Well, it's summer once again. The days are hot (literally), the nights are hot (literally), the humidity is humid (Florida. I shouldn't expect anything else).
So far, my good ol' summertime has consisted of getting my Master's degree from THE Florida State University (MASTER SANSONE!) and continuing to work part-time with the Student Activities Center here at FSU. I've been saying goodbye to my cohort buddies as they go off to start their new jobs, wishing them the BEST (because I know they'll be amazing!). I've been taking my weekends easy, catching up on some good books and great TV shows. I've also gotten to go back to the great state of Texas to celebrate a cousin's wedding, which was a perfect vacation.
But what my summer has not yet consisted of is getting a job. I promise this post won't be a whiny paean to how sad I am about not being gainfully (a.k.a. full-time) employed, so bear with me! :)
You remember rightly, I've been on this job search since January, steadily and faithfully writing more cover letters than I would have ever imagined, filling out applications, talking on phone interviews, and going to visit prospective schools. More than anything else in this process, I have LOVED meeting people--all of these interviews, whether they work out or not, have given me a great introduction to some of the amazing people who work in my field with me. And I'm reassured that, even when I don't get a "yes" from a school, I'm still building some great connections with my colleagues, doing that whole "networking" thing.
I've also been afforded some awesome introspection time during my job search. As I talk with each of these schools, and discuss with them how I might fit with their students, office, department, and institution, I must know myself as best I can, represent myself genuinely, and be open and ready for ANYTHING. I've been doing a LOT of reflection, and I can tell you that I have a lot better idea now than I did a few months ago about who I am, what I need and want out of a first job, and where I might want to be (literally and figuratively) in the coming year and in the future.
I won't lie to you, the job search is taking its toll on me. Getting a "no" is never easy, as anyone who has ever tried out for, applied for, or attempted to do anything can tell you. Multiple "no"s? Even rougher. But, for my fellow student affairs graduates out there who are still job searching, you're not alone. Don't be discouraged. We're in this together, friends! For ANYONE job searching or applying for different opportunities right now--I feel your pain. This process has good days and bad days; highs and lows; excitement AND disappointment.
Even with the lows, the disappointments, the "nos" I've received, though. I'm still keeping the faith. I'm still believing that everything is going to work out according to the big Master Plan; that I'm going to end up exactly where I need to be. Because, even with the "no"s, all I need is that one "YES."
I'll promise you again that you'll get to read an excited "YAY I GOT A JOB!" post when that moment happens, but until then, know that it's all going to be okay. If I've heard it said once during this past semester, I've heard it said a million times--I've gotta trust the process. And cliche as it might be, I think it's true--this job search is a proving ground for me (like those awesome Goodyear commercials where the cars fly over hills and take really sharp turns between cones in the desert). I've gotta take myself on some test runs, go over some sharp obstacles and check my endurance, to show off what I'm really made of.
Time to kick the tires and light the fires.
