Just so you know... 2

[bluerain]

Well, my previous thread got locked out.

Karen to answer your questions, I dont know if there are really that many, it probably is including jobs in the Anchorage area, but within 50 miles is probably a stretch. But I guess that its possible because USA jobs is all federal jobs. I would even recommend taking a job that is a little less than you would like ideally, spending time as a gov. employee and working your way up through the GS ranks is a good way to sort of get your foot in the door. Its a beautiful place, I absolutely love it here. You kids will see things that they would never be able to see anyplace else. A little chilly, but I just invest in some good long underwear! Its a much slower pace of life then I notice in a lot of other places, and the people here are sweet. Alot of them are old hippies. Homer itself is kind of an artsy hippie town. And we have the guys from deadliest catch here! Not that I have very many good things to say about them... Go look at my facebook or myspace, I have lots of pictures. And the refuge is a really neat place to work. Everyone there is very dedicated and loves their jobs. Anchorage has tons of stuff to do, all kinds of parks and museums and still lots of wildlife. Warning, Kodiak is an island, I dont know if you saw jobs for there, but I think that its important for you to know that its not a very big town, and its on an island. And the male-female ratio here is 4:1, I used to tell a joke on my tours that the odds are good, but the goods are odd!

I am getting ready to drive to the city today for my interview. I know a woman who works for this company and she thinks that I have a pretty good chance.

So for everyone who didnt get a chance to check out the last post in my other thread, I have been offered an interview for an excellent position... so wish me luck! I was alittle scared about telling my boss why I was going to have to miss work tomorrow, but he was really cool about it. He told me that he wishes me luck, and this is a really good opportunity. He must understand that this isnt a chance that I can pass up!

[orangedog]

let me know in the alt if you want to get a coffee after the interview.

[bluerain]

My interview went really well! I showed up early enough today that he could fit me in. It was about an hour long, and they want me to come back tomorrow for another interview with the actual big bosses! The guy even called me later and said that he was confident that I would leave tomorrow with a job offer!!!

Odog, if I have time I will certainly!

[bluerain]

Wow, it was nasty weather in the city so I decided that I wanted to start my drive through the mtns early, and Im glad I did. Usually takes me about 3.5 hours, it took me almost 6 hours! The mountain passes were the worst I have ever seen! I tried to get home before it got dark, but I missed that!

I wont know for a few days about the job, but I think that they are planning on offering me a different job than I applied for. Its backbreaking work, and I dont think that its enough to pay my way in the city. Its a good foot in the door, and could be a track to the job that I really wanted. But if I stay here, I have work, and in March or April FWS wants me to come back if they get funding for the position again. So, I am just not sure what the right choice is.

Whew, Oh well, Im just glad to be home. Time for me to go to bed!

[orangedog]

Yes, it was awful weather yesterday. Glad you made it back safely.

As far as the job goes, now you've got some options you didn't have before. That's what it's all about.

--

I was talking to a friend today. He was really urging me to get out of this company and start on my own. I feel like I just need to pick a date and do it.

[bluerain]

Odog, do you think that it would be worthwhile for you to do it? I agree that you sometimes need to just force yourself to make the tough choices.

I think that Im going to take whatever they offer me, if anything. They said that there is an average of 20 hrs a week of overtime, more during the holidays. Im a little worried about counting on OT to pay the bills, but if thats true, I would be making enough to pay the bills. So if I can find a place to rent a room (with my dog) for a while, I can sort of feel it out before I really make the big commitment of totally moving.

It all remains to be seen I guess!

[orangedog]

I wrote more about this on my thread but yes, at some point I have to do it. I won't be 100% O'Dog if I don't.

Just be a little careful about depending too much on OT and bonuses; they are the first to go during tough times. That said, it's a start. From there you can either move up or move over to a different organization. Keep your eyes open and be ready to make a change if you need to.

A temporary move seems like a good idea before making a full commitment to selling a house and making a permanent move.

Anyway, take a little time on your decision.

I'll let others chime in.

[Flicka]

Hallo again, I keep admiring your practical attitude and good work ethic. I hope you keep your grand-plan in mind, however. Please consider struggling through until the much desired field work options start up again... consider treading water in your present job... write more articles for publication... "Ranger Rick" ??? You have a unique life and experiences and good energy. Are you interested in photography?
******

Could you find a civilized room-mate to share house expenses for awhile?

Otherwise, there IS an opening for a dog musher in Denalai!!

Kirsten, your common sense is one of your best assets. Things will work out, I am certain. Lately, I'm sorry for your big old dog. We love these monsters so much and they have such short lives. You have really taken good care of her.

Thanks for updating. Your emotional wellness is reassuring. I think you will do well with whatever work you jump into.

[bluerain]

Hi Flicka, wondered if you were still around! I have actually been invited to speak- expenses all paid by FWS- at a national Marine Mammal Stranding conference in WVa in April. Ive just been thinking alot about moving to the city, and hopefully being able to afford to get a D! I love photography, but I dont have a camera right now, maybe I can make it my christmas gift to myself. And I dont have my own insurance, I would really feel better if I could go get some new glasses, and go to the dentist! Just to not have to worry about that kind of thing anymore. Like I said, nothing is truly set instone yet, so I just am thinking about it so I can answer firmly if they make me an offer.

My old girl is just sort of getting a little worse everyday. Shes slowly having a harder time, even with all of the medications. And I think that its probably getting close to time to let her go. I dont want to wait until shes so sick that she cant get up at all.

So its all still up in the air, but I feel pretty good about things right now. I have a job right now, and I have some feelers out for other jobs, here and in Anchorage. I am hopeful and optomistic about things, at least more so than I have been in a little while!

[karen43]

If your job is pretty good now, I don't think you have to jump at the first one. I mean if it might be hard to pay expenses with that job maybe it's not the best one. You sound like it's not a job you'll enjoy. And will make you miss out on the job you enjoy?

So sorry to hear of your girl. I have a big lab-mix boy, and he's helped me through this past couple years. Always there to cheer me up!

I'm glad you're doing so good. I know things are going to get better and better for you. BTW, I looked for you on facebook, but couldn't find you. I know your first name and where you live. I'm horrible at fb stuff. Can I have a clue?