Has it really been only a week (click here)? It seems like ten years!
On Monday, the boss came into my office and told me definitely that his new firm has no place for me. He then proceeded to rant about the existing files and how I should work overtime to finish them up. To which I replied, “Um, you just terminated me. I’ll do what I can, but I’m not working overtime.” What’s he going to do, fire me? I wish.
I tried calling Attorney Y to follow up on my candidacy, but got no answer. In a bit of a panic, I called the guy who was supposed to become my second part-time employer (according to Attorney Y). Said second part-time employer (the attorney who had passed my resume to Attorney Y) politely told me he had not heard a thing about this from Attorney Y, and in fact, barely had enough work to keep his own staff busy. He finished up with, “I’m going next door right now and talk to him.” Somehow, I don’t think the conversation went well. The second part-time employer did commiserate with me and said he would continue to try to help me find something.
On Tuesday, my agency recruiter called to advise she might have a firm interested and would set up an interview “if I want.” Um, wasn’t that why I went to see her to begin with? While the salary will be within reason, the firm is downtown – and also happens to be a firm I interviewed with about 18 years ago, and I didn’t like it then. But what the heck, I don’t want to be unemployed, so I agreed to let the recruiter contact them on my behalf. To date, I have not heard back.
Come Wednesday, I was feeling a little depressed because all I had on the horizon was the upcoming interview with Attorney X (by now, five people had warned me against working for the lunatic).
Imagine my surprise when my cell phone rang, and the caller was an attorney I know from closings at the County Clerk’s Office, stating he had my resume and could I come talk to him? Hell, yeah. I took an early lunch and drove out to the burbs. (Let’s call this gentleman Attorney Z, and hope I get a job before I have to start at the beginning of the alphabet.)
Best interview ever! An expanding firm with need of someone with my experience to act as an “anchor” (in the attorney’s words). A very relaxed office atmosphere despite the busy client calendar. I would have staff to do the scut work, and the attorney and his partner would do all the closings. We dickered a bit on 5-days a week vs. 4 days, and exactly what the salary would be (pretty damn close to what I’m making now!). Extremely heavy work load, but with staff to assist me, I believe it’s do-able. And only 15 minutes from home! The attorney said he would speak with his partner and get back to me. He stressed that he was impressed by my extensive experience in buy-sell. The last thing Attorney Z said to me before I left was, “This could work! Thanks so much for coming in!”
Needless to say, I went back to the office after lunch with a smile on my face.
After work on Wednesday, I drove back to the burbs to meet with the infamous Attorney X. As soon as I walked into the office, I felt intimidated – the reception area looked like something out of a movie.
Attorney X is an old-school kind of guy, very much all business, but I liked him, especially when the salary question came up. I told him my current salary and that I would need insurance, but that I could add onto my husband’s policy for a reasonable amount. The attorney replied, “Would you have any objection to us just paying you more?” I actually lost my ability to speak for a moment as I contemplated why any sane person would ever say no to that question. Attorney X agreed to 4 days a week so long as he got to pick which day and that it was always the same day of the week, but that it would never be Monday or Friday as those are busy real estate days. So, let’s see – same money as I’m making now, same 4-day work week? I’m down with that.
At Attorney X’s firm, I would be doing exactly what I do now – handle buy/sell files from start to finish, with no staff; I would have to do all my own copying, document preparation, and attend closings in at least two counties. But the case load, while heavy, would be a third of what Attorney Z requires.
Attorney X walked me to the elevator after the interview and expressed concern about the left turn onto busy Sheridan Drive during rush hour. I was touched, and reassured him that I’m not a timid driver (stop snickering, people!).
Today (Thursday), I decided that since I bought all those nice new clothes for a job that didn’t materialize, I might as well start wearing them so that I would be interview-ready at all times (plus, I hate to waste money).
After lunch, my boss came in to announce that now the firm wouldn’t officially disband until August 12, and I could stay if I hadn’t found another job. I told him I might not be staying past the end of July. (And I’m still not working overtime, although I didn’t say that).
Shortly after, my boss came to me and happily exclaimed, “You’re going to work for [Attorney X]?” Say what? I am? How could he know before I even got an offer? Well, of course, since he and Attorney X are golfing buddies, Attorney X had just called my boss for the nitty gritty on me! And apparently, an offer may soon appear.
But damn, I’d really rather work for Attorney Z. Hopefully, he’ll call.
Meanwhile, I have resumes flying all over the city and most of the suburbs, and it seems I have a whole string of new friends helping me search.
And now I wait – again. I can’t imagine being unemployed for weeks or months. It would drive me bonkers!
Stay tuned. Unless the fates are really against me, I should have some good news for the next post!
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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post, comment on my Facebook or Twitters pages, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com.
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Image by Cordelia’s Mom
Cordelia's Mom, Still 
Hmmm….hope you get to work with Attorney Z. (ATTORNEY Z, PLEASE CALL CM NOW! – I’ve just used my magic meow power to remind him to call you…LOL) All the best. ╭( ･ㅂ･)و ̑̑ ＂
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Hm, I just hope he likes cats …
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Gah!!!! Nail biting here.
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Yup.
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Mojo mojo a-go-go!!! A little magic to get the right place to offer for you first… 😉
Good fortune to you CM!!
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With so many readers each sending “a little magic” I should be rolling in clover soon! But waiting is so hard …
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That it is… Hopefully your wait is not long!
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Sounds good CM!
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Thanks, Paul. Whatever happens, looks like I will have at least a week off at the beginning of August (have to take a break between jobs). And, of course, I’m still currently on my 4-day work week. Any chance I’ll be seeing you soon?
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I sure hope we will be sitting down for coffee soon CM. We hear from the owner daily now and all should wrapped up within the week. But this whole shebang has proven to have grown little legs and just when you think you have it nailed down, it up and scuttles a week or two further away. there are always good reasons: repairs, weather slowing repairs, inspections, approvals, ad infinitum. It`s driving me crazy but at no point have I felt it was anything but true. the fact that the owner has expressed his concern that we not be deterred by these continual delays, helps. And we have nothing – not a dime – invested , so there is no gain for anyone to flummox us. The owner has offered rent free until December for tolerating the delays-some days I wonder if it will be December before we get there – Ha!
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Rent free sounds like a good reward for your patience. You’ll get there eventually.
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The plan is still the same but i need an operation and will have to stay here for a few more months – #$% I hate these delays.
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Oh, no. I hope everything goes well – I’ll be thinking of you.
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ONCE I asked for what I figured I could get and got almost 50% more. I almost fainted. So I know how you felt. Now, all you need is a firm offer!! I’m rooting for you.
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I’m taking it with a grain of salt. Several people have told me this particular attorney will promise the moon at the interview and then renege. I intend to get everything in writing.
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Great, CM. Delighted you’re making such headway.
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So long as I keep making headway, right? I am so nervous right now!
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Don’t be nervous anyway. You’ve no reason to be.
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I lost track of who’s who, but as long as the money is good, you like the work and your boss isn’t a lunatic, I think you’re OK. Continued good luck wishes flowing from here.
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Ha! At this point, I’ve lost track of who’s who! Just waiting for those calls …
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Fingers crossed!
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Thanks. Just got a call that the interview the agency set up with that downtown firm has fallen through. Onward and upward!
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☹️. You’re probably better outside of town anyway.
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Right on. I am so glad things are progressing. At this rate, a lot can still happen before August 12! 🙂
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That’s for sure. It will all work out, it’s just hard going through it.
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Wishing you continued positive forward motion on the job hunt – it can be very stressful and scary so I am glad you are getting some good ‘nibbles’ so to speak. Hope the phone rings soon with good news!
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Thanks, Kalista. if nothing else, at least I know that I’m still marketable.
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Well I hope attorney Z calls – and wow – well written – I tracked with you and looking forward to updates – and saying a prayer right now that God will open the right door and gently close any wrong doors- and that peace will be yours sch day – Xxoo
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You were able to keep the alphabet attorneys straight? At this point, I’m having trouble remembering who said what!
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Hah! Well. I like how the one said you would anchor things –
Oh job changes can be so hard – well in some ways it is also fresh and good – but has that vulnerability and mess and whew – not easy –
Oh and when I read streets like Sheridan – I smile to think of my former home – 😉
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This really could be a movie script.
Smart girl – get it all in writing ( and keep all options open for now – 4days a week and easy commute sounds promising…and stuff that “Oh, you can stay and help me a little longer…and do overtime.” Uh, no.)
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Right now (see my reply to your other comment, above), it looks like I may have to stay a little longer just to keep a paycheck coming in. But I am not working overtime. I barely make it through the day as it is.
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My last job was just like that – and I had no choice for a bit. Grit your teeth – work at your standard productive pace. No need to kill yourself for those who are walking away.
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Happy for you! Two incredible offers! Sounds like your most interested in attorney X. Great work! Didn’t skip a beat and got to it without hesitation. The fact that you have all those years of experience, connections, friends to support you, and still employed are priceless factors that will propel you into your next job!
Consider yourself to be very blessed.
I wouldn’t wish unemployment on anyone after 50, that doesn’t want it. Some people take it as an opportunity to start their own business, but that is a whole other ball game.
Best of luck!
Want to be updated!
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Two incredible interviews, but no offers. Looks like Attorney Z has fallen out of the running. I heard he’s still looking around for someone – wants years of experience but only wiling to pay entry-level salary. For entry-level salary, I can go to work at a fast food place or grocery store and save myself some grief. My boss still thinks I’ll be working for Attorney X, but there’s been no offer from that attorney, either. The hunt continues.
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