Well, I just found out I didn't get that job I applied for...

[SallyMander]

So i guess that IzaSparrow and i won’t be moving to Philly unless something else pops up. I finally heard back from the VP at the zoo. He was very nice and complimentary, but told me that the hold-up was because they’d offered the job to someone else. Some things he said implied that i was the #2 option, so i think maybe they were waiting to see if the #1 person would accept. Darn it!

I am disappointed of course, but i had already suspected that this would be the case. The bright side is, it takes a bit of pressure off me, since now i don’t have to try to graduate/get married/move/start a new job within a month or two later this year.


Just wanted to let you all know, since you were so incredibly sweet and supportive during my application/interview process... now on to plan B, which involves moving somewhere warmer and less crime-ridden. ;-)


Thank you all again -- you are the best! :hug: :loveya: :hug:

[Fire Walk With Me]

1. The support phase is over. Now we move on to derision and shunning.

I'm kidding. That's stinky stuff. I hope that you and MrMander are well and that the best possible result occurs.

[SallyMander]

7. Thanks Peake

I was holding it together just fine until Iza got home and gave me a big hug, which of course made me cry. LOL.

:hug:

[quip]

2. Their loss! I never liked their shitty zoo, anyway! The whole gangsta groundhog compound idea

left me cold. :crazy:

Something even better will come along for you, Sally! :hug: :hi:

[SallyMander]

8. LOL - thanks temeah

I've sent out some emails to faculty that i'd like to work with at various universities -- all located in places we'd like to be. :D

We'll see. I'm sure something else will work out! :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

3. Bummer

I was hoping for you.

:hug:

[SallyMander]

9. Thanks BNL

Can't win 'em all... sigh...

:hug:

[MorningGlow]

4. Oh, that's too bad

Chin up, though--I've always found that when I didn't get a job I really wanted, it was for a reason--either it wasn't all it was cracked up to be, or a better job was just around the corner. :hi:

[SallyMander]

10. I'm sure something else will come along

It's more a bruise to my ego than anything! We'll be OK, i'm sure of it. :D

:hug:

[TZ]

5. Sorry to hear that

Sounds like it will work out for the best. I'm sure you'll find something better..:)

[SallyMander]

11. Thank you

I hope you're right! :hug:

[AlCzervik]

6. Sorry Sally, imo it's their loss.

[SallyMander]

12. Awww, thanks

That's nice to hear :D

:hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. Awww.. well maybe it didn't come through because frankly I don't think of

of Philly as all that warm. Maybe something better is coming along? :)

[SallyMander]

16. Thanks GPV

No, Philly is maybe a smidge warmer than Columbus, but not much! We'd like to move somewhere with some more natural beauty... we've talked about CA, the Pacific Northwest, North Carolina... we'll see!

:hug:

[stuntcat]

14. I've wondered

They did keep you in suspense didn't they? x( That's like some torturous limbo.
Plan B sounds just fine though, I'm glad for that! :hug:

[SallyMander]

17. Seriously! I interviewed on Feb 1

So it was a long wait to be disappointed. :(

Plan B is exciting in its complete vagueness, LOL! :hug:

[redwitch]

15. If you can be patient, an even more perfect opportunity will come along.

I am sorry for your disapppointment though, I know you really wanted this job. Philly's loss!

[SallyMander]

18. Thanks redwitch

I can't believe they could say no to the adorable frog pin... Actually, i'm planning on wearing it tomorrow when i give a talk at a conference. :D

It's a bummer, but i'm trying not to dwell too much -- i'm sure something else will come along! :hug:

[Parche]

19. hey

I am of the part that things always work out, so they will with you!!

:hug: :hi:

[SallyMander]

21. I hope you're right Parche!

Thanks :hug:

[Gormy Cuss]

20. It was nice of him to give you that hint that you were runner-up.

It doesn't feel as good as hearing that you got the job but at least you know that you made that cut. Hope you have better luck with the next interview.

[SallyMander]

22. Thanks Gormy

It was nice for my slightly-bruised ego, haha... He said "if we'd had two positions to offer, you would have had one." That's nice to hear, but doesn't pay the rent! :P

:hug:

[HERVEPA]

23. Sorry you won't be gracing our fair city with your presence (nt)

[SallyMander]

25. Thanks HERVEPA

I enjoyed my visit there! I stayed with a friend who lives in Manayunk -- seems like a really cool neighborhood!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

24. My dear SallyMander...

Aw, I'm sorry, sweetie...

I hope this means that something even better is waiting for you down the road...

And at a better time for you as well!

:hug:

[SallyMander]

27. Thanks Peggy!

I hope you're right! We'd love to get out to CA if we can! :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

29. You know, there is a zoo in Los Angeles...

And of course, a bigger and nicer one in San Diego...

And the Wild Animal Park...

The weather's a lot nicer too!

:hug:

[SallyMander]

34. San Diego would be awesome!

I'm also trying to see if there might be any opportunities at UC-Davis, since they have a good grad program for Iza! :D

[Guava Jelly]

26. Sorry the job didn't work out sally :o(

There will be many others and someone will snatch you up.
big :hug:

[SallyMander]

28. Thanks a lot

You're a sweetie :hug:

[RainDog]

30. You've got lots and lots of even better opportunities

do you ever go to the Smithsonian site? Not live amminals, but... They have all sorts of jobs. I was going to apply for one there.. but I didn't. however, I'm sort of in the same situation as you, but w/o a nice Iza around. I'm sending out my resume and sometimes procrastinating too long (see above) and I've missed the deadline for apps on a few things... most of them I apply for at 3 in the am. that's when I finally say... okay, I've got to do this.

Because I do have to do this. My gig is up very very soon and I have to find something else or I'll have to call up Kristen and ask if her firm has an opening since she's leaving for that singing career after Spitzer and all that. :/

I could wear a paper bag over my head with a picture of Pamela Anderson on it. It's a thought...

so, vibes to you, and I'm asking for them too.

I just dread having to move because I have so much stuff in my place, plus my kids' stuff, and I have to move away from them, which makes me sad because they'll be staying here for school b/c of their dad. however, one bright spot is that I'm hoping to start begging online soon, so maybe that can hold me till I find a real job.I just found out the other day that I also no longer have health insurance. that's nice.

you're just starting out so you've got your whole life ahead of you. you have so many good things to do and wonderful experiences to have. You're obviously dedicated and talented, so you just have to find the right match for you and the job.

some days I wonder if it's all worth the bother for me anymore since I've performed my "selfish gene" function. sometimes the bullshit is overwhelming. however, I assume I'd screw up my kids worse if I checked out rather than not, so I'm still here, at least until it seems like nothing will work out.

and on that happy note...

[SallyMander]

32. Oh, RainDog, i'm so sorry to hear about your situation

Sounds like you may be dealing with a lot of upheaval soon... but once you're settled in at a job you love, i'm sure it'll all be worth it! Don't "check out"... as you say, that'll be hard on your kids, and you don't want to spend the rest of your years as a zombie. You deserve happiness and fulfillment!

Thanks for your kind words... keep me updated on what you decide! :hug:

[Bake]

31. Their loss (and BTW, I know the feeling!)!

Good luck!

:hi:

Bake

[SallyMander]

33. Thanks Bake

I had a suspicion i was a little to "green" for this position -- that is, too young, not too eco-friendly ;)

:hug:

[appal_jack]

35. Salamander Paradise Awaits!!!

SallyMander,

I see upthread that NC is in the running as another place to job search, and iirc, you yourself have described it as 'mander paradise (I know that the orange newts living near my garden seem reasonably content fwiw - see the pic I took below & I hope it will cheer you up some...). I'll keep my ears open for field and wildlife bio jobs, though I am kinda out of that loop compared to ag stuff. Regardless, I hope that you find something good soon, and even better if that something good draws folks like you & Iza to my neck of the woods. NC could stand to be both a blue-er and green-er and I know you two would help with both!

Sorry to hear that Philly foolishly said no, but I hope that the way this cookie crumbled just makes the wedding and the graduation all the more fun and all the less hectic. Keep enjoying the moment and more good moments will follow!

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

-app

ps - here is one of my wild-critter neighbors saying 'thanks for growing organically' I think. Or maybe saying, 'could you put that log back over me already and quit with the camera!' Do you know what s/he is? My herpetological knowledge is a little weak...

[SallyMander]

36. app!

Thanks for your sweet post darlin. :hug:

I am disappointed of course, but Philly was never on my list of dream places to end up... and your post just reminds me why!

I tried to focus my disappointment into positive energy today, and i sent out several emails to faculty who i'd love to work with as a post-doc. One of them is at UNC-Asheville. I don't think i've ever heard a bad thing about Asheville... i will keep you updated if i hear from him!


What a wonderful pic! I think your thankful little buddy is the aptly-named red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber). We get them in SE Ohio but nowhere near the numbers you have them in NC!

:loveya:

[appal_jack]

41. Asheville is all kinds of groovy

If I had to live anywhere resembling a city, Asheville would be it! Great music scene, kind folks, surrounded by gorgeous mountains and forests. You cannot go wrong there. I hope the post doc comes through... then we would be (kinda, sorta) neighbors!! :woohoo:

-app

[appal_jack]

46. ps

PS Ms. Mander,

Thanks for the ID! Glad to know I've got Pseudotriton rubers as neighbors! I am also very glad I got that picture last year (and several others besides) as their colors are so magical, and the dig. photo really shows their pores, and eyes, and overall beauty.

-app

[SallyMander]

48. Anyone who describes salamanders as beautiful

is a-ok in my book. ;)

:hug:

:loveya:


Edit to add -- i will supply salamander IDs any time! Keep the lovely pictures coming! :D

[appal_jack]

59. :-)

Well, that little red guy is not the only beautiful 'mander in this thread!


:loveya:
:blush:
:hug:

-app

[SallyMander]

61. ...

This is how big i just smiled! ---> :7

:blush:

:hug:

[puerco-bellies]

37. I really sorry that you did not get that gig..

I did not say anything at the time, but I think you should have worn a gecko suit to the interview.
:grouphug: :cry: :grouphug:

[SallyMander]

38. Tehee

Maybe that would have done it... :think:

:rofl:


:hug:


(OT, but your wedding is coming right up, isn't it? Congrats!!! :toast: )

[hippywife]

39. Sorry to hear that, sweetie.

Even tho this isn't the most opportune time to start new job and move, and you can intellectually accept that, it's still disheartening to be rejected on some level. You'll definitely end up with something wonderful, I just know it. :hug:

(Putting on maternal hat.)

Now, make sure to send them a very nice letter thanking them for considering you so that they will be duly impressed and maybe contact you if something else comes up or their no. 1 decides not to take the job.

(Taking of maternal hat.)

;)

[SallyMander]

40. Thank you!

You've summed up *exactly* how i feel! My logical brain is, in some ways, breathing a sigh of relief. But it's still just a kick in the pants, you know? ;)

That's a good idea about the letter. Thanks for the advice!

:hug:

:loveya:

[Chovexani]

42. Aww. I hope everything works out for you guys.

:hug:

[SallyMander]

49. Thanks sweetie

I'm sure something will come along! :hug:

[VenusRising]

43. Not to worry, SallyMander!

You're too good for them anyway! ;)

:hug::loveya::hug::loveya::hug::loveya:
:hug::loveya::hug::loveya::hug::loveya:
:hug::loveya::hug::loveya::hug::loveya:
:hug::loveya::hug::loveya::hug::loveya:
:hug::loveya::hug::loveya::hug::loveya:
:hug::loveya::hug::loveya::hug::loveya:

[SallyMander]

50. Awww, thanks VR

It means we'll be in Cbus for a bit longer, so that's good in many ways! :D :hug:

[Flaxbee]

44. bummer, but there will be more options, no doubt!

And it's always good to get practice interviewing. When I was finishing grad school, I was rejected from a bazillion places before I ended up finding a place I liked that liked me. And oddly, the experience of going through all those interviews, and being rejected, strengthened my 'character' and made me more self-confident than if I'd never learned how to handle rejection.

Would you feel odd asking the HR person at the zoo if he/she could offer any interview feedback?

So - definitely move somewhere you want to be! And enjoy the time you need to plan your wedding, and all that stuff. :hug:

[SallyMander]

52. I think the interview was definitely good

for practice, if nothing else! And now i know i can survive an 8-hour interview! :)

That's a good idea, asking for feedback. The VP actually sent me another email (since our phone conversation) saying how much he enjoyed meeting me, and how impressed they were with me, etc. It was really very nice, and gives me an opportunity to write back and ask for some constructive criticism!

Thanks for the note Flaxbee! :hug:

[fizzgig]

45. i'm sorry, sweetie

things will work out, though :hug:

[SallyMander]

53. I'm sure you're right!

Thanks for the hug. :D :hug:

[applegrove]

47. That sucks.

[SallyMander]

54. Yeah, it's disappointing

But i just got back from a conference today, and it was a good reminder that i have a lot of connections and opportunities... something else will work out! :hi:

[Redstone]

51. Bummer. That job would have been a lot of fun, hanging out with

the critters and all. Ah, well, on to the next thing, yes?

Redstone

[SallyMander]

55. Yeah... something else will come along

and hopefully the timing will be a little less stressful! I'm sure it would have been fun, though...

:hug:

[Pale Blue Dot]

56. That's a shame. You'll get the next one, though.

I'm selfishly disappointed - now I don't have an "in" at the Philadelphia Zoo. :cry:

Keep plugging away!

[SallyMander]

57. Sorry Finnfan!

I would have loved to show you around! :D

Alas, maybe i'll end up somewhere equally cool. :hug:

[ThomCat]

58. I hope you get an offer for an even better job someplace wonderful.

:hug:

Hey, consider NY. You know at least one person here who thinks you're both totally wonderful. :)

[SallyMander]

60. Thanks sweetie

Although i know you're really just trying to get Iza there :evilgrin:

:hug:

[ThomCat]

62. I really would not mind if you brought the stunning eye-candy with you.

:blush:

And, my God, he's smart eye-candy too! But then again, so are you, so that works out perfectly. :)

[IzaSparrow]

63. ...

:blush:

thank you!

Sláinte :toast: