I’ve been keeping a secret from all of you. But there’s a back story I want to tell first.
Y’all know I worked at Half Price Books. Y’all also know I quit that job in search of something better. Y’all know I haven’t been quite as successful in my job search as I’d have liked. But y’all don’t know I accepted an offer a month ago.
In December I interviewed with a highly respected and very well known company. It’s a company I firmly believe shares my values and encourages inclusiveness and diversity at every level of the company. People say a lot of things about millennials, of which most are patently false. But I know this is one that’s widely true. Young people want to work for a company that shares their values, and I’m no different.
I spent a Friday afternoon taking various tests for the position I applied for. Then interviewed the following Friday. After months of interviews with different companies and law enforcement agencies, this interview was the longest and most conversational. I didn’t feel like I was being interrogated.
They said I’d get a response after about three weeks once all interviews were completed. I got the answer I was hoping for. My first day is today.
I know no two experiences are identical. And I’ll be the first to acknowledge that I’m fortunate to have found a position within such a great company. But so often I see people essentially giving up. Sometimes they’ll blame the economy or they’ll blame politicians or they’ll blame themselves. I could have done ALL of those. I believe in December the unemployment rate among college graduates was less than 3%. Underemployment was slightly higher, but I wasn’t underemployed. I was unemployed. I could have lashed out. I could have let the months of not knowing really get to me.
But I didn’t. I kept applying. I kept reviewing my resumé to make sure it was polished. I kept interviewing with companies from all kinds of industries. But most importantly I kept believing in myself. And that’s what I’d tell someone in a similar position. Believe in yourself. Be confident. Be open-minded. Be true to you.
Today I start what I hope will be a long journey with a company I’m proud to work for. And not everyone gets such an opportunity.
I’ve had plenty of encouragement from a number of people on here when I’ve written about my job search. It is ALWAYS appreciated.
Also, I’ve posted every day of 2017! Ayye!
Johnny Reads 
Intrigued to know more about your new job – sounds very positive. Well done John and here’s to your continued success 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks! Today was a long day and all kinds of information was thrown at me. But I’m 100% positive I’m going to enjoy every minute of my time with the company. I’m not naming it because I’m incredibly outspoken on here and I don’t want people to mistakenly think I represent its views. Though I’m confident my views are in line with the company, my delivery probably isn’t the most subtle. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! So glad you’re enjoying it. I know new jobs can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but I’m sure you’ll settle in quickly. Best of luck with it all
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats! And good luck on your first day!
LikeLike
Thanks! I came home and went straight to sleep. 😂 It was a good day. Couldn’t be happier with my choice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great news! Congratulations and Good Luck.
I just started a new job this month too. I’m really happy about the change and I can completely relate to how you feel.
LikeLike
Thanks! How’s your first few days in the new job? I came hone and went straight to sleep. 😂 But the day went well. Met lots of people. Not sure how many names I remember. I think the company is a perfect fit for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good to hear. My first few days have been great but tiring too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cannot wait to hear more about the job! This sounds wonderful and very promising. I am so glad your efforts are paying off. Congrats!
LikeLike
Thanks! Today was a LONG day. A little tired at this point. But today reinforced my decision to accept the position. I don’t think I could have found a better fit for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is thrilling! I know that since I found work with the right company, my life has changed. And now since my illness, they go above and beyond by setting me up to work from home. I hope this new job is all you want and more! Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
Today the new hires had lunch with different leaders and executives from within the office. Just a really cool first two days. Next week all the real fun begins. The first of seven weeks of training. It’ll be exciting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! 7 weeks is an extensive training program, but that and being introduced to the “higher ups” is a very positive sign. I remember getting to sit with the president of our company after I was hired and feeling so good about the job decision because a lot of places do not give that time and attention. I know I said it already, but very excited for you 🙂
LikeLike
Yes. I’m sure it’ll be a ton of information throughout the 7 weeks, but I imagine I’ll be fully prepared once training is over. I’d rather have that than just being thrown into work to “learn on the job”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! I have been thrown in there.. it stinks. Who does that.. especially to a nurse haha. Oh well, on to better things huh 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person