From our winter wonderland

We had a little snow.

This was definitely one of the biggest snows I've experienced in over 30 years in DC, and the biggest we've had in this house. Although the shoveling (and shoveling, and shoveling, and shoveling ...) has been a bit of a drag, it was absolutely beautiful waking up on Saturday to this snow-covered world. It started after 9 on Friday, and literally poured down until almost the same time the next day.

The Girl loves the stuff, so she's been going out, walking to friends' houses, helping with the shoveling. The Boy, on the other hand, is decidedly nonplussed; we forced him to help with the sidewalks, but other than that, he's avoided the stuff.

On the employment front: I am so done with this company. I had a terrific interview two weeks ago, the director wanted me for the position, put the paperwork into HR to process, and out of the blue (and without the knowledge of every single HR rep she and I have spoken to since then except the one handling this transfer) a "new rule" popped up that prevents employees from taking positions at lower pay grades. What they're saying is that since my division merged with the other one before Thanksgiving, the other division's rules now take precedence. They apparently have this rule, although no one has ever heard of it, and they forgot to let the rest of the HR department know about it.

I was angry, but then had an epiphany: Why the hell should I grovel for a job I don't really want when they are putting up so many roadblocks? I started envisioning dragging myself the 40 miles back to the office for the job I interviewed for, and although I believe the job and team would have been great, I realized I just don't want to go to that place anymore.

I've been spending a lot of time online looking for jobs, and there are some really good ones out there doing things I'd rather be doing. I have to believe ONE of them will come my way. Although I do believe workers in my age group aren't much wanted, I believe someone will look beyond that to my skills and experience. My severance package is really good, on top of that they're paying me through the end of the year, so I think I'm going to cast my fate to the winds and give it a shot. I need to do something I like for a change.

It's scary, no question about that, to leave behind an 18-year career at my age. But it's also exhiliarating to think that I could do something that uses a broader range of my skills while being less demoralizing. So, with thanks for all of your support so far, I ask you to keep the good thoughts coming!!

I hope you're all having a great holiday, whatever holiday you may celebrate! I really truly am.

A little update

I've been very quiet. Honestly, I'm turned so inward at the moment that I'm at risk for turning myself inside out.

First, on the job front: I had TWO interviews at my company last week. One director is working on the details, which I hope don't derail the possibility of my joining her team. I liked the work, and although it's a downgrade, it's better than the alternative. Plus, to be honest, the job itself is MUCH more interesting than what I've been doing, and I liked the manager I'll be working closely with a lot. In an effort to try to keep things like, I tried a little light humor, and he laughed out loud, several times. It would be really great to work with someone who laughs after the bunch I've been with the past two years.

Then, out of the blue, I got a call for another position, one I didn't apply for. HR apparently sent my resume, which wasn't even a match. But apparently the project management and operations experience in my background is something this team needs. They do audits of internal processes and organizations, and lack the operational skills I have in spades. So it's another possibility.

The Girl is home, came home Tuesday. It's been great having her here, she doesn't allow me to get too depressed. The Boy, in typical fashion, has told us that he'll be home Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, and will not pin it down. So I'll be ready for him today.

Thank you all for your emails and messages. Please keep everything crossed, and send good thoughts to the hiring managers!!