job 200: Program Assistant IV, Graduate Admissions and Asian Studies @ university of san francisco

What a milestone! I am up to job #200! Of course, I am not sure that this really is such a wonderful milestone, since what I'd really like is to simply land something full-time with benefits, and I feel like I've been treading water for a while now. But still -- "200" is a milestone, and darnit, I'm going to celebrate it, despite the fact that,  there are certainly strong arguments to be made that it's actually quite pathetic.

But here's what I am going to celebrate:
1. I've stuck with this  Pandora Approach plan through 200 job applications now! That is impressive in a certain sense... kinda like the artist who nails 1,000 bags of dirt to the wall. A bag of dirt is just a bag of dirt. But 1,000 bags of dirt? That's something. And so I can take some small degree of pleasure in the fact that despite the repeated negativity of being rejected time and time and time again, I ain't giving up. (I know, I wrote, "ain't." That's to indicate my toughness and doggedness.")
2. I also want to celebrate all those who have been so supportive of this humiliating quest; from comments, to suggestions, to resume revisions, to lending me job hunting books, to asking around on my behalf, and more, I am deeply and profoundly appreciative of all that support. Thank you.
3. I am going to celebrate the THREE call-backs/interviews I have gone through so far. I 1.5% phone call/interview success rate is not particularly impressive, but I'll take what I can get. One was a solar power company that wanted me to do sales. But after talking to the guy, I realized that this was NOT a good fit -- for them or me. Panera sounded promising, but I don't think I can raise a family on $22,000/year. And finally, the after-school program -- it's not much money, but it is good benefits. So that's something to consider. Of course, they're still reviewing candidates, but I had two interviews with them -- that's a good sign, right?!

And so, it is with a celebratory attitude that I announce my 200th job application since starting this blog. "Program Assistant IV" doesn't sound like a sexy title, but you know what? The University of San Francisco does good work, pays a good wage, offers excellent benefits, and a job there would allow me to pursue a doctorate in Education or go to law school and work to further human rights around the world. If I were lucky enough to land this position, I would be over the moon! So here's to hoping, and here's to you, dear reader, who has been so supportive, and here's to you, job seeker, if you and I have that in common: don't give up!

Finally, this: Thank you.

Job #1. Application: Delivered!

"Dude," you might be saying to yourself. "It's only an application. What are you so excited?"

To which I would reply, "There's enough negativity in the world already -- dropping off a completed application and having HR tell me it's complete is a good enough reason for me to celebrate!"

And speaking of HR, I can report that I interacted with three Ohlone HR people this morning -- and they were great! I have had some unpleasant encounters HR people in the past, and I know a lot of other people have, too (Dilbert, for example). But these folks? They're great!