I’m happy, so happy! A couple weeks ago I mentioned getting together with an acquaintance who manages Hands On Bay Area for which I volunteer. I love what they do. They make it easy for busy people to find time to volunteer and help other non-profits get the volunteer assistance they need. We discussed the possibility of my doing an internship. (You see, Husband and I daydream about moving back to Austin; one of my idle reveries involved starting up a regional office there — Hands On Austin.) When I became aware that they had several AmeriCorps service positions to fill, I thought, “All the better! It provides a stipend in addition to experience.” So I applied.
There was much interest, and many people were interviewed. The team dynamic is important, so they chose with care. Being older than the average applicant, and also more experienced, there was some concern I might find it frustrating to work with “youngsters.” I’m sure there will be moments of frustration, but that’s life. I’m generally one who connects well with people of all ages, and besides, it’s good experience for people of different ages to work together. We all have something to teach. The benefit of this position is that I would have the support of a group that is learning together, gaining confidence while improving the community.
I interviewed on December 5 and waited with as much patience as I could muster while they went through their process (which was quite a feat, given how much I wanted this opportunity). This afternoon I was rewarded with a phone call offering me a position. I’ll start working full-time on January 9. I’ll work mostly in the south Bay area, but will also head up to San Francisco several times a month.
This job will give me the chance to expand my skills into non-profit program development and management, a direction I’ve been headed toward for awhile without realizing it. The shift to working full-time again will require effort, but I’ve been feeling stale for a long time. I’m eager to work again, to make a difference in others’ lives, and to learn new things.
Merry Christmas to me! *happy dance*
yay! congrats! congrats!
Oh yes! What wonderful news, Kathryn. It sounds like you and the position are a perfect match!
Congratulations! I had a feeling this was a great fit for you. I’m so happy for you!
It is gratifying to see you so happy! Hope it all turns out as good or better than your expectations. And we all hope the job duties and demands still allow a bit of time for your blogging friends who look to you for our daily smiles…
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!
Congratulations, and Merry Christmas, Kathryn!
What great news, I’m so happy for you. 🙂
Congratulations!
Yay! Congratulations! It’s wonderful to hear you so energized and excited. Enjoy this new chapter in your life. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a lovely New Year.
Congratulations to you–and to them. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for all concerned.
This is wonderful news–a much better alternative, I think, than the hard-driving job you described also being offered a month or so ago. Enjoy your 3 weeks off–’cause a full-time job is going to limit all this creative time you’ve had. But, it sounds wonderfully rewarding–and exciting.
Congratulations! I would guess that your recent creative time at home will greatly fuel your enthusiasm and contributions to the new job. Lucky folks to be working with such a centered, creative powerhouse!