More Job Searching

So, ok, I got a call back for another interview right after I posted that last one...the interview was today and it has me left all confused. It was a short interview, and in my experience the shorter the worse. It has me all worried because she didnt really ask to many questions about me, just if I was ok with crass humor every now and again, and then she told me about the company, how much I would be paid, what the best way to get there is, where I would be sitting, all that.

I guess I'm up against two other people, one of them is an LA type...totally girly girl.

But it was a really short interview. How can she know who to pick out of three people in 15 minutes. Why did they make me drive 40 minutes for a 15 minute interview.

word is I get 28,000 a year for answering phones. Word is that the company is looking to expand into the music realm with concerts and what not. That puts me a leg up. Also, I was interviewed first today....does that mean anything? I bet you most people applying for the job dont have a degree yet, bet there college kids. Bet that means better for me. For some reason I feel like I do have a chance...but I'm gunna be driving everyone crazy until Tuesday when they tell me what's up.

Oh crap...gotta go

The Job Search

So, for those of you that know me well enough know that I hate not having a job. Not that I hate not working, or time off, or even that I am an workaholic or anything... but not having a job or school...or a structure of some kind really bugs me. I need something to do that shows some kind of progress or accomplishment. I need something solid to plan the rest of my life around or the options just become too much for me.

So, it's not so crazy that I am already on the job search, and I have already had an interview. It was my only offer so far, but the prospects of this job are great.

Its for this company called improv (www.improv.com) and they have comedy clubs all over the country. Here in LA I guess they have five, and the woman who needs an assistant is in charge of booking one or several of them (I forget which one...there are two people in charge of booking and I know they share the job). Her assistant pretty much answers and screens phone calls, does some data entry...you know monkey work.

But for some reason the environment there seemed perfect for me. The first round interview wasn't an interview at all so much as it was a "this is what we do here...this is our culture...are you ok with that culture." What do I mean by "this is our culture?" Pretty much it involves cursing swearing and making lude jokes as necessary. Also dealing with pain in the ass agents, and negotiating booking contracts. Also wearing jeans and tee shirts. Did I mention cursing? Fuck yeah I did.

Also, it starts with two weeks paid vacation, and possibly (they did it in the past, might do it again when the time es around but no promises) a week off for Christmas and another holiday (I think he said thanksgiving...again I don't remember)

I forgot to ask about benefits at all.

Also, even though it is in LA it is in a pretty close part of LA...kinda Southwest in this little nitchie area that is in the middle of no where but has it's own little street with stuff and shopping and what have you.

I'm pretty sure free parking.

The one down side...it pays a little less than I hoped for. I wanted to start somewhere around 30K. I figure if I were simply waitressing I would be making at least 600 a week. That's just a little over 100 a day for a 5 day work week. That equals 31200 (give or take). This job pays "at least 25,ooo...but some where close to that" is what I was told. That puts me at around 480 per week...which isn't terrible. What I am afraid of is the after taxes part. I guess out here taxes are a bitch. Supposedly Paul is making something like 32 or 35...but after taxes he makes less than 2000 a month...which sucks.

or he's just getting screwed.

but at least I don't have a car payment, and that will put me right around where a week worth of pay is how much I am paying for rent, and all of that. Plus, there is super growth potential I guess at this job. Also, I might make more money waitressing, but waitressing isn't getting me anywhere...this is. This is something that teaches me stuff so I can try to climb the ladder a little bit.

I really want this job...can you tell.

I was going to go around to the restaurants after my interview yesterday, since I was all dressed up and ready to go, but the interview went so well I didn't feel like it. I went there yesterday not really caring thinking I didn't even want that job because it was too far away, but after hearing all about it I was stoked.

I figure if I really need more money I can always fine a Friday and Saturday night cocktail waitressing gig somewhere. Hell...maybe even at one of the 5 venues this place has...and then I can get into it all even more like my interviewer (Eric I think was his name) said.

If this doesn't work out, then I will go around and do the restaurant tour. I will work for a bit and save up some money so Paul and I can get our place finally. Nana and Pa are nice...but I like to have my own rules and I need to have a place of my own.

I am really grateful to them though, for how nice they are being to Paul and I. They are really helping us out, and going above and beyond just being decent and helping us get on our feet. They take us out, are helping Paul with his car, and understand that he has some shit on his shoulders right now.

Its great that he finally has some people that are there for him "no matter what" like, and don't ask of any thing in return other than respect and what not.

Were heading down to Mexico this weekend I guess. I am supposed to hear from this job by Thursday. If I don't then I wont...so I will let you all know how it goes at a later date...job Mexico and all of it.

hasta luego

Dry

Oh so dry. If any one has ever seen the movie Big Fish, you know how the guy is always in the water and drinking the water because he feels dry. Well...now I know what he means. I bathe in skin moisturizer. The temperature here is about the same as it was in Chicago, but the lack of the humidity makes it almost pleasant. But my skin itches and I cant seem to drink enough water. DRY DRY DRY.

Otherwise, things are going well. I have an interview in LA tomorrow. Levity Entertainment. From what I can tell it is a tallent agency for mostly improv and comedians and what not. I need to get an impressive interview outfit but don't know how dressy I need to get. In Chicago you needed to be dressy, but out here every one is so laid back and "whatever dude" that I don't know what to do with myself really. Originally when this time came I was going to hijack Paul's sister who is all into fashion and what not to make her go shopping with me and you know, dress me. But her and I are on iffy terms now after that fight, so I guess that is out the window.

I'll let you all know how the interview goes on Monday. I don't know if I should take the job if I get it, as it will be the first thing and who's to know if I could do better or not, right? I guess if I like it it should be cool.

I made it

Well...I'm here. We made it in like 30 hours (drove straight through) and that included a few hours at the end of traffic, and then a very long scenic drive through the mountains to dodge the traffic.

All in my new car. Maroon 2005 Pontiac Grand Am. So much for getting away from that color. I love my car. It's kind of a boat compaired to what I was driving before, but I enjoy it and we fit so much stuff in there.

The week in Michigan was differet. There was a lot of introspection, and thinking about why I am who I am, because of my parents and all that stuff. I havent spent that much time with them in quite a while. It was a good time.

I also spent a minute with the ex, talking about where our lives have gone and what not. I really am such a different person than I was then. I am much stronger now and all that.

Now comes the hard part. Finding a job and an apartment and all that. Feeling weird among a new group of people, but this side of Paul's family, to me anyway, is easier to get mesh with.

Well...I am off to play with some kids now. I will talk more about all that later, just thought I should send an update out there before I forget.