A crack of sunlight
Interesting developments workwise in the last couple of days. After wallowing in a pit of despair, I sent my CV off to zura's company in order to see if I could get a crappy job. This job is thankless, exactly what I swore I couldn't do anymore (although it does sound a bit easier than any job I have had) and less lucrative than my first real job in 1999, EIGHT YEARS AGO. They do say that my experience and charisma (they didn't asy charisma, but you could tell that was what they meant) could net me more money, and working the night shift would give me an extra 15%. I wouldn't mind working the night shift so much since Rose is already on nights, and it's more money. So I lied through my teeth, saying that I don't mind rigid schedules for breaks and lunches (you actually have to work your way up to having a full hour!). This is by far the greatest challenge for me. Even in 1999, I had some level of freedom. Not so, here.
The interview was yesterday, and they said that I should give them a week before hearing from them. However, they really did want me to start. They simply had their due diligence to do. I sense no added layers here, either. The hiring process would be quick and straightforward. However, I did not expect it to be as quick as I thought. I received the offer in my voice mail that afternoon, although I didn't get the message until much later. They want me to start Monday. For someone in my position, that's great news, especially considering that Hydro sent an enforcer over to my house two days ago. Luckily, and this is all part of my master plan, they can't cut me off until April.
I had an interview with a placement agency this morning. I ran a battery of tests, including English and French grammar/comprehension, and MS Office. The job was with a major engineering firm in Lachine which thankfully I can get to in a reasonable amount of time. The job is project administration, supporting three project managers/directors. The contract is for one year. The description is perfect: scheduling, control, planning, execution, some clerical shit. I can get into this.
I found out today that the employer really wants someone with 5 years experience as a project administrator, in a support role. My blood started to rise. I did not want to go through more interviews only to be told that I don't have the direct experience they need. But as it turns out, the placement agency can't find anyone close to that profile. The best they can find are people like me with no direct experience, or engineers that want to be project managers. The latter are no good for their purposes, they won't take orders, and will try to take over the project. Several people have applied for this job, but I am the only one whose candidacy has been brought to the attention of the engineering overlords.
Which brings me to my problem. I need money, badly. I have an offer, albeit an unattractive one. (To be fair, it's isn't really that bad. It's rather low pressure as far as I can see. I just need to be on time and respect the break times, etc. I think I would kick a great deal of ass at this job, frankly.) I can start immediately. But should I? If I do and I get an interview with the engineers (the company is internationally known), when will I be able to actually do this interview? It would not do to be "sick" in my first two weeks. (Unless I start and fake an illness right off the bat...hmmm...)
This offer solves one problem while causing another. What would life be without problems, eh? Maybe "life" is overrated, though.
UPDATE: I decided to tell the company with the offer that I am examining other options, and that I would get back to them as soon as I know anything. They seemed highly receptive to me taking any amount of time to do this.