First -- thanks, kos, for allowing nonsensical diaries to be posted on this site -- even at the expense of a diary which might be a labor of love, sweat, toil and intellect. I appreciate the change.
On my birthday, an email went out regarding a legal job. I've been looking for one even if it is basically paralegal rather than one which compensates for almost 20 years of experience with a juris doctor. I'm now 61 and absolutely unemployable for my profession. I worked as a solo practitioner and contract lawyer in enviro law for that entire time. That's a field for mega firms now.
So, a wonderful, blessed woman -- legal assistant -- forwarded the email to me from her network of professionals.
Yoiks!!! An area of law in which I have zero experience but a job is a job. How the hell do I translate what I have practiced to an entry level position which is alien to me?
Three days of suffering over my curriculum vita and cover letter. Send it off to my best friend (lawyer who gives me contract work). Edit job -- brilliant. (Sentence fragments are for diaries only.)
I sent the cover letter and cv via email as requested. Within 4 hours I received a reply which basically said: "We just finished our interviewing process today and were ready to make a decision -- HOWEVER, if you can come for an interview at 5 p.m. tomorrow give us a call."
Ok, on the phone immediately -- "yes" -- and now to look at my wardrobe which accommodates 10 fewer pounds than I am currently carrying. Found something. Interview yesterday.
Can't say I was thrilled -- I was terrified for 24 plus hours. I took a shower at the last minute possible then realized I don't have a blow dryer. Ok, no problem, I have a 20 year old fan and my hair is short (and pretty). Dry, semi-dress, dry, iron the suit that fits, dry, find the right jewelry, dry, put on the suit and jewelry, brush my hair, knock off an earring and lose the backing, take out the other earring and say, "fuck it," get the keys to the truck and head out.
The interview was remarkably easy (over an hour) because I did research and realized these folks had a sense of humor. I am at my best when I can couple intellect with a guffaw. Good times had by all. I thought it was a great experience. I have had several of those with no call backs.
At 8:36 a.m. today I have an email -- would you provide us with your references. Ok, had them set up already just in case. One reference was called -- the most significant one. Not sure if the others will be called.
What the hell am I talking about? Well, many decades of experience have enlightened me: Don't anticipate -- good or evil or in between. I've had horrific presentations before appellate courts and won. I've had brilliant interviews and lost.
If I had to be verklempt about every moment which directly influenced me, I'd have gone mad (in the Danbury hat factory sort of way). If I respond to every tweet someone posts here (I don't have a tweet machine) or breaking diary about the end of the American empire, I'd be an alcoholic (could be a fact anyway).
My Mom and friends are encouraging about the job. I can't think about the possibilities until I get a call from the partner who says: "I'd like you to come in and talk about the job I'm proposing to offer you."
First there is an offer -- in legal terms, it can be specific or general. Then there is a hammering out of details. Then there is either an acceptance or rejection.
I don't have an offer yet. And if I did, via email, the offer wouldn't have enough details for the two parties to hammer out. Neither does Congress and the WH regarding whatever the hell is going on right now. What we have is the "press" and leaks to the "press." The last time I used the "press" as an objective arbiter of the terms of a deal was --- never.
I am about as angst ridden about getting this job right now as I am about what folks think is going on in Congress. Trusting the press and folks whose careers are based on lying is actually pretty bizarre. Sort of like trusting my gut about job prospects when my gut really sucks regarding predictions.