Transitioning at work and in all of my life

[Danya (imported)]

Hi Danya...I must commend you on your stick-to-itiveness (if that's a word).

I'm glad I don't have to go through what you are... It's so good to see you have attracted a man who obviously wants to be with you...You left a fill in the blank space in your last message...It would be interesting to know what that was? smooches dragonfly

Hi Butterflyjack,

I appreciate your commendation!

I can assure you, sir, that I have many fine qualities that would be attractive to many men.

What part of my life is that you would not want to go through? It is true that some things are difficult right now. As I was telling 'X' this evening, despite all that my life continues to get better.

I also told 'X' that I am quite happy by myself. That I do not need a man to feel complete. Still, having the right man in my life would be wonderful. He may or may not be that man. We both understand that we are taking time to learn about each other. Intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and....that other way.

A lady does not kiss and tell. At least not on a public forum. Anyway, this whole thing with 'X' came out of the blue. I wasn't looking for it but it is very nice. At least for now.

We went to the Chicago Botanic Garden late in the day. As we were getting out of the car, I said "I think I'll leave my camera behind." This won't sound like a big deal to most, but for me it was a major concession. I did not want picture taking to interfere with our time together. Several times, I regretted not having my camera. Like when I could have gotten a great shot of a Baltimore oriole. Or a very nice photo of a Zen garden set in a quiet corner of the expansive Japanese garden. In the end, I was glad I did not have the camera.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

I just called the recruiter handling the contract job for the health care company. She had spoken with the hiring manager this morning, who said they decided their business needs had changed. I think this means they had not fully defined their business needs when I interviewed with them. The manager emphatically stated, however, that he was very impressed with my qualifications and the way I aced the interview. He will keep me in mind for future openings. The recruiter thanked me for my excellent preparation and reminded me that there are new contract openings with this company that come available frequently. She will also submit me for contract opportunities with other companies.

In some ways, I am relieved that I was not offered this job. I certainly want to be working ASAP, but I am hopeful a contract to hire or direct hire opportunity will be offered to me before long.

I have a phone interview this afternoon for a permanent position with a well known department store. Monday, I have a phone

interview for a permanent position

with a consulting company.

[Danya (imported)]

If something more promising does not happen with my job search soon, say within two weeks, I will start investigating different career paths in addition to a possible move. I will not give up trying for the jobs I really want, but I need to get on with my life. I'm also tired of being on unemployment and I enjoy being out working. I can do quite well on less money than I am used to making, although I do not think I will be nearly as happy at a less demanding job.

On the other hand, a different type of job could give me more time to pursue teaching evenings as an adjunct professor and also to become staff organist at a local church. Both of these jobs would provide extra income and I enjoy them.

One of the things the unemployed worker counselors in Minnesota emphasized was the possible need to put together a career made up of more than one job.

I will still plan for GRS while all this is going on.

[John (imported)]

On the other hand, a different type of job could give me more time to pursue teaching evenings as an adjunct professor and also to become staff organist at a local church. Both of these jobs would provide extra income and I enjoy them.

.

Hi my friend!

Not even having heard you play the organ, why not widen your applications to that of an organist aswell?

Greetings

John

Congratulations by the way as your thread passed 1000 entries!

[butterflyjack (imported)]

Hi Danya...What I meant was, I would find it very difficult to be going through this job search that you're undergoing...And I can see very well what a man would see in you...I see it...smooches dragonfly

[Danya (imported)]

Hi Danya...What I meant was, I would find it very difficult to be going through this job search that you're undergoing...And I can see very well what a man would see in you...I see it...smooches dragonfly

Hi ButterflyJack,

I am not sure if you are signing off your notes as 'dragonfly' or you are referring to me that way. Regardless, I appreciate your comments.

For the most part, I passed the stage of wondering if I would ever find good work again months ago. This is a common, and understanable, issue for many unemployed folks in this economy. Very occasionally, this thought still haunts me but I do not allow myself to dwell on it long. It is counter productive. I have every reason to believe I will find a good opportunity. This is not merely my own wishful thinking, but what unemployment counselors tell me. They base this on my experience, education, confidence in myself and similar things.

I do not sit around moping about my situation. Rather, I am still enjoying life and actively participating. By regularly getting out to see the sights, keeping up with my photography, taking long walks, spending time with friends and now dating. I am also proceeding with electrolysis and plans for GRS, despite being unemployed. Somehow, I have always gotten things to work out before and I will this time, too. I may not have found the exact way to do that, yet. But I will.

Thank you very much for your kind remarks on what you see in me.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

OK, I still do not have a job although I have been looking in the Chicago area for less than 2 1/2 months. After nearly 10 months of unemployment, I want to develop more specific options for finding meaningful work. While I continue my usual job search.

I still prefer to stay right here in the Chicago area. That may not be my best option when I can easily move someplace else. If it makes sense to do so.

I was just interrupted by a recruiter calling about a job in Massachusetts. She did not speak English well and I do not think she knew what her client really wants. I think I would have been a good fit from the little I heard, but she hung up. All because of a language barrier. C'est la vie! Or, so geht das Leben. Then again, quello che sara, sara. Whatever!

Now I am considering moving to an area I would enjoy that has significantly lower unemployment and a higher demand for what I do. If such places exist. I think there are several that would do nicely. While I am getting more activity on my resume here than in Minnesota, and I had good reasons for moving here that have not changed, things are still difficult. I realize things are not easy anywhere. Yet there are places that look more promising on the job front.

I am talking about moving on my own without a job at the other end, if neccesary. Again. This would have little effect on my finances. I now live simply and could move everything I own in my little Ford Focus station wagon. I am entirely on my own on this life journey, which is very freeing.

I have no desire to move every few months in search of work, so I am looking at

the possibility of another move

with a very skeptical eye.

I check the Minnesota job ads occasionally and, while the Twin Cities unemployment rate is significantly lower than Chicago's, I find nothing to indicate I would be doing any better had I remained there.

Despite my Minnesota unemployment counselor's advice that I not settle for something less than what my background qualifies me for, I cannot continue proceeding as I am without options. Having choices increases my freedom to do what I must.

I will talk to additional recruiters about local job possibilities. I will also ask for advice on areas of the country where I would likely land a job more quickly.

A move is not my only option. I am still developing others.

[Danya (imported)]

OK, I still do not have a job although I have been looking in the Chicago area for less than 2 1/2 months. After nearly 10 months of unemployment, I want to develop more specific options for finding meaningful work. While I continue my usual job search.

I still prefer to stay right here in the Chicago area. That may not be my best option when I can easily move someplace else. If it makes sense to do so.

I am talking about moving on my own without a job at the other end, if neccesary. Again. This would have little effect on my finances. I now live simply and could move everything I own in my little Ford Focus station wagon. I am entirely on my own on this life journey, which is very freeing.

I have no desire to move every few months in search of work, so I am looking at

the possibility of another move

with a very skeptical eye.

When I finished my Masters degree, a very long time ago, the economy was also in a recession. Of course, that recession was not nearly as severe as the current one. I was recently married and we were living on the east coast.

After looking for work for months with no luck, we decided to move to an area that was doing well. I found a full-time, permanent job in our new location within six weeks. So moving to a new location without a job offer is in my genes!

I do not believe things would be this easy wherever I might move. Nonetheless, I am taking this possiblitity much more seriously.

I just finished some preliminary research and will look at other information sources. I may well get a job here and soon. If that does not happen, I will have a clear picutre of options.

A week or two ago, I created a list of possible cities for relocation. I am gathering more complete information on the current economy and outlooks for these and other cities so I can prepare a better list.

[Danya (imported)]

Hi my friend!

Not even having heard you play the organ, why not widen your applications to that of an organist aswell?

Greetings

John

Congratulations by the way as your thread passed 1000 entries!

Hi John,

When I am able to, I will apply for organist positions. Right now, my electrologist sees me on Sundays to work on removing the facial 'stuff' that I do not want. She may be able to accomdate me on afternoons.

Thanks for the congratulations.

Hugs,

Danya

[Danya (imported)]

I had a wonderful time last night with Erica Ann and her spouse. We went to an Italian restaurant

to celebrate the two-year

anniversary of my work transition

to Danya.

Things are going remarkably well with 'X.' We are very different in many ways, but he is kind, considerate and gentle. He is also very practical in his life outlook. Erica Ann's spouse let me in on the news that this is quite typical for men.

We spent much of today downtown and then ate at a small all-American type diner on the outskirts of the city.

I spent a lot of time simply taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Chicago, while enjoying 'X's' company. Because I want to form a strong memory of this place in case I decide to leave.

I expect to decide by mid-June whether to remain in the Chicago area. My decision will be based on how well things are going here and a comparison of other urban centers based on local economic conditions, demand for my various skill sets, predicted trends for the future and the desirability of the area.

I love it here, but I have requirements for a new job. Like being able to get one and benefits. If I decide to move, I will likely go at the end of June.

All of this planning will become unimportant if I am offered a job soon. There are several possibilities in the works.

Moving is not the only option I am considering to increase my chances of landing a job soon.