Friday, August 20, 2010

Sloooooow, quick, quick......


Sloooooow, quick, quick. The process of finding a job after graduation has been this unbearably repetitive waltz. Let me explain:

Slow - I applied to HUNDREDS of jobs before and following graduation. I even went to North Carolina for 2 job fairs during my spring break! I heard next to nothing from these endeavors, and I was always careful to call the schools and inquire about the status of my application, re-express my interest in the position, etc....
Quick - A friend suggested I apply to teach in Abu Dhabi because of an episode of "House Hunters International" she saw. I found footprintsrecruiting.com and applied to teach in South Korea.
Quick - I was contacted the next day for an interview appointment, had an interview two days later, and my application was forwarded to a placement coordinator!

Slow - My placement coordinator contacted me with several potential positions throughout Korea. I heard nothing for about a month.
Quick - I applied to one job (Posting #1589) and the next day received a call that they wanted an interview. I had a phone interview with the director of the school.
Quick - Two days after the interview, I had a job offer and contract to review and return. I mailed out my stuff two days after the offer!

Slow - My documents got to Korea on a Thursday. Then, I waited. I waited the typical 10 business days. Then I waited another 7 days with little to no word about any progress.
Quick - My visa arrived on Wednesday and I scheduled my interview with the consulate. I had my interview and it was super easy and awesome.
Quick - The last fast step to Korea is in the works right now. I have to pick up my passport and visa at 4:00 pm on Tuesday. My flight LEAVES Boston at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. There is a possibility I might not make my flight. If that happens, I don't know what the next step is. I believe I will make it. I will have about 1 hour and 30 or 40 minutes to get on the plane.

Like I said, finding a job after graduation has been like a waltz. Luckily, the song is almost over. Coming up next, during my year in Korea, is a great tango. It will be smooth and easy punctuated by fast and thrilling inserts. I am glad the waltz is ending. It is a bit overwhelming!

1 comment:

  1. Errg, I posted a comment on this but it isn't showing up, so forgive if you get a double.

    I LOVE the waltz metaphor. And I am so impressed by this adventure on which you are embarking. I missed seeing you in RI but was happy to hear that you are in South Korea... far more exciting!

    Thanks for sharing your journey; I will be living vicariously. :-)

    Patti (Vanessa's aunt)

    ReplyDelete