The Process of Belief

The other week I mentioned that I was about to get a "do over." Nadja asked me if I was about to visit the hair salon. Quite a priceless moment, but I hadn't meant a trip to Toni and Guy, but rather a fresh start on the arbeits front.

Well, 90 days after I stopped working (and coincidentally sent out one job application), my phone rang. I suddenly found myself informed that I had been selected for a position, and that my formal offer would arrive early the following week, with a start date of early February.

Whoosh.

After doing a little dance in the kitchen, I made myself a carajillo and toasted my accomplishment. 3 months after finishing my last job, and I am set to begin again.
Actually, I have only been officially arbeitslos for about 6 weeks, and truth be told, the time has really flashed by.

I wish I could say that I was totally productive and had contributed more to society during this time. Honestly, though, I needed the break. I wish I could say that I utilized my vacation time a bit better. But, all things considered, besides hanging around the house a lot, I did get to Spain, the US, here and there in Germany, and got to know Frankfurt again.

Quick tallies indicate that during my extended break, I read about 8 books, saw about 37 movies, and for the ringer, managed to watch 7 full seasons of the Andy Griffith Show. And I am proud of that.

I also hit the gym on a more regular basis, which resulted in me finding out that now some of my clothes don't fit anymore. Na ja.

Literally, on my last full day of work at my old company, I managed to submit a CV to a company I thought I wanted to work for; the position requirements were all stuff that I had done before, and all in all it looked to be a good fit.

2 telephone interviews, 2 personal interviews, and 3 months later, it seems the company thinks I am a good fit for them, too.

In short, the protector will beocme the poacher. I am going to switch roles and manage repair suppliers.

I won't detail the interview process itself, but will mention that I basically sold myself by saying that I was the ideal fit on the grounds that I would be able to see through all the tricks that the repair suppliers use on their customers, since I have done all of that before.

With great relief, my unemployment period was rather brief. Even so, I still managed to piss off the unemployment office more than once, mostly by missing appointments. I did use the argument that my primary goal was to secure new employment as opposed to appeasing the civil service. (er, word of advice - try not to say, "I think you all are a bunch of plonkers" when meeting with your local civil service office. I think that's where I slipped up)

Fortunately, during my appointment yesterday, I smoothed everything over. I went in to see the guy, who was all ready to try and help me find a position as an IT manager (nope) or as a programmer (Delphi? Isn't that a porpoise without a nose?).

Program management exists, but it is not always classifiable in a job bank. Not in Europe, and likely not in the states, for that matter.

Nevertheless, when I told the guy that I had just received an offer, he sort of did not know what to do.

"Really?" he asked.

"Yep."

With that, he congratulated me, though he kind of seemed in awe that I had managed to find new work so quickly.

OK. The truth is, the stars alligned, the moons did the hokey pokey, and I found myself in the right place at the right time.

Though I have always been a relatively strong player, my style is not for everyone. Thus, I have never ever been harassed by head hunters looking to place me somewhere. I am a special fit.

It is not as if I am a lunatic or crazy or anything...those are just perks.

In honesty, I expected my search to take about 3 months, but have to laugh at the fact that it took about 15 hours of MY time, and around 89 days and 9 hours for the hiring firm.

But, I found the (apparently) right match for me right from the get go. I will credit the fact that 5 years ago I spent loads of time trying to figure out all of the avenues I could take in my life; the prep work had more or less already been done.

As I'd said in previous posts since August, my goal was to find the right fit for me. I am just fortunate that I already knew my size. Furthermore, an old colleague/customer/friend helped create the opening. For that, I am extremely thankful.

But, regardless of how many friends you have on facebook, the number of connections you have on linkedin, the number of bridges you have torched or constructed...it really comes down to the chance itself.

Sure, I got my chance to talk to the folks and tell my story, but I got the job.

I am proud of that.

Somehow, I managed to get a do over, and the visit to the Friseur is optional. In about 12 days, I will be working again.

I am fired up, freaking out, happy, sad, emotional, and toally psyched all at once. (note to self, do NOT express this on your first day...)

I am going to leave all the depressing, self worth questioning, tough tough moments coments for another day. By no means, despite the relatively quick result, was this an easy experience for me.

That said, it is time for a little jubilation. I am back in the game, and this time with 5 swashbuckling years of European experience.

I will most likely be really earning my pay increase, and undoubtedly will endure lots of stress and some less than pleasant times, but I am prepared.

Lessons learned? Absolutely.

There is oh so much more to life than simply working, and one can never forget that. Thanks, Nadja. Well said.

See you out there. With a vengeance.

bryan

Only a few words...

I have a poster on my wall from 1988, proclaiming „sin palabras.“ It was to commemorate Las Fallas, and I happened to be present for the festival that year, and somehow I managed to borrow the poster from my sister, both permanently and thankfully.

20 Years ago at this time, I was mucking around in Ireland. No real souvenirs to speak of, save for a pretty strong appreciation for Guinness and Jamesons.

Both experiences go down as truly memorable experiences in my life.

My recent trip to the states can be added to this list; I had quite the wonderful time. In fact, it was so special that I actually find myself unable to find the right words for a write up. Sin palabras, if you will. The feelings are just too great.

That said, I will give some special thanks to Brandon, Pablo, and the Change Maker for a great night at the Monk, Jeff for some excellent hang out time, Moe for a cool night of queso and swirls, and brother Hall for a nice telephone chat.

It has been a pensive start to the new year for me, which I don’t find too surprising. I tend to reflect most of the time anyway, on my past, present, and future.

Today, however, I am doing a lot of thinking along to the tunes of some punk bands that did a bunch of covers of popular songs from the 80s. It is making for a pretty interesting afternoon.

So, here’s to the new year, and taking the time to think. Bring on the dancing horses, if you like. Meanwhile…

Keep the faith