I did it

 I know it's been way too long.  I should have been writing, detailing my struggles to get my life back on track and find something worthwhile to do. 

I should have been writing, but really, it was a lot of the same.  Apply, rejection, apply, rejection.  Interview, interview, interview.  Phone call from recruiter about cool job in lame company or lame job in cool company or lame job in lame company with good pay. Apply, don't apply, rejection letter.  Over and over.

There have been some cool spots, don't get me wrong.  I temped with London 2012, which had nothing at all to do with my long term career goals, but as a total Olympics-geek was too cool to pass up.  And I spent a month back home, watching 2 of my favorite people get married to awesome guys.  I took a road trip to New York, to visit a high school friend with my sister Carrie. I was even voted MVP (most valuable player) of my softball team.  I was disproportionately proud of that last one.

The past few months have been fine, but it's depressing not having a job, spending all my free time applying, getting shot down again and again. I have a lot to offer.  Take me up on it, world!  Life was fine, but I was spinning my wheels, and had no way of making long term plans. 

When I was back in Canada, I kept applying for jobs.  From my childhood bedroom, and my parents' kitchen, I applied and applied.  I wanted interviews lined up for when I got back to the UK, so I could it the ground running. 

I remember applying for this one job.  I know I applied for lots, but I remember this one because it seemed suited to me.  It listed the need for a background in recruitment (my role with London 2012 was with the recruitment team), interest in social change (check) and a background in teaching or working with kids (check).  I applied.  And then I was offered a phone interview.  I guessed at their questions and wrote down what I thought I should say.  And then they offered me a real interview, and then a second one.  I thought it went well, but you never know with these things, and I didn't even want to get my hopes up.

This is an amazing charity, after all.  I love what they do.  I'll keep the specifics vague for the moment, but I really, really believe in what they do.  They have a nice office with a gorgeous view in a great part of town.  They offer good holiday benefits, discounted gym memberships, and lots and lots of opportunities for progression. They have won awards for being one of the best places to work in the UK. 

They called me last week, and offered me a job. 

I got my job, y'all.  In a charity.  Just like I wanted. 

I keep re-reading that last sentence, over and over.  I got my job.  I got my job.  When my new boss called and said "we'd like to offer you the position", I had to stop myself from asking to repeat herself. 

I start next week. 

It still doesn't feel real.  But soon enough it'll sink in, and my free time will be my own again.  I can volunteer and run and take classes and play softball. I can get my camera out, or go sit in a cafe and write on a Saturday afternoon, and I can make plans. 

I promise, I will cherish this.  I will give it my all, and do my best to remember why I'm there and treat it like more than just a 9 - 5 job.  This is my chance.  I want to start building a life for myself and to make my change in the world.