Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Two Fat Ladies

Porridge had some bad news at the vets...she is getting fat.

And so am I, so today we set out on a marathon walk to justify our dinner.

My head was bulging after a day of frantic email exchanges with prospective employers and I needed the fresh air. I have worked for myself for so many years now that I find it hard to adopt the right attitude of eagerness to please when I present myself for an interview and I was afraid that all I projected was a kind of nervous arrogance. Not only was my head bulging but it was also wrestling with the identity problems caused by these life changes. For a long time I have had the luxury of considering myself an artist, a singer and songwriter, with the freedom to follow my little artistic obsessions. As a teacher of both English and singing, the world looks like a very different place. How will I find time to finish my book with the walls closing in?
I have changed hats so often during the last few days that I am in danger of forgetting who I am.
No wonder I have a headache...

On the upside, I have met some lovely new people, and re established contact with some lovely old ones... And I have had so many offers of work that I am able to pick and choose, and only work in the places that are welcoming and look like being a rewarding way to spend my time. The real difficulty is deciding how much to take on... without my head exploding..

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Porridge is not getting fat! She's just getting more lovable!

Good luck in the job search. Getting to pick and choose who you want to work for is fantastic though! Can you tell them that you will only accept a position with perks like mani/pedis? Free massages on Fridays and weekday happy hours? I think I would push for those things. Any employer can offer health benefits and a retirement plan. For an employer to truly stand out, they have to go one step further.

Oh, you might want to ask them if they will foot the bill for an unknown blogger from the States to come over for a little vacay. Yeah, put that request at the top of your list. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Too many riches to choose from... lucky you! You will know soon which is the right path.

Mrs. G. said...

It is always good to avoid the head explosion!

Ms Mac said...

You need a hat with "Rosie" embroidered on it. It should be big enough to encompass all of you. Wear it always!

Mike said...

I've gained over 30 pounds since my surgery in April. Mostly it is due to not smoking.

I guess I am going to have to deal with that soon too.

Not today though.

Zhoen said...

Those are the problems you want to have.

Rosie said...

see you soon Dingo.

Rosie said...

marja leena...it is a bit overwhelming but good for the morale
Mrs G..do you think katydidnot has a copyright on heads exploding? I should be alright then, and mine won't.
Ms Mac, my brim is a bit battered at the moment.
Mike it is not surprising you have gained some weight...having a kidney out prevents all that healthy tapdancing you used to do...
Zhoen...yes it is a vey long time since I have had this sort of problem!

Lucy said...

Aww, you'll be all right...

Suzy said...

i've worked 4 myself 4 so long as well and find the main advantage is asking 4 more money, which I always do. When u work in an office they can always compare u 2some tool but my way, they can't! And i have no problem saying no to low money. Win-win.

meggie said...

Neither of you look fat to me.
Good luck with your choices, a luxury to be able to pick & choose.

Rosie said...

lucy- I'm sure you are right...time for a last minute trawl thru my books
Suzy- I am working for others now which is good in france (no administrative paperwork nightmares) but there are lots of different employers so never a dull moment and all the eggs in different baskets...
Meggie- she has been eating the chicken food on the sly...

Anonymous said...

You've been a creative boho for too long, Rosie! But it looks as if your abundant talents are going to give you what most jobseekers lack - real choices. The downside, of course, is a severe case of exploded head. I'm sure that, whatever choice you make and no head notwithstanding, you'll remain resolutely you!