Job of my Dreams

The job of my dreams posted a hiring ad a couple of weeks ago. I stumbled upon it after being contacted by an old coworker on a networking website. I noticed that the ad was posted on my fiance's birthday--July 13, which is coincidental. Or is it?

The position is for a copy editor at a great publishing company. Thirty-hour work weeks, seven-hour days, benefits, and an indoor gym. It's the job of my dreams. I applied immediately and I was lucky enough to receive a call a week later.

Today, with fiance and baby, I went to Indianapolis to take a grammar assessment test. In a week or so I will find out if nearly a week of studying grammar guides and the Chicago Manual of Style paid off.

I feel so much right now, it's difficult to compartmentalize my emotions. Getting this job would mean the end of financial struggles and a new life. While a part of me still rejects the idea of so much changing practically overnight, as we headed north towards home, and Indy shrank in the rear-view mirror, I knew it's what I want.

Someone predicted that college graduates of 2009 would take up to two years to find jobs after college. If I get hired at this company, I will be ahead of the game.

In the meantime, all I can do is wait and apply for other openings.

Taking a Chance

I used to wish I had a different name. One that sounded more suitable for a writer. Something that flowed better and had more than two syllables. Now, I'm glad my name is Toni. Toni is a great name for a writer, because it doesn't rhyme with any bad words or body parts. This occured to me the other day, because one of the writers on the paper has a name that easily sounds like bastard. This, of course, had occured to the woman who wrote a complaint about him, exclaiming that he should be fired.
Apparently, he was not the only writer under fire that day. It seemed like everyone received either a nasty email or phone call--except for the unimportant intern that is. I quietly dabbled in my work while the entire newsroom became enraged.
This has pretty much made up my mind on whether or not I want to be a writer. Last night, I promptly applied for the job of my dreams. I had ruled out living in Indy because of the crime, and the fact that I don't like merging, but I think I'll risk getting shot at the Walmart and colliding with a semi if it means I won't have to write. I've already received more feedback from this company than the last place I applied to, even though it is only an email acknowledging that they recieved my resume.
I realize, I could do something I don't want to do because it's easier, or I could take a chance and maybe get a job that I'll really like. So, we'll see what happens.

Validation vs. Doubt

Last week, after my story about Harmony Inc. ran, I got a call from the woman I interviewed for the story thanking me for writing a wonderful article and telling people about the event. It was very validating as a writer to receive her praise especially while I've been doubting if this is something I really want to do--or would even be good at. Even with this compliment, I am still torn, especially as I sit at my desk, which is really Addie's desk, and look around the newsroom at the real writers. They all seem so confidant/competent at what they do. I know I'm a good writer, as far as writing soft news and local events, but these people are tackling the hard news: stories about fires, arrest, court cases, budget meetings, and all kinds of stuff I can't fathom, let alone write a decent/intelligent article about. I just fear that my limitations of what I can cover (well) will prevent me from getting a good job. I'd love to do what Erin does: work for a lifestyles section and just write community events and a column every week.

Bad Start/Good Finish

Got off to a bad start today. I got up late and had to clean a ink mark and soda spill from my new car. After that, things started to improve. I got my interview and a lot of laundry done. Not to mention, some much needed rest and relaxation.

End of a hectic week

I've been so busy, I forgot to update this blog. I've been buying/selling cars, calling insurance companies, working, and having garage sales. My blog just sort of fell to the bottom of the priority list. Meanwhile, despite life being so hectic, I've still been busy and having fun at my internship. I finally had my first article published with a byline. That one just got printed, and already I'm working on another. I'm glad Erin is finally giving me more to do. Now, I'll finally have clips for my portfolio from a paper other than the Correspondent.
Also, I applied for a general reporter position. So far, haven't heard back.

Adding to the work load

Well, it's been five weeks. So far I've written the best bets every week, a press release about a barbershop convention, worked on the answer book, and observed Ken Bastide's interviews. I feel ready to add some weight to my workload--now that my cold is almost over. I want to be assigned more stories, or maybe pitch a few ideas of my own. One of the writers did request that I help him with some of his articles. I eagerly agreed. Maybe I'll finally get to write something with a byline.

Week four/ Day two

Well, this was the most challenging week so far, but not because Erin gave me a press release to write in addition to the best bets; but, because I had a really bad cold. Week four of my internship was day two of my cold. My entire body ached and I lost my voice. As an intern, writing for the lifestyles section, my main job duty is calling people on the phone for interviews, so that basic task was difficult. However, I still managed to get my assigned task finished in time.