Well I survived my first interview today. Granted, it was only a phone interview, but I must have done well enough that they scheduled a face to face interview on Tuesday morning. I’m really nervous! Now I’m doubting things and making myself more afraid. I just need to focus on the positives and everything will be fine. I really hope I get hired with this company.

They said the salary I was expecting was in the right range for the position I applied for. I was worried that I was going to be asking for too much money. I actually told them that I’d like to make at least what I am making now. With the position I applied for, I will not be managing any employees. There’s always room for growth though.

They were wondering why I wanted to take a position that was a step down from my current position. I explained to them the current state of the company I now work for and cited that as my main reason. I also told them that I wouldn’t mind working for a smaller financial institution. I think many of the large banks have lost touch of customer service and are focusing on sales now. I miss the customer service aspect of everything.

Now I just need to prepare myself for the face to face interview.  I’ve got a list of questions they may ask me, and I’m going to come up with some good answers so I don’t sound like an idiot at the interview.

I’m a little worried about taking the time off from my current job, but it will have to be done.  I am crossing my fingers that this is the right opportunity for me and they like me well enough to hire me.  Only time will tell!

Posted under Jobs

I have decided that because of the voliatility of my current position that I would start searching just to see what’s out there. I posted my resume on monster.com and careerbuilder.com. I have had numerous emails, phone calls, and contacts in the past few days. I only have listed my resume on these two places, and most recently added it on careerbuilder.com, so I’m thinking that’s where the traffic is coming from. To say I am a little nervous/apprehensive/scared is an understatement. I’m frightened out of my mind. Why?

I’ve had this job for almost four years now. While that may not be a long time to some people, it is to me because I’m still young. This was my first “real” job, and it’s turned into a career. I’m really sad that it’s come to me leaving the company, but at this time I feel like I need to explore other options. Who knows, maybe there’s the perfect job out there that I’ve not even pondered yet. Time will tell.

It’s going to be a pain switching my 401k, health insurance, direct deposit, etc. I am really not looking forward to taking care of all of that. My 401k has taken such a huge hit and I’ve lost so much money that it makes me sick. What can I do about it? Nothing. I’ll have to make sure that my benefits are comparable or better as well, and that gives me a headache just thinking about it.

The comfort level I have with my ability to do my current position is very good. Having a new job means learning all new tasks, responsibilities, and roles. I’m sure I can learn very quickly and I will probably love doing something different, but it’s scary right now.

Now, focusing on the positives:

I’m going to be less stressed. I’ve made up my mind. I am sick and tired of being stressed with my life. I worry every day about so many things, and with my job being as stressful as it is, it’s going to shorten my life. Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but I really think that stress has a major effect on your life (and life span!)

Having a change of pace. While I am a creature of habit, I also do enjoy change. I do enjoy it more when I am in control of it, as I’m sure most people do. At this point I truly feel this is the right decision for myself and my family. I know being so stressed takes a toll on Mr. Money (and even our dogs!). A change of pace will be good for us.

I have experience now, and that makes me worth more money. I’m hoping with this job change that I’ll gain a salary increase. Although, I have thought about it, and if I do take a pay cut and have less responsibilities, that will be worth it to me.

Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Posted under Economy, Jobs

I got to thinking the other day about how when I was younger and how those were the good old days. I remembered when people asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up I would always tell them I wanted to be a teacher. Then, as I got older, I decided that teaching just wasn’t for me, and that I wanted to be an “equinarian”; my own coined phrase for a horse veterinarian. As the years, progressed, I found myself down a different path.

I have always loved animals throughout my whole life, so a veterinarian that specializes in horses was on the top of my list. However, when I reached high school, things changed. I decided that I loved math and physics so much I was going to go to school for mechanical engineering. I attended two semesters of the program and decided that was not for me. Coincidentally, at this time I met my current husband, moved across country, and decided to embark down a different career path. Now I’m in banking. Very different from a veterinarian, right?

Looking back, it makes me wonder just how many people follow through with their dreams and ambitions. How many times do people change their minds? Is everyone like me; do they end up in a field that they never thought they would? I hate when people say they don’t regret anything. I think there are many people that regret things they’ve done in the past I know I do. If I could go back and do some things differently, you bet I would. The fact of the matter is; I’m living my life now, and I need to make the best of it. I never thought at the young age I am now that I would be managing a bank. The thought never crossed my mind.

Now with the turmoil in the banking industry, I’ve considered going back to school.  I’ve thought about going back to be a labor and delivery nurse.  That is something that I would love to do.  We’ll see what the future holds.

Tell me: what were your aspirations? What did you want to be when you were younger, and how does that compare to now?

Posted under Jobs