Motivated

5:37pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Dublin, California, USA, Wednesday night, October 19, 2022. Yesterday, a current co-worker I knew from a previous job texted me to say my supervisor was complimentary of me. He shared her exact words were she wished she had several more employees like me. It was nice to hear that. Even though I just started with this company (2 months) it seems like a good fit. I am valued for the work I do and feel motivated to put forth my best effort.

First day of new job

6:46pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Rancho Mirage, California, Monday evening, August 15, 2022. First day of the new job. Things went amazingly well. So much of the hardware and software are similar to what we used in my past job. That will make getting up and running efficient. I spend the rest of the week here (Palm Desert) then shadow other directors before taking my first assignment the beginning of September.

Nervousness

3:29pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Dana Point, California, USA, Saturday afternoon, August 13, 2022. On the way to Orange County this morning I exited in Palm Desert to find the office I will go to Monday. It is literally within walking distance of the hotel I always stop at between Chandler and Dana Point. I am glad I will be starting this new job in such familiar surroundings. It reduces my pre-job nervousness.

Excited to get started

5:03pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Thursday evening, August 11, 2022. Had a good conversation with the hiring manager for my new position this morning. I will begin training in Palm Desert, California on Monday and probably spend the first week or two there. Then I will likely be assigned somewhere in Northern California. I was excited to learn Monday and Friday are considered travel days, which makes things infinitely easier on me and my family. This opportunity is turning out to be a true blessing. I am excited to get started.

Relief

4:25pm, pacific standard time, apartment, Chandler, Arizona, USA, Monday afternoon, August 1, 2022. Completed my in-person CPR training this afternoon and subsequently, all the onboarding tasks for my new position. Next step is to coordinate an orientation schedule with the hiring manager. This gives me a sense of relief. It is starting to feel more real. I look forward to the 15th and getting back to work.

Potential for a bright future

5:05pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Friday evening, July 22, 2022. There has been minimal response to my “truck for sale” ad so I drove to a dealer for an offer. It came in pretty low. Nonetheless, I think I am going to take it. My goal is not having to register and insure the truck any more, rather than make money. On a professional note; I was offered the Executive Director Specialist role. Not only is it a better job but, the base pay and bonus potential is higher. Things are moving fast in my world, with lots of potential for a bright future.

Owe it

4:42pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Tuesday afternoon, July 19, 2022. Had a second interview this morning for the specialist position in California. It seemed to go really well. They are going to make a hiring decision at the end of this week. If I am chosen that gives me enough time to inform the Rancho Cucamonga group I changed my mind. I don’t like going back on my commitment but, the specialist job is better on many levels; financially, personally and professionally. I owe it to my family and myself to move forward if given the opportunity.

No more interviews

6:20pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Friday evening, July, 8, 2022. I was offered the Area Director position in Rancho Cucamonga today and I accepted. The start date will be the first part of August. In the end, I received a better title, more responsibility and a fairly significant pay increase. And I get to move closer to home. However, the process was more frustrating and humbling than I anticipated. Right now I feel excited about new possibilities but also exhausted. I think I will go to bed really tonight. Thank god I do not have to do any more job interviews.

Car care

6:39pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Wednesday evening, July 6, 2022. Today was about car care; got the chips in my windshield fixed, the brakes replaced and the air filters changed out. Now the car is road ready for the next couple months. On the work front; no word on the two jobs in California . Although, a recruiter did call regarding a sales position in the Los Angeles, California market. I am not sure it is the job for me but I am willing to be open minded.

Long-term

6:08pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Tuesday evening, July 5, 2022. Dropped my daughter off at school this morning then did a second interview with the Rancho Cucamonga group before hitting the road. Both interviews with that group have gone extremely well. Hopefully we move forward together. I did not hear from the Riverside company nor the recruiter today. That is probably for the best. All weekend I dreaded the thought of taking that job. My next decision is important. I want to stay wherever I choose through my daughters high school years. The Riverside situation did not feel very long-term.