you really wanted. As someone said earlier in this thread, pride is for the rich.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 01:42 PM

Thanks. Pauline. I have slept on it and will do just that.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Juan P-B
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 02:30 PM

Hey Sinsull! Will you keep us updated too - We wanna know!!

Hey Pauline! Be thankful for the opportunity - The job you want is out there and just like finding a 'mate' you have to kiss a few frogs before one turns into the prince.

Bide your time - WE can see what a treasure you are! The boss brigade will discover that soon enough!

Think Lucky, Be lucky
Juan P-B

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 08:36 PM

Juan P-B, job interviews remind me of first dates. However, I often have more fun on job interviews.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: bbc
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 08:50 PM

One of the important things I learned about interviewing was that most employers don't want to know about your personal life or your problems. They want to know what you can do for them that no one else can. A good friend told me, going into interviews, that I should tell the interviewer that I could do anything & then, do it! Naturally, you have to be somewhat reasonable in your claims, but many jobs are a stretch to start w/, until you get the hang of what is expected. Part of it has to do w/ going in w/ a "can-do" attitude. Believe in yourself & others are more likely to, as well.

best to both Pauline & SINSULL,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 12:48 PM

I'm beginning to worry, so I thought I'd write to Mudcat for some encouragement. There just aren't that many jobs for me to apply for. (No thanks, I don't want to, and probably couldn't, switch fields.) I'm applying to the same companies and, sometimes, for the same jobs over and over. I do take heart from the experience of a friend in a similar situation. He applied for a job, was interviewed, and didn't hear anything for 6 weeks. Then they called him for a second interview. He had been their second choice. They had offered the job to their first choice person, who had turned it down. My friend got the job and seems happy with it. Anyway, I'd appreciate any comments or encouragement now.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Metchosin
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 01:14 PM

Don't know if it was mentioned above, but it is sometimes helpful to present your application in person, where practical and after an interview, to send a thank you note regarding the opportunity. Hang in there Pauline.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 03:03 PM

Pauline,
This is a screwy time of year and interviewing is the last thing on most people's minds. Keep sending the resumes but don't get discouraged. The right spot is waiting for you.
M.

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 02:00 AM

Sinsull, you are both wise and sensible. Thanks.

Pauline

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 12:43 PM

???

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: bbc
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 02:31 PM

Just ignore them, Pauline. It's a childish game to see who can make the 100th post to a thread. Don't give up, dear; just keep pursuing what you can & keep your spirits up w/ people contact & things that make you feel good.

love,

barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Oh, no! I'm unemployed again.
From: Pauline L
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 12:02 AM

I got a call from another HR person about another job I applied for. I'm somewhat excited about this, but it would be a long commute, 2 hours each way by public transportation. I need to get a car. If I had to spend 12 hours a day on a job, including commuting, I wouldn't have much time for myself. I've been teaching violin evenings and weekends and I love it. I'd hate to have to give it up. I won't give it up entirely, just juggle things around somehow.

It would be nice to be employed and salaried again. I'm getting tired of applying for jobs. I've applied to the same company for essentially the same job several times now. I remind myself about the experience of someone I met recently. She applied to the Metropolitan Opera several times before she was accepted. However, the job I've applied for repeatedly is a far cry from the Met.

Yes, it would be nice to be employed and salaried again.