Good Fortunes

Sometimes I'm not sure whether my luck is good, or if I'm just prone to being overwhelmed. It seems that whenever I really try to make a mark in the real world that regular people live in, it completely blows me out of the water. For instance: a few weeks ago, I sent out about 50 resumes. They were the most professional, real-world, catch-phrase-packed, self-promoting resumes I have ever sent. If you have ever hunted for a job, you know that you can expect to hear back from about 1 percent of the people who receive one. The wierd thing is that I have had an *onslaught* of phone calls on them, with interviews and offers and stuff. I never expected it, and really wasn't ready for this sort of backlash. I just went to my 5th interview in 3 days. I can't even keep straight which companies are which anymore.

The wierdest thing is that the people who are calling me are all information systems or information technology jobs, when for the last two years I have been trying to be a desktop publisher. The fellow who interviewed me yesterday said it was because I wrote something inspiring on my resume. I looked it up, and this is what it said:

"Practiced in the art of removing technobabble from the atmosphere."

Now first of all, I can't believe I was such a smart-ass as to put that on my resume. While it is true that it was one of my previous job functions, it certainly doesn't sound very professional! The strangest thing is that all these people are calling me about the one *kooky* thing on my resume. Forget all my actual qualifications - I guess it's just important that my resume gave them a good laugh.

Not that I'm complaining. Apparently that guy wants to make me an offer, which I am not knocking. This is the holiday season, and not a good time to be strapped for cash.

Now the question is, since I've been unexpectedly inundated, what do I choose for myself? I honestly expected I would have to settle for the first job someone was kind enough to throw my way. For the first time in my life, it looks like it will be up to me to *pick* the best course for myself. Here are my choices as they stand: There's a job for the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, being a secretary, which basically utilizes none of my desktop publishing skills, which I interviewed for today. Of course, that position offers me the best benefits in the state, plus *free college tuition*. How do you turn that down? Then there is the Michigan Public Health Institute, another company that wants me to remove technobabble from their workplace. Unfortunately, they also want me to do budget accounting for 5 projects, set up & run meetings, and answer to 6 different bosses, while travelling to certify health professionals throughout the state. It's a completely frighening and undefined job. But the pay is really good, and the benefits are second only to MSU's. The guy who wants to make me an offer today works for a company that produces and ships mass-mailing peices. You know: junk mail. How uninspiring can you get? They also pay really well, but would want me to prove myself in a really boring computer-operator job before I could do anything. All the people who work there are entrepreneurs, and you have to just duke it out and make a niche for yourself. I'm not sure how I feel about that. And I know nothing about their benefits, because the guy who interviewed me is a disabled ex-marine who is insured by the government for life, or something.

Augh. It never rains but when it pours.

Auditions for Bus Stop in Bath were last night and the night before. I think I was going to be cast in the role I wanted (Cherie) but now I'm not so sure. I have the disadvantage of sleeping with the director. Believe me, it's in no way helpful. What it really means is that he knows every bad thing I have ever done, and holds it all against me, and has trouble thinking of the good things I have occasionally done. So I get to try to overcome all of that instead of just getting a clean shot at the audition. I also think he expects more from me than anyone else, and then gets disappointed when I don't exceed his expectations. Anyone who thinks being close to the director is a benefit deserves a good dose of reality.

Anyway, I really didn't have much competition for the part the last two nights, because the female turnout wasn't really that good. Auditions were supposed to be over, but at the last minute, two other women called who wanted to try out for that part. One of them is a drama teacher, and I know she will be tough competition, not to mention that the director would probably rather cast her, because he doesn't want to look like he gives me preferential treatment, and he has cast me in shows in the past. People have already accused him of having favoritism for me.

They are really full of hooey. I have been cast in lots of parts by other directors, not to mention that knowing this particular person closely is more a hinderance than a help. I guess I will just try as hard as I can tonight, and kick some butt. It's going to have to be a crystal-clear, obvious choice for him to make. *sigh* Wish Me LUCK!