The Offer

While all of this was going on, my paranoia about being able to find a job was growing.

I had told my supervisor upon my return from Vegas that we were going to be relocating, likely sometime during Q3. He was very supportive, for which I am grateful.

The idea was that we would move whenever the house sold. We weren't in a HUGE rush, but definitely did not want to spend another winter in Missouri.

So I was applying for jobs. And jobs. And jobs. All told, I submitted about 40 applications and resumes. While I did receive a couple of calls, there was nothing great.

Then I saw that the city's biggest newspaper was hiring. I got as far as a phone interview, but didn't hear back right away. That was fine — things take time. I eventually emailed and found out the position I had interviewed for had been filled, but that they were still looking to fill a different position I would be a candidate for. So I waited some more.

During my wait, a former colleague of mine sent me a link from JournalismJobs.com.

"Go get this Las Vegas social media job," her message said.

It was exactly what I was looking for. And it was posted by the same person I had already interviewed with.

So I emailed him one more time, telling him we hadn't spent a lot of time talking about my social media experience, but here's why I was a good fit.

His response: Was I going to be in town this summer so we could do an in-person interview?

WHAAAA? YEAH! I CAN BE!

Of course, I didn't have another trip planned. But it just so happened that I was on vacation the next week. I told him I had to be in California on Wednesday, but could probably do a quick turn-around trip on Monday. Which I did.

I met with 7 people in about 6 hours. I took 5 tests. I caught the red-eye home.

I was spent.

But, as it turned out, it was worth it. During our vacation in California, I took the call and accepted an offer for a web producer position, and I really couldn't be happier. A weight was lifted knowing I won't be unemployed for an undetermined amount of time. 

Here's the thing, though: They wanted me to start in mid-August. Our timetable had moved up.