Friday, May 23, 2008

Let the games begin....

I am now officially and gainfully employed! I took the job today at the airline and start on June 2.


It was a crazy interview process. This was the company that I thought hated me after my first interview. Add in the mix a headhunter (not mine) in another city who wasnt the sharpest tool in the shed to confuse both sides with mis-information.

I had an offer on the table from another company since Monday and was stalling until my interview at PetSmart on Thursday. Loved PetSmart and really wanted the job. They told me they would give me feedback the next day. By the time I got home from that the headhunter said he got me a second interview on Friday at 1pm. Not being thrilled from my last experience I was reluctant but decided to do the right thing and go.

On my way to the airline interview, PetSmart called and said 'thanks but no thanks'. I was bummed and went into my second interview a bit disappointed figuring I would take the offer from Monday. In the directors office, the first thing out of his mouth was 'what questions do you have for me'? To say the least, I was confused.

In the end, it wasnt a second interview but was an offer interview! They had been working on the paperwork and approval ever since that horrid day of the first interview. Between the salary, benefits and lack of desire to accept my other offer from Monday, I said YES.

They whisked me away immediately to pee in a cup and fill out more paperwork than I thought was possible for a job. Medical and dental are effective immediately and those prized flight benefits are effective on the 16th day of my employment. Now I imagine people are going to start being nicer to me because I can get them some cheap flights!

And with this monumental transition back into the 'real world', I think this is a good place to stop the blog (for real this time!). I will enjoy my last 10 days of freedom before I start. I will use this time to get mentally prepared to keep the things about Italy and Venice that I loved close to me so as not to get caught up in the American rat race again. But if that fails, I can fly for almost free to Venice in a heartbeat to have a reminder!

Ciao for now........

10 comments:

Rob C said...

Well done, Now you can really enjoy the next ten days!

Hopefully with your new 'frequent flier' status you'll be back in Venice for Christmas.

Rob

Gil said...

Congratulations on being "Gainfully employed" again!

Ashley said...

Congrats! What are you going to be doing at US Air?

Ryan said...

Congratulations!! But I am so sad that you are ending your blog. Can I hire you to book Andrea's flight for me? I was thinking about it and definitely would like to do it. Send me an email.... Will miss you on here but I hope we can keep in touch through email.

Anonymous said...

Oh no! I don't want you to stop your blog! But I understand. Is there a new blog idea on the horizon maybe?
Thank you so much for Spike Goes To Venice. I've enjoyed it so much ;)

Anonymous said...

Wow Susan, what a year! I wasn't able to read your blog for almost a year since I was all over the world & didn't have internet. What would we do without it? I just now caught up with your year! I think you moved to Venice just 11 days ahead of me, wasn't it? And now you're back in America. I was so worried about Mr P and am so glad to hear he's ok. God Bless him. As you know I planned on living in Italy and after some advice from an attorney in Paris, decided to live in France. I enrolled in a 3 month French School & lived with a French Family in Aix-en-Provence. Oh what a lovely place. Anyway, I visited my friends in Ireland before going back to Provence and found myself falling in love! My Irish Lad asked me to move to Ireland and here I am since November 2007. I've been away from America since May, 2007 and living in the Emerald Isle for 8 months now. I must admit I do NOT wish to return to America. Perhaps I'll eat those words one day, but I've found the honest simplicity of life has completely taken over my heart and soul. I am actually amazed at myself and in awe of life on the other side of the pond. I "think" I know how you feel being back in America after emmersing yourself in European life. To me, there's absolutely nothing like it. But knowing you as I think I do, you will be living both lives somehow.... I just know it. I have a new business that I'm working on whereby you can be my American Connection, so who knows? Much love Susan for being there for me when I first arrived in Italy. Please keep in touch! Nancy Brady, Las Vegas, NV and County Cork,Ireland. nancy7711@hotmail.com

Nancy - Girl in Giro said...

NOooooooo this is so sad. I just spent hours reading your entire blog in two days. i feel like i just finished a good book. sigh. in bocca al lupo with the new job!

Anonymous said...

It was a surprise to see your comment on my blog, Susan! aww! How are you? :)

Anonymous said...

I found your blog via Google several days ago and finished all of it just now. I, somehow, didn't believe you would quit your blogging. You have a really good way of describing things, i.e., your trips, surroundings and even the dealing with an elder pet. At some point, I hope you return to your blog. I will continue to check this site to see if you do. In the meantime, all good luck in your new ventures and adventures.

Anonymous said...

I too just recently discovered this blog and I've really enjoyed reading it. What an amazing year! I'm so impressed that you took your cat with you. I hope that all is well and that the transition back to the "real USA world" isn't too hard. Cheers, Annie