The Summer of Unemployment Comes to an End

I know summer doesn't officially end until September 20-something, but I made my peace with the season over the last 7 days. And now, as I get ready to start life as a 20-something of my own, I think this pivotal week deserves a review.

It's a little bit ironic, you know. I was starting to think I was never going to find a job. You know that Train song? "Calling All Angels"? Where the guy starts out by shouting, "I NEED A SIGN!" I'd been looking for a sign all summer, something that could re-assure me that I wasn't a freak and that I'd find a job soon.

But at the same time, I was really beginning to like my life as an unemployed, beach dwelling, restaurant-only eating, responsibility-free college graduate.

But then I realized there's a name for people like that: trust fund babies.

And that's not me.

























So after a summer's worth of job interviews and uncertainty, I am finally a member of the gainfully employed. And what a relief, because if this went on any longer, I'd have to dip into the trust fund.

Looking for a job is hard work. I spent so many days this summer scanning the job postings of Craigslist, CareerBuilder, Monster, Media Bistro, Entertainment Jobs, sending out cover letter + resume after cover letter + resume.

In the beginning, I got a few interviews, and was quick to get my hopes up. I had my first interview at Hungry Man and THAT was my job. Then I interviewed with 21c, Rubenstein, Creative Group, Gilla Roos, and more, and I planned on getting all of them. Turns out getting a job isn't as easy as getting an interview. It also turns out you can't get a job just by BEING easy either. Some HR people don't like that, I learned.

In the end, I replied to an ad for a marketing position at a boutique fashion agency that represents stylists and the like, and I just had a feeling, a hunch, that this would be good. My first interview took place at a cafe in Chelsea, with the head of the agency. We talked for about a half hour about my resume, and about the position. It went well, and he told me to expect a second interview sometime near the end of the month.

Last weekend, I made the first trip up to Boston since leaving in May. I stayed at Maura's place and spent the weekend visiting with Karen, Kevin, Kara, and other people whose names start with a K, among other letters.



























It was strange being back by BU. As comfortable as I was walking around my old neighborhood, I felt out of place. I went to bars expecting to know so many people, but it was a lot of new faces. Here I thought I OWNED this town, but then I remembered I'm not a tool, and only tools say stuff like that.

It was a very relaxing weekend, and I'm glad I got to catch up with so many people. It made me look forward to going up to visit every once in a while, but at the same time, confident in my decision not to seek employment up there. Sometimes, you just have a hunch about what's right for yourself, even if you can't find the words to express it out loud.

I took one last look around before getting in the car to take off, and in the street below me, I spotted a sign:














With that, I knew everything was going to be just fine. I'm not stupid or ugly. This sign was obviously false.

And that's the truth isn't it. Signs and hunches are completely different. Signs come from anywhere, and can be easily misinterpreted. That's how psychics make money. People go in looking for a sign, and will find a way to somehow relate to anything broad they might say. Hunches we create for ourselves, because sometimes we just know.

A few days ago, I went back in for a second interview at the fashion agency, to meet with the other agents in the office. And while sitting on the bus on my way home from the interview, I got the call. They were making me an offer, and I was going to take it.

So now I have a job, although I haven't started yet. I'll let you know when I do though, and will keep you posted on everything as it happens. I know nothing is certain, but I have a feeling this is going to be a really great opportunity.

I don't know, it's just a hunch.


-evan

Having Your Own Place is GREAT!

Over the last 2 weeks, I have come to realize how great having your own place really is.

I have to apologize for taking so long to write, but things in my life have just been changing so rapidly, it's nearly impossible for anyone to even consider trying to keep up. So don't. I mean, living situation, jobs, traveling... it's been one hell of a summer. But I figured I would try and update everyone on my current "status", since some people won't leave me alone with the inquiries.

So here goes... try and stay with me.

OK let's start with the living situation. I didn't ACTUALLY get my own place, but I did move to New York after graduation. Well, not technically New York, it's a little bit outside the city really. It's kind of like New Jersey. And I'm not on my own, fully. I sort of have these 2 roommates. They're cool. They stay pretty quiet, have full time jobs, and go to sleep relatively early.

The girl is great, she takes care of the laundry and stuff like that, which is a RARE find these days. Sometimes she gets on me about "bringing in the mail" or "clearing my plate", but you know, it's a give and take. That's what comes along with roommates I guess.

The guy is cool, too. He has a home office and a car he lets me use whenever I want. Honestly, I don't think I could have asked for better roommates. They're in their 50s, drink a lot of wine, and have been married for almost 32 years. Here's a pic of us from a few weeks ago, at a party they threw me for graduation:















My job has been really awful lately, mostly because, I don't have one. So I've been really busy with no-work-related things like taking clients to the beach, buying "supplies" for myself, BBQ-ing with colleagues, and running errands for my roommates. I don't mind. I mean someone has to order and pick up lunch, right?



























And that's why, in case you were wondering, why I haven't had time to write in this too often. Because I mean, when the work week is through, and my roommates head to their beach house, all I want to do is kick back and relax, you know? Is that so much to ask of the weekend?

So when the clock hits 5 on Friday afternoon, it is BAM! Party time. And if you thought college kids knew how to party, let me show you a little bit of what college graduates do on weekends:








































Eating pizza, brushing teeth, Corey in a speedo...It's a non-stop crazyfest, every Saturday and Sunday. That's just how we unwind, you know? Because once Monday rolls around, it's back to the shirt and tie, daily grind, cubicle life.







































So I really feel like things are happening for me. And what a relief because that's what being a college graduate is all about. Making moves. And trust me, I am! I have this great place with 2 roommates who, let's be honest, I genuinely love.

It can get a little complicated though, because since I'm not really working, my roommates are trying to prep me for the real world. Kind of like training, I guess, for future employment opportunities. Using office jargon, acting like my superiors, stuff like that. Like tonight, for example, Carol (who HATES it when I call her that...) said that if I finish all of my projects for the week (which she hilariously called "chores"), she'll increase my expense account.

Two quick announcements before I finish up. First off...this one is a little embarrassing actually...but I finally got to second base with Jaimie (but also with anyone :(.















I know that's probably hard to believe, but I wanted it to happen with someone special, you know?

And finally, I just want to give a shout-out to my friend Kim...















...who just entered rehab. We're all pulling for you!




Check back soon. Peace out readers.

Evan