I applied for a new job and I really, really want it. Ask me anything!

[Bertha Venation]

It's a federal job. I am miserable in my current job, and I didn't realize it until yesterday. I knew I'd wanted to make a move but have had so much stress and such a bad several months that I didn't think I had the energy to make the change. But the other day I just sat down and it took me six hours but I completed my resume and the application and sent them in. And you would not believe the relief and hope I felt afterwards! Then the next day, when I went to work, my back knotted up and my head was pounding miserably all day, and I put two and two together: "hmm . . . hope about a new job . . . then coming back to this one . . . GET ME OUTTA HERE!"

Tomorrow is the closing date, so I haven't expected to hear anything before next week, and in reality I probably won't be contacted until at least May. That's okay. It'll give me a while to enjoy the perks of my current job, the ones that the firm really thinks is enough to keep their staff happy. :eyes: They're nice, but not nice enough.

So wish me luck. :bounce:

[dolo amber]

1. Do you like

hot air balloons?

You said *anything*...

;)

Best of luck Bertha! :hi:

[Bertha Venation]

I do!

Mrs. V. and I drove to North Carolina for a memorial service two years ago, and we were surprised to see one rising just on the other side of the trees from the two-lane highway we were on. It was way cool!

Thanks for your good wishes. :D

[Rockholm]

2. Bertha, Sure You Are Not Condi Rice?

"Miserable at my current job"....Just Kidding! Good luck!
Now the question....Are the Red Sox going to win their home opener tomorrow?

[Bertha Venation]

4. need more info

Who are the Sox playing tomorrow?

[Rockholm]

7. Toronto, 3:05pm EST

Cool and windy weather expected. Wicked onshore breeze makes Fenway an icebox in April.

[Bertha Venation]

11. ooh, the Jays . . . I dunno . . .

But I'll say yes! Yes, the Sox will beat the Jays tomorrow. Go Sox!

[Rockholm]

13. Thanks Bertha! I hope that you are wrong! Go SOX!

ON edit: Shoulda read the rest of your post!

[Bertha Venation]

16. Heh heh. I've done that before.

I always pull for the underdog*, and I always think of the Sox as the underdog, no matter where they are in the standings. Good luck!

* edit: except when they're playing the Angels, of course. O8)

[GOPisEvil]

3. The feds are a good deal. I'd like to make that move myself!

Good luck!

[Bertha Venation]

5. Thanks, Cutie Pie.

:bounce:

[GOPisEvil]

6. I'd like to have two retirements!

I have state retirement already. I'd like to have Federal retirement. Of course, I'd like to find a job I really like, but...

[stevedeshazer]

8. I wish you the best of luck.

I've been unemployed for 68 weeks. Enjoy your current perks. I'd take my miserable job back in a flash right now.

But when jobs were plentiful, I did what you did and left a job that I was very good at. I was miserable too, so I understand your sentiment. I hope it works out for you.

[Bertha Venation]

12. thank you, Stevie, and I'm sorry.

I'm sorry to hear you've been unemployed for so long. Did my thread hurt you? I guess it was kinda piggish. I'm sorry.

[stevedeshazer]

17. No, not at all

Sincere. I just happen to be in a state where the employment situation is crappy. It will get better, and I'm doing okay. My wife works and I pick up from there. :)

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

9. Bertha... keep this in mind....

Federal jobs DO NOT allow partner benefits to GLBT couples, and likely will not no matter what states do. I am sure you know this, and was just wondering what you thought on it headed into the GOV sector.

Also, ain't this a glorious spring so far? Just got back from a day trip to DC for lobbying... Maryland was looking quite pretty from the air.

[Bertha Venation]

14. Mrs. V.'s already a fed employee of 19 years

and we've stewed since we've been together that she couldn't put me on her insurance, which is far superior to mine.

That the feds won't confer partner benefits sucks. I hate it and it infuriates me. But I know they won't until we can marry -- and that day is coming.

It's a wonderful spring so far; I just wish it would warm up! MD's always pretty. I love it. Both my sisters, when they visited, couldn't stop remarking on how GREEN it is out here, on how many trees there are everywhere. (We're beach bums from the city.)

May I ask what you lobby for? It's a tough job; I work for lobbyists.

[sniffa]

10. can you pass a pee test?

[Bertha Venation]

15. Absolutely.

:)

[put out]

18. Oh, I hope it works out for you!

I was with the feds for about nine years. Best benefits, most generous leave policies, they gotta be REALLY careful about a hostile work environment (stinks about the partner benefits, no small matter), and good pay, depending on your personal situation. I left my job to do baby and school stuff. When I was employed again, after several years, with a degree blah blah, I was making almost as much as the job I'd left.

I'd go back in a heartbeat. My personal situation, as it stands, would make it difficult for my family.

I wish you the best. And don't worry about the assholes at work, wherever you land. They're everywhere.

Let us know, please. They will tell you you're hired, 1 1/2 days before you need to report.

[Bertha Venation]

19. Thanks!

And they'd better let me give more notice than 1 1/2 days! I don't believe in burning bridges.

Thanks, put out. I will keep the community posted.

[JanMichael]

20. Good luck! I submitted a resume for a job back in September of 2003...

...and didn't hear a thing until February 2004.

Started March 1st and the job rocks.

Be patient.

[Race4Peace]

21. Is

the sky green?

[Bertha Venation]

24. not from where I stand

but thanks for asking :)

[midnight armadillo]

22. Me too!

I sent in a resume to a local company that has a job that'd be fantastic. Plus my old advisor is good friends with the chief scientist there (i.e. the hiring manager!).

I am obsessively checking message and emails waiting for a response...my current job pays too little and the work is not so interesting.

Let's both cross our fingers! :-)

[LynneSin]

23. So did you check your DU inbox and reply to the message I sent you?

Or do I have to ask a question about the job (sending ya karma)

[Bertha Venation]

25. I didn't reply -- was waiting to talk with

Mrs. V. about it. I don't know DC well enough to name anyplace. Can I reply later?

Thanks for the karma. :D

[LynneSin]

26. No problem hun

We're expecting to see both of you there

:bounce:

[Bertha Venation]

27. That's the current plan!

:bounce: