Job!!!

**mnmarty03** · 08-08-2008, 01:54 PM

Hi everyone! So on another thread I commented about how I will be getting a better paying job in the fall than the one I have now...

Well, today I took two giant leaps forward concerning a new job!!

Last week I sent in an application for a position at a zoo in Virginia (I'm a zookeeper) and yesterday I called them to make sure that they got my application. The lady set up an interview with me for today (Friday the 8th) and I just got done with my phone interview!

The phone interview went so well. I felt really relaxed with her and forgot it was an interview! She seemed really impressed with all of my career so far and all that I have done and at the end invited me to a personal interview at my earliest conveniance!

I'm currently in Ohio and this place is 8 hours away in Virginia... so I guess I'm going on a road trip!

During part of the interview she said "We prefer to meet candidates face to face before hiring so that they can make sure they like the area." Then...at the end invited me to come face to face!!! She didn't say specifically that I'll be offerred the job, but from how impressed she seemed with what I have done in my career and what she said earlier about meeting in person... I think my chances are pretty good.

I'm just in shock and awe..I didn't expect to be invited in person at all... the job pays just over $20,000 a year with benefits, and requires a 2 year commitment... considering I'm working a seasonal job right now that would pay only $12,000 a year w/o benefits if I were permanently hired on...the job in Virginia would be great! The trip, because it is job related, could be claimed on taxes as well.

Hopefully when I go I'll get a job offer and will be able to combine the road trip with an apartment search!

I'm just so excited!!!!

p.s. my mom is talking about making the trip with me and paying for most (if not all) of it, because she wants me to get this job as well! So that's great too! I'll keep you all up to date!

**leezza** · 08-08-2008, 02:07 PM

YEA! : )

I will cross my fingers for you : )

Kind Regards,
leezza

**Greebo** · 08-08-2008, 02:13 PM

That's awesome. What part of VA? Which zoo?

My only concern with the whole good news, and I hate to be a wet blanket, is 20k isn't all that much, especially in a new area. I'd do a LOT of research on the cost of living in the area, cause if it's East Coast VA, you're gonna be looking for a roomie, I think.

**savvymom** · 08-08-2008, 02:22 PM

Good luck, I hope the trip and interview goes well!

**mnmarty03** · 08-08-2008, 04:45 PM

I know 20,000 isn't much...lol, but it's actually a great entry level wage for my field.

I've done some preliminary searches on cost of living and I should be able to find an apartment for what I'm paying now, if not cheaper... when I go down for my personal interview I plan on looking into apartments, going to grocery stores, etc. to compare the cost between there and where I'm at now. And of course, I'll look into more details before that too.

The hardest part about all of it will be the fact that i'll have to get a car (I don't have one now) and all of the costs of moving. Not to mention the cost of traveling there for the personal interview...but my parents and fiance will help me out and everyone agrees that it's worth the extra costs to get a permanent job in my field that pays better than what I get paid now.

The zoo is near Lexington, VA and is called Virginia Safari Park. My personal interview will be sometime the week of the 18th, so I'll let you all know how it goes.

But, right now it's a job that I really really want

**jas** · 08-08-2008, 05:07 PM

Way to go!

**debbiepete** · 08-08-2008, 05:13 PM

Good Luck!!!!

**Texasgirl** · 08-08-2008, 05:16 PM

Good luck!!

**prftstrngr** · 08-08-2008, 08:17 PM

woohoo! Good luck with all that!

**Michelle** · 08-08-2008, 08:31 PM

:goodluck: I'd say your chances are very good from what you've told us

**suebeehoney** · 08-08-2008, 08:43 PM

Woohoo! Congrats!

Virginia is a great place to live - I lived there for 16 years before moving back to my home state of Michigan (drastic difference there, I know!) You'll love it - it has a little of everything!

**PrairieRose** · 08-08-2008, 10:04 PM

Sounds promising.

Good luck with it, keep us posted!

**cmdarlin** · 08-09-2008, 08:49 AM

It sounds like you've got it if you want it! Best of wishes for whatever you decide. Will be anxious to hear how it goes. Good Luck!

Debbie

**mnmarty03** · 08-09-2008, 07:12 PM

Thanks for the well wishes everyone! I'm trying really hard not to get my hopes up and count my chickens before they're hatched.. but, I think it's already late for that.

We'll have to just see what happens. If she offers it to me, I will take it. But I could get down there and she might not like me for whatever reason. We'll just have to wait and see...

I'll keep you all up to date. From what I can tell this place is in the mountains...I'd looooooovvveeeee to live in the mountains.

I can imagine Michigan is different from Virginia!! I've heard lots of great things about Virginia, so I think I could be very happy there. And it'd be so awesome to have something permanent.. I moved from

ND to MN in May 07,
MN to TX in August 07,
TX to MN December 07
MN to OH May 07

...and now possibly to Virginia. I'm soooo tired of moving.

Anyways, I'll keep you all up to date. The hardest part will be waiting for the next week before my interview. I'll have the interview either Mon Aug 18 or Tues Aug 19.