I applied for a program coordinator position at a non-profit
organization that is literally 4 blocks from my house. I submitted my
application, then contacted the HR director via LinkedIn to introduce myself
and make sure she received my application. I honestly think it was a great move
to director her to see what I’m about.
I went to the interview on a Wednesday. I prepped the night
before by brushing up on key facts about the organization and going over what I
would say about myself. I could tell they were impressed. They even mentioned
that they just posted a volunteer coordinator position that they think I would
be qualified for, if I was interested. I received a call the next day asking my
permission to contact my current supervisor. I really appreciated that they
asked me first because she wasn’t aware that I was looking into this new
position. I had a quick chat with her about expecting their call and to my
surprise was extremely supportive.
I got a call on Friday that I didn't get the program coordinator
position, but they wanted me to come in for interview for the volunteer
coordinator position the following Tuesday. I went not feeling
completely in love with the position, but after hearing more about it I was
interested. I received a call Wednesday saying that they wanted to offer me a
position, but it wasn't going to be what I was expecting. They wanted to offer
me the first position because their original choice declined. I accepted and we
set my start date for 2/25/13.
I was excited, but didn't want to tell my employer yet
because I wanted to live off of the high and wasn't ready to deal with everyone
knowing I was leaving, wrapping up loose ends and answering questions. My plan
was to wait until Monday to give my two weeks notice.
I received a little feedback about being second choice, but
I didn’t care, I was just happy to have an offer and the chance to move one
step closer to my career goals. The organization has a fairly good reputation
for being a great non-profit to work for with exceptional benefits and I could
walk to work. I was excited!
Friday I received a call from the HR director saying that
she hated to tell me, but the position was being placed on hold for a month
while the executives reviewed whether they actually needed the position. I was
disappointed, but still had hope that they would realize they needed it. I was
also really grateful that I hadn't put in my 2 weeks yet and that they told me
this lovely info before I was actually in the position.
I followed up this Monday, the day I was supposed to start,
and got the final answer. They have decided to shift responsibilities around
among the current staff.
I noticed something really odd after I was offered the
position. I was feeling really sentimental and attached to my current place of
employment. I've spent three years learning about the trucking industry and realized
it was probably something I would never dabble in again. The day after I was offered the position my
department had a mini field trip to the new coffee shop across the street and
it hit me that I was going to be leaving these people, and that I actually
really do like them. I am in no way against change. I love it, so my sights
were set on the new experiences. After all of this I’m okay where I’m at. Thankfully I don’t wake up dreading work and my job allows a lot of
flexibility.
I change my mind daily about whether I should keep looking
or just take advantage of the comfort and flexibility my job offers as I finish
my masters degree and focus on Arriba Latinas, a mentoring program I’m building
with two other amazing ladies.
