Back to the grind

Well, we are regaining some semblance of routine after the holidays. We spent Christmas day at home, then drove off to my parents'. My parents, especially my dad, are not so energetic anymore and have let their possessions take over their house. Between my brother's family and ours we took what may be tons of stuff to the dump and recycling. Hoarding: Buried Alive served as inspiration. By the way, we also discovered Amish Mafia (so great!).

Now I am back in the swing of things and this job hunting is rough. I've had a few phone screens so far and am beginning to rethink my job expectations. After an interview I thought went well, I was told that my salary expectations were too high. Say what? I did say I was willing to negotiate, so what gives? I believe there was probably something about me that the hiring manager just didn't take to and used that number I put on the online application to not move ahead with me. So two lessons learned: 1) put the absolute minimum number to make it through the filters, 2) air out any concerns during the interview.

I guess I should just chock it up to fate, that this just wasn't meant to be. Would I really have been happy working for this manager and he happy with me? It is worth stating again that 80% of jobs are supposedly got by networking. By the time most jobs have made it to posting, there is already an inside candidate.

I am diligently looking for openings, applying online, looking for contacts at these companies and networking. I'm not sure which is more difficult, networking or applying anymore. Networking certainly provides more ups and downs. Some acquaintances get back to me right away, others, never. The most frustrating are those I know indirectly (friend of a friend type of thing) who agree to speak, but are too busy, want to schedule, then don't get back to me. I am more aggressive in simply calling, but I hate feeling like this is a one-sided conversation.

Yesterday, I received notice of several no-go's on a number of fronts and was feeling beaten. Thankfully, I joined a women's business association earlier and registered to go to an event last night. I couldn't miss this thing after paying all that money and I am so glad I did. I have never been to a meeting with so many helpful, friendly people. While nothing has materialized yet, it gives me hope.

That said, this experience is showing me that I absolutely must be researching small business opportunities, not just researching, but working on them with real conviction. If I don't start doing now, I will remain just a dreamer.