It won't become clear, till the end of the year

In the last blogpost I wrote about being able to stay at my job or not. Unfortunately this won't be clear until the end of this year. But my boss isn't much optimistic about the whole matter. it seems like I am forced to apply for jobs again. Ugh.... Who knows what it will bring. Is it supposed to be this way, so this is my chance to make a career change? Because my boss did tell me something about several possible career openings in the social field. I definitely have to keep it warm.

One things that bothers me about this, is how it affects my life planning (well duh...). Just four weeks ago my niece gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Which made me think about having kids (again). I want to start a family someday and maybe that day is becoming closer. But not having a secure base of having a job does interfere with this. But then again I think of these quotes that life is not plan-able. But for deciding to see if it is giving to us to get kids, a secure base would be nice!

It's frustrating to hear again that by boss doesn't want to loose me, but seems to be tied by the law. Well that doesn't help me much! Apparently I am not meant to get a fixed contract (yet). I am curious to see what doors will open. I think I have to have faith in how everything will turn out. Because up until now, everything has turned out fine.

Ciao!

Ixis

95% sure

It sure looks like it! I am beginning a new career. Or at least, I am 95% sure. Hope those remaining 5% will be add up to it after tomorrow.

So last week I finally got a phone call from this organization. They have done some math and could tell me for how long and how much hours I could be hired. Once I knew that, the difficult job of telling my former boss was the only thing left to do. Difficult, because I also would have loved to go back there, but there was no security. So I called, told her the news and got the response which I thought I would get: 'Great news! Congratulations, you should go for it'.  It is still not sure whether or not I can go back, and if so, for how long will it be? I have a little bit more security at this new thing. So tomorrow there is an appointment to talk through all the final things. It is sinking in that the door was closed for the last time at my former company. But hopefully new doors will be opened and this new one.

Ciao!

Ixis

Still calling....

Haven't called my former boss yet, because I am still waiting for more details regarding my possible new job. Only if I have those and the company and I can come to a satisfactional (?) understanding for both parties, I have the complete picture. And only then I can give the complete picture to my former boss. Hope to have this info quite soon so I can close things up nicely, make my head clear about the different possibilities and start working towards this new start, which I guess will be at this new place. But then again, you never know how things might go.

Ciao!

Ixis

One choice less

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a job vacancy with fixed contract at my former employer. It was a vacancy in a different city in which the organization in also active. My ex-collegues even put in a good word for me and asked whether or not they would see me as an internal candidate for this job. Today I got a phone call regarding the application process. It turned out that the vacancy was already filled by another internal candidate who already has a fixed contract with the company. But they wanted to consider me for another vacancy if I was interested. But as it was a temporary contract for 3 days a week there are better options for me. It does suck a little bit that the chance of a fixed positions (in a company I really loved working in) slipped through my fingers. But to be honest, I wasn't looking forward to the driving distance each day. And would working there be the same as working where I worked? Well that no longer is of concern as I have one choice less.

Monday I am invited to an award event at my former company for a project I co-worked on (how nice of them to invite me!) So then I hope to be able to inform about my chances to return to the company.

If not I am going to accept the job offer that was done to me from this other organization. I know it is a luxury position and especially in this time of economic crisis. 

Ciao!

Ixis

Clarity?

Had my job interview yesterday. Did it go well? Well I think so, but I don't know. Even though we talked for an hour and a half, it is always guessing whether or not you fit in the profile the interviewers want you to fill. So we will see. I also talked to my former boss again yesterday. No clarity about whether or not there is a possibility to work there again. She learned that I found a vacancy in a different region in which the same company is also located and she wanted to put in a good word for me. Well that is terrific of course! But, this siting is 45 minutes away. I don't know if I want this, if I can do this. So I am already getting really nervous for something which isn't even decided yet. But because of the good words which are done for me, I feel this huge pressure. A pressure to live up to the expectations which have been created about me. I don't know if I can. And if I can and have to go work there. Will I like it? And what about the traveling time? Ugh... Thinking rationally about it, I feel such an idiot wining about this. I have no job and no income at the moment. In this time of crisis. So every chance I could possibly get, I should take with both hands and go for it. 

But what the brain says and what the heart says are two different things.

Ciao!

Ixis

Developments, developments... Job wise

2013 is five days old, and again my job hunt is at full blast. Several days ago I received a message from a former colleague who was informing about my job hunt, and outspoke that he and my other ex-colleauges hope to see me again soon. Well I for sure won't argue with that! So likewise. The same day I saw a vacancy at my former company for the same position. To be honest I already put it away as contract-wise positions with a temporary contract are not possible. But the same night a contact I know a bit longer, pointed the vacancy out to me, and made me notice that it was not a temporary position. So it is possible for me to apply for it! But, it's a position in a whole different city. And even though it is the same organization, it is a different region. And every region works differently. So do I want this? But on the other hand, it is about a permanent position. Choices, choices! What a position I am in. Am I really given an opportunity to choose? (Well let's not get ahead of ourselves, but it sure is looking that way).

This week I am also going to talk at a governmental organization who have a vacancy. I think I can almost say out loud that it is a true job interview and not just a 'talk'. I am also going to talk at a company working in the field of sickness absence and reintegration. A thing I (think I) love. 

Then again there is this gentleman at another organization saying they will be hiring in january, most likely for something in my field of expertise otherwise he wouldn't have contacted me. And then perhaps the possibility to get back to my former organization. 

Choices, choices... Even though it is a luxury position, I am really nervous. Where will I end up? And will I do the right thing? Will I choose right? Or don't I get a choice at all? What if all these possibilities don't work out. Then what?

Ciao!

Ixis

Wrapping presents and baking cake

It's windy outside, really windy and rainy. Not exactly how you picture the surroundings to be around Christmas. But hey, in the 24 years I have been around there have been like what, 2 maybe 3 white christmases? 

Did some final shopping for the christmas presents yesterday. They are all wrapped up now, and ready to be put under the three. Tomorrow, on christmas eve, my parents and my boyfriends parents are coming to visit. starters and main course is quite small and simple. Just little bites because in the two days after there will be enough food already. The desert however, not that simple. I am making my own tiramisu in little glasses. And now... I am baking a cake :)

Since I have all this spare time now, for the past three weeks. My boyfriend said he thought I would  have started baking already. But it may be that I won't have all this spare time much longer. Last week I was approached by someone in my network to talk about a possible job. Well the vacancy is there, inside the company at the moment. But because they expect that no one will be suitable for the job they already started to look outside the company. And that is were I came into the picture. How awesome is that! This networking thing really works in two ways! So in the second week of January an exploratory 'job interview' is planned :) If it works out and they find me suitable for the job, then what about my former company? If there is still an option to come back? The what? I don't know yet. Maybe let it be christmas first and let all this job hunt sink in a bit. Hopefully it will clear my head and then first of all, let's wait and see. Maybe they don't want me for the job and then all the worries are for nothing.

Ciao!

Ixis

Networking

Yesterday and the day before that I had two networking appointments (hope it is the correct English). Anyway, I went to two contacts I met at my former employer to talk about my wishes in a job, and whether or not they know some possibilities inside or outside of their company. I learned a lot from these meetings, but not yet very concrete plans were made (although, the second one may be a little more concrete). 

However, I realized that I still very much into my old employer. It is not strange I think as you know that the topic of going back there is discussed. Well, it is touched, but not for sure spoken out. The chain of contracts will break after a period of three months and one day. But nobody knows what the situation will be in three months. But knowing there is a slight possibility to go back to this job, the lovely colleagues, the very learn-friendly work environment, makes looking for a new job more difficult for me.

As I liked it there very much, I would love to get the chance of going back there. But who knows if this chance is still there after three months? I don't know what to do. I have to apply for jobs ofcourse, but what job do I really want? And then I have to start all over again in learning the people, the organization and my job.  Hope that time will bring the answers.

Ciao!

Ixis

Hired!!!

I'm hired!! Yesterday I had my very first job interview for my very first job after student life, and I'm hired! I'm soo happy, since it's a job in an organization in which I really wanted to work. It's the company for which I performed my master thesis. I can already start in 2,5 weeks so it's just great!

Ciao!

Ixis

D-Day

Tomorrow is my first job interview. I'm really nervous. Trying to get some good night sleep and be all fit an shiny tomorrow.

Ciao!
Ixis

Second Job Interview

Got another invitation! Next tuesday I'm invited for a second job interview! Real great, but really scary as I am to 'proof' myself. It are both good tests for me on how to present myself and show and explain in this limited time who I am and what I can bring into the company.

I'm already reading some frequently asked questions, studying the companies websites and all. But the real trick for me is to stay calm and relax and not stress out already 3 days before the first interview. Because that is my real test. I know I'm able to present myself quite well, but keeping control of the nerves and with that remembering everything I wanted to say is a whole different aspect.

Ciao!
Ixis

Job interview

Today I received an invitation for a job interview! Great news, but already slightly panicking.... My first serious job interview and not just for an internship or student job. Sh*t! I really want this job so preparation is the key. Getting familiar with the company, knowing my own strengths and weaknesses, thinking about the question why the should hire me, and not the candidate before me. Yes, I want this. I'm going to do it and leave a good impression! Hopefully it will do the job.

Ciao!

Ixis

Job Hunting

As I wrote earlier, I am graduated and have started my job hunt. Up until this week I still had some finishing to do with the research company for my master thesis. The final presentation, writing a Dutch summary and the interview for the company magazine for example. Last week was the closing week concerning this and my thesis was officially closed/ended. Then, I went to a governmental temporary employment agency to subscribe myself as a job seeker. Last wednesday I went there, but it turned out that no meeting was scheduled (even though I was told on the phone there would be), so I showed up for nothing. Argh! Next friday a new appointment is scheduled so hopefully it will help.

This week is just empty. There is nothing left to do for me concerning being a student, I wrote several job application letters, so now it's just waiting for an invitation or not. If not the search will start all over again. But my days now are just real empty. I'd love to keep up my blog writing, but I just don't have much inspiration. Cleaning the house, feeding and playing with the cat, playing some computer games, watching tv. It's nothing like the holiday's when I was still a student. Perhaps it only feels like a holiday when you know there is something waiting for you to get started on when you get back.

Ciao!

Ixis

Job hunting is scary

My job hunt has not really started yet, but I am searching the internet, the newspapers, linkedIn and stuff for vacancies or companies that I want to contact. But, I find it kind of scary. I'm not really an introvert person, but contacting these strangers and asking for a job does make me feel uncomfortable. Like nerves before a presentation, a first day meeting new people. How silly. It's scary because it's for the rest of my life. At least that's how it feels. One year ago my friend was in the same position and I was reassuring her that it's not for life. That a job can be temporary and that she is her own director. She took a temporary job and upcoming October she is starting a job she likes and has studied for. So now here I am, one year later. Graduated and ready to start the professional career. I'm worried that I will not find a job I studied for with my master's degree. That I'm stuck in a classical HR job which I don't want for all my life. Yes, I had doubts about whether or not I would be happy doing HRM work my entire life, for which I decided to do what I want in obtaining my master's degree. So I should stop the wining and go find myself a decent job which I will love, for which I'm trained and which is relatively close to home! :D  Ow my, and now I'm not even started yet.....

Ciao!

Ixis

Job application

I applied for a job today! Since my master thesis is almost finished and graduation will follow, I might as well start my job hunt already. For a few months I already keep track of interesting vacancies and companies which appeal to me, but today I seriously filled in a job application for a job in health sciences. The job opening seems really interesting and definitely something I would like doing! It's actually pretty exciting to see what it will bring! So fingers crossed.

Ciao!

Ixis

The black hole

Ok, metaphorically speaking then. Yesterday I wrote about my master thesis and that I'm almost finished. It's really great to be able to wrap up a six month project, but also a bit scary. Last year when I graduated from my bachelor, I had a nice two month holiday after which I knew I could start with my master. This year it's different. When I'm finished, it really is finished. Then I'm done as a student and ready to start a career. But what the f*ck am I supposed to do? I should know what I'm supposed to do as I have an education, but then I need to find a vacancy somewhere. I know what I want to do, but I guess it's not really possible with my studies. So I have to develop my career as it goes. But then I have to start somewhere. Then this black whole comes in. I always had a goal in my life. Finish secondary school, pass my first year of bachelor, finish bachelor, get admitted to master, finish master... but then what? When I'm done with this intensive year of university, it's not so obvious that I find a job in one or two months. All this free time! It's probably very nice in the beginning after the hectic year, but at a sudden point I think I want to do something again. Something that I studied for. Let's hope something comes on my way and which I'm really interested in and brings me a lot of opportunities. But then, life doesn't bring you anything. You have to go and get it!

Ciao!

Ixis