It is possible...

...that I kinda, sorta, quit my job. It wasn't entirely intentional, nor is it completely set in stone. But, out of some sort of sense of obligation, I felt compelled to tell my boss that I am unhappy and ready to move on. This was in response to a great speech from our company founder about having passion about what you do. Which I don't. Anyway, my bosses response was that he needed at least 2 months notice. While I find it flattering that he seems to think my skills are on par with Jesus, I think he is slightly insane to ask such a thing. So I told him that I could not promise anything because I gots to look out for myself, but if that was the case, consider himself served and I will be gone by early next year at the latest.

A good portion of me says that I am absolutely insane for giving up a paying job that I am good at. The other portion of me says that I've known this wasn't a good fit since week one and sometimes you just have to leap. That's how I ended up here in the first place and it served me well - for a while.

But, now I've got a year of school under my belt and I'm feeling like the cocky little MBA that we all hate. Not really, but I do have a business that I feel is going to be great and I have realized that I want to be more creative and have more control. I don't mind "working for the man" but it has to be in a capacity that serves me as well as the company.

So, I'm officially looking for work. There is so much contract work lying around right now with a certain former employer that I had no doubt I could make the rent. But, I'm also getting to weed through candidates for my current job and that is a startling and frustrating task. Of the 80+ candidates we've received in the last 2 days, I would estimate that:

25% - Did not even read the job description and applied out of shear arrogance and hope
25% - Read the job description and saw a few items that they were qualified for and sent a stock resume and cover letter. If you are not qualified in all areas, fine. But at least TRY to explain to me how you fit the job. If you have spent the last 10 years pursuing your graduate degree in Anthropology and working for the Smithsonian, that's fabulous. But tell me how you think thats going to help you create collateral, plan events and sell copiers. (P.S. It's not. Call the Historical Society).
20% - Are absolutely insane
10% - Are over qualified and I feel bad that they would relegate themselves to a low paying job because they are desperate to feed their families.
10% - Are fresh graduates that I want to take under my wing and explain resumes and cover letter to, or that I want to say "you are too F*cking good to dash your design dreams by working in B2B marketing. Go talk to Weiden or I will kick your @ss."

Leaving 10% actual *mostly* qualified people. And this is me not being picky, I'm being generous and thinking, "Okay, so he doesn't know how to use a computer. We can outsource that."

Oh, and if you know anyone that needs freelance work? Have them check out my new portfolio and call me:
www.katebagoy.com

XOXO,
Peanut

Job Offer

I received a job offer today and will be going in at 1:30 to go over the official offer letter and benefits package . I'll be working directly with the VP of marketing for a regional technology services company and he would like me to start next week. The job is pretty much exactly what I was looking for; a good mix of creative and business, opportunities to build brand identity and strategy, the ability to learn from a senior marketing executive, little overtime and great benefits.

The one downfall is that it pays a whole lot less than I am worth. Shouldn't I be moving up in salary and not down? But, I'll have a much better job title on my resume than PA, there is definite room for growth and I'll earn enough to pay my bills. I got them to come up a bit than the original salary offer and I convinced them to do a six month review instead of twelve month. Plus, the company is high on the list of Best Places to Work in Oregon and they offer tuition assistance. So, I guess I'm a Marketing Coordinator now. Sweet!

Yeah

I had a fantastic interview this morning with a local technology company and I'm super excited and hopeful. I am going back tomorrow to meet with the woman who is currently doing the job and am potentially meeting with the President on Friday. It would mean taking a substantial pay-cut but there is also a substantial cut in overtime and a lot of room for growth. Yeah Me.

I've also decided to drop my third class and cut back to part-time. It's an on-line class and I just do better on-site. Plus, if I get this fabulous job I won't have as much time to devote. So, there that is. Today I've got to purchase a set of case studies and do a bunch more reading - but at least the topic is pretty interesting. Hopefully the sun will come out again so I can lounge in the backyard. It's a rough life.

Wiped

It's been a long day and I'm looking forward to relaxing in front of the tube watching The Office and passing out. I spent a good portion of the day searching for cheaper textbooks on-line, talking to the career counselor about my resume and getting ready for class. I had a phone interview with a marketing firm at three and I'm not sure it's the best fit but I did get to speak to a man named Kermit, so that was cool.

My first class was great - I really like the instructor and there is a good mix of students - recent graduates, twenty-year veterans, mechanical engineers, writers, pharmaceutical reps and artists. I also really like that the class is capped at 20 so there is a nice intimate feel... a big change from my freshman year at ASU where they were capped at 200. I'm excited about school and looking forward to diving into my homework this weekend. We'll see how long that lasts!

Brrrr

Holy Crap it is cold today! I guess fall has crept in already, which makes me want to curl up with a book by the fire. I should at least change the filter on the heater because I think I'm going to have to crank that guy up real soon.

I'm officially 30 today and don't really feel any different. My left hip/groin region is stiff from the roller skating party on Saturday - they really should change directions more often. But I'm very impressed that not one of us old people fell or broke a bone. It was a great. And Miss White Trash was a good time as well, a few of the girls actually participated and afterwards we went over to Embers to watch the Drag shows. Lots of fun.

Not sure what is on the docket for today. I was thinking of grabbing a nice cup of coffee and going up to the dog park but it's been pouring down rain and is probably one big mud puddle. I need to return my financial aid paperwork and books - I had some seriously doubts when I saw the loan amounts on paper and got the estimate on books... e-ghads... but I really want to do this Maybe I'll take a nice leisurely drive down to campus and then go shopping with all the lovely gift cards I got this week! Whee Hee!

And then I gotta find me a job!

Indian Summer

It's getting warm and I couldn't be happier. It's amazing how productive I am on a nice sunny day... imagine what a rockstar I would be if I lived in California. Anyway, after a weekend full of fun events I'm in a great mood. I attended a pub crawl, a dinner party and took two trips to the movie theatre. Go see Burn After Reading if you haven't done so, it was great. Vicky Christina Barcelona did not impress near as much.

So far this week I've applied for six jobs and had a skills test with a local temp agency. Turns out my typing is great but my spelling not so much. Yesterday I had a weigh-in and lost another 1.5 lbs so I should hit the 20lb mark in the next week if I play my cards right. Afterwards I had a nice lunch at New Seasons with V and got some of the hot office gossip. I've managed to avoid turning on the TV at all during the days, which is good considering the insane addict-ability of HGTV. Thankfully I have free internet (yeah neighbors!) and a full iTunes library. I really don't need much else to live on.

Since I'm home all the time I've realized that I need to start setting weekly goals to keep on track. So, here is my plan for the week:

• Apply for a minimum of one job per day
• Download & print class syllabi, order books
• Attend lap swim or upgrade to jogging. I'm not built for speed so I'm leaning towards the pool although it requires putting a swimsuit. Tough call.
• P/U library books on writing business plans and .commerce
• Complete 20 e-cards & upload for my awesome web guy to play with
• Catch up on my design blogs
• Research uterus removal procedures - I'm tired of the damn cramps... there has to be something that can be done about this nonsense.
• Take Sabine to the dog park, it makes her so happy
• Turn 30!! I guess I'm officially an adult now. Yeah!

Busy

This week has been a busy one... on Saturday I met a co-worker for breakfast and then I spent the hot, beautiful evening celebrating new beginnings with friends and eating ate out on the patio. On Sunday, two of my cronies from high school came into town and we met for bunch. Have I mentioned before that I love brunch? I mean, breakfast & lunch at the same meal? Genius.

It was slightly awkward since we hadn't seen each other in nearly ten years, but it was great to catch up and talk trash about our classmates (kidding). In the afternoon was a bridal shower for a coworker. I spent a good portion of the time thinking about how much I'm going to miss my friends at work. But I'll just have to work harder to see them outside these walls!

All in all, a fabulous weekend but I did a real number on my diet. I had bacon, cake and booze. So, imagine my surprise when I weighed in on Tuesday and lost two pounds!! That brings my total with MRC to eleven pounds in about 4 weeks. Added to the five I had lost before I started the program, I'm down sixteen pounds. Whoo-hooo! I'm well on track to make my birthday goal - two pants sizes- and to meet my total goal of fifty-five pounds by new year.

I was also pretty excited that Dr. Atack got me in for a teeth cleaning. Isn't that the most hysterical name for a dentist? He's really quite gentle... anyway, they worked a little magic to get me in before my insurance is gone and it's a good thing too because it seems I have a little baby cavity. Right next to my little baby (freaky) extra tooth. But that is another story for another time.

Finally, I had an informational interview last night with another recruiting agency and have a pretty good feeling about the company. The situation was highly entertaining - during the group meeting they ask a few standard questions... what kind of work are you looking for, where do you see yourself in three years, who's your daddy, etc. Because the agency focus is on recent grads and young professionals, several of the kids in my group were, shall we say, a bit awkward. There was one guy in particular that I just wanted to pat on the head and tell him life would get better. But my favorite was the little accounting major whose dream job is to be a controller. Bless his little heart.

Deep Thoughts

It's funny what happens when you decide to make a major change in your life. Suddenly, I find myself overwhelmed with ideas of what I want to be when I grow up and I have no idea where to begin. Do I want to work in advertising, where creativity is dictated by clients in suits? Do I want to work for a heartwarming non-profit but struggle to pay bills? Do I start over as a junior designer with a company that I can actually learn from? Do I want to go back to school?

Last year around this time I applied for, and was granted admission to, the MBA program at Marylhurst. I decided not to attend at that time because I wasn't sure I'd have the energy to work full-time at -OMITTED- and take graduate level classes. Now I'm wondering if maybe I should go for it. Start full-time graduate studies and work a part-time job, subsidizing my finances with more student loans. At this rate, I'll still be paying them off when I'm 87 anyway. I'll be dead by the time I even hit the principle balance, so who cares?

I love to learn. I've never been happier than when I am in school. I even enjoyed the accounting class I took a few years ago - not because the subject is super exciting, but because I actually enjoy using my brain. Go figure. But, do I really need an MBA? Is that really the route I should take? Or am I just thinking about it because I'm terrified that I don't have the chops to make it outside The Berm? Things to ponder...

In other news, I'm on week 3 of my diet and I'm down 9.5 lbs and one dress size. Even my smaller jeans are starting to get loose. I'm hoping when I weigh in this week I'll have exceeded the 10 lb mark... and that by the time my big, fat 30th birthday shows up next month I'll be able to buy a dress of the rack. And not in the "I'm heavy, so I want to wear a muu-muu" section. Who are these designers? Do you really think large, flowing robes of flower patterned cloth is all a fat person deserves to wear?

Also, I'm developing a bit of a crush on Michael Phelps. I'm just in awe of anyone that can be that dedicated to anything. And that good. Then again, maybe it's just the swimsuit.

Overwhelmed

I am overwhelmed at all the support and encouragement I have received from my friends, family and coworkers regarding my resignation. Thank You. And, to answer your questions, I have no idea what is next. I'm hopeful that I can get some contract design work until I find a permanent position but I'll wear pantyhose again (eww) and answer phones or wait tables if I have to.

For the first time in a long time, I'm overwhelmed with possibilities for my future and I'm starting to get my groove back. Looking for jobs is hard work, but it can also be entertaining. For instance, sometimes you come accross very strange requests or requirements, for example:

All candidates must submit a portfolio (online link or print) of your published work, and a picture of themselves in professional attire with their resume.

or:

Must demonstrate excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills including management of the angry physician or health care provider.

or:

I’m a 28 y/o male and invite all to reply. Tell me why you are interested and leave a phone number.

or:

have normal monthly menstrual cycleOkay, that last one was for egg donors, but the others seem to be legitimate job postings. I'm really curious as to why it matters that the hiring manager is a 28 year old male. Maybe he is single and hoping for some special perks? I think I'll pass on that one.

The deed is done...

8.28.08 is going to be a big day for me. I’m simultaneously thrilled and terrified. But mostly – relieved.

Deep, cleansing breathes.

Fudge

There is nothing quite like sending out resumes for several fabulous jobs and realizing the next day that there is a glaring typo in the first paragraph. I guess I can kiss those opportunities goodbye. Sigh.

On and On

Short Version:

Not much new to report, just been working on the house, looking for a new job and enjoying the heck outta the sunshine while we have it.

Long version:

House
Thanks to some much need help from the girls, the kitchen has been primed and I've started the actual painting. I've been eyeballing new pre-fab countertops from home depot and spending a lot of time on home improvement sites looking for things I can do myself for cheap. My kitchen is going to totally kick-ass by the end of the year. Of course, the minute I finish the kitchen there will be another major project to take on. It never ends people- don't but a house by yourself! Before you know it, you'll be spending all your time dreaming about crown moulding and asking the dog if she thinks Robin's Egg or Ocean Sparkle would be a better accent color.

Diet
Just over two weeks ago I signed up with a weight-loss clinic and made some major changes to my diet and lifestyle. I'm down about 6lbs and a pant size so far. This morning I realized I already have a better view of my toes! On Friday I took a yoga class and I didn't even feel like an Orca trying to dance- it was totally awesome! I'm spending more money than I would like on protein supplements and yummy fresh foods, but it'll be totally worth it when the weight is gone.

Job
Nothing particular has changed over the last few weeks, I'm just so burnt out that I can't seem to motivate myself to do the simplest of tasks. Even pissing off my coworkers doesn't bring me joy like it used to. Usually, I'm pretty quick on the draw but lately I find myself putting things off until I absolutely have to do it. And no matter how fun and exciting my weekend is, I'm always drained the minute I walk back in the door. I hate Mondays.

I'm not exactly Mother Theresa, but listening to the Head Honchos gab about how many million more dollars we need to make this year kinda makes me ill. Apparently $3 billion is not enough. We must make $3.5 billion! And we will do it with 6 people in each department! And then we'll slash benefits and see if they notice! And we'll secretly switch to Folgers Crystals... **edited for content**

I've also been seriously considering putting in my notice and doing temp work while I look for a real job. I get my bonus check on Friday and have some savings and freelance gigs that will be bringing in some money. It would be a HUGE leap of faith and could be completely disastrous, but sometimes that is the best thing... afterall, that's how I ended up in Portland in the first place. I'll keep you posted- I'll probably chicken out anyway.

Life
Two of my close friends recently announced that they are pregnant and I'm so happy for both of them!! But now it's even more important that I go visit and those dang airline tickets are expensive! You want me to pay $450 to squish between two fat guys for 3 hours? I'd rather go to the State Fair, thank you very much. When are those little Jetson's hovercars going to come out? Wouldn't that be fun??

Burned Bridge? Or Narrow Escape?

Recently I interviewed for a couple of jobs and I haven't been posting much because I didn't want it to get back to anyone I worked with. The first job was with The University of Texas, as a graphic designer for their recreational sports department. It was almost an ideal job for me, with the exception being I would have to move to Texas. The interview went well but they decided to go with a local candidate.

The second was with a local competitor and from the start there were some red flags. I wanted to see where it might go and figured it would be good practice if nothing else. So, I aced the phone interview, aced the panel interview and they called me yesterday and asked me to "move on to the next step in the interview process and complete a project for them." Alert! Alert! Alert! went the little red flags, but I waited for the assignment before reserving judgement. Basically, they wanted me to research, concept and design a product line (6 pieces) in 2 days and then present it to the panel.

Ummmm, if this were an accounting position would you ask me to balance your books for you before you give me the job? I asked just about everyone I know what they thought and the general consensus was "Run. Far and Fast. Just get the hell out of there."

So, I did. I called the recruiter back and told her, as politely as I could, that I felt it was inappropriate of them to ask me to design a line for them without pay and while under the employ of a competitor. I let her know that this project was no different than what had been covered in my portfolio, resume and interviews and that I was withdrawing my candidacy. And that's that.

Summatime... And The Living Is Easy.

Today was a fantastic day and I'm in an excellent mood. Summer has finally arrived in Portland! For the first time in like, a year, the forecast is all cute little suns for 6 days in a row. I'm thrilled, but I kinda wish I could put an A/C unit in my bedroom since it's 80 degrees up in here... oh, well.

First, I had two contractors come to the house today to give bids on fixing the things I've F'ed up. Note to self: Do not get a wild hair up your ass and tear down sheetrock. Or let your brother and nephews take out the front walk with a "breaker bar." Or rip up flooring to see what's underneath. Or decoupage your kitchen counters. Or paint the backsplash tile... should I go on?

In addition to marking "Call Contractor" off my list, for the first time in awhile, I'm seeing a lot of interest in my resume and portfolio. It's nice to hear something other than "your work is good, but...(insert letdown here)." Anyway, now I have some hope. And, hope is a good thing.

So, that's my Friday in a nutshell. As mentioned before, taking Fridays off = best idea ever. You should try it.