I'm feeling a bit blue right now. I learned yesterday afternoon that I didn't get the job I'd interviewed for last month. :( This was difficult news to hear, as I thought I had a pretty good shot at it. I did learn that I was in the top two, and the manager said that he had a very difficult time making his choice, so at least that was some consolation (but not much). I was really hoping for this job. I am working, but I'm VERY unhappy -- my boss and I do not get along at all, and every day feels very tense there. It's quite a strange situation, one I've not been faced with before.

Anyway, if you notice a little less perky posts from me, I'm just a bit out of sorts. This is hitting me at sort of a low point -- I have some other struggles, such as my kids having serious problems with their grades, which is a real strain on my family. Those of you who've lived through the teen years with your kids, I applaud you. I'm just at the beginning.

But I'm generally a positive person, so I'm sure I'll dig myself out of this hole eventually. One thing that I'm finding quite helpful is simply to think about my upcoming Med cruise. That's usually all it takes to put at least a little smile on my face.

LeeAnne, I am a big believer in fate, I bet there was another reason why you didn't get the job...maybe there would of been a coworker who was worse than your current boss or something like that! I bet the perfect job will come your way and you will be a happy clam!!

With your personality, you won't have any problem at all finding just what you want.
Even so, I am sending you a hug for not getting this job! :hug:

LeeAnne, sorry you are having to deal with disappointment right now, but like Karen I'm betting there is an even better job that will come along. Hang in there -- and think of that Med cruise as often as you can when things seem in a bad way!

LeeAnne, If I lived closer I would treat you to a big dinner w/ lots of scotch (the best!) and talk to you about the trials and tribulations of raising teenagers :eek: Hang in there "This too shall pass"

Lee Anne,

Sorry to hear the news about the job; know how disappointed you must be.

I think focusing on the cruise is definitely a spirit-lifter!

The kids WILL give you gray hair, but in not too long, you'll be amazed at where the time has gone and remember mostly the fun times of that age. This struck me particularly in this last week when I went to 2 funerals for parents of 2 families with whom I carpooled from kindergarten thru high school. Good memories and it's wonderful to see how all of these kids have turned out! These were the first of my contemporaries to die and quite an experience.

Chin up!

LeeAnne - sorry to hear about this. But as Karen said, I'm sure that this means that something better is in store for you. Hang in there!

Masaki

LeeAnne,
Sorry to hear about your disappointment. I do agree with the others here, I believe that things have a way of working out for the best.

LeeAnne, my mom is like Karen in that she also believes in fate and so I will pass on the same advice that she would give to you and that is "It wasn't meant to be". I was in a situation once where I was the second choice and the first choice accepted the job and then was offered her first choice with another company - and accepted it. So, that happens too. You're a very funny person and I would guess your boss is kind of stuffy. Am I right? Something will open up for you when the time is right and in the meantime tell your husband and kids that you need some extra hugs!

LeeAnne, I agree with Karen. Something bigger is waiting for you. I'm sure the disappointment in the meantime is pretty acute, though.

Teenagers can be a handful and there's no easy bit of advice for dealing with that. It might be time to make sure that you are taking very good care of yourself so that you are not giving everything you have to the kids. Just a suggestion.

I hope you feel better tomorrow!!

LeeAnne,

When multiple situations are happening sometimes it's hard to gain perspective. The job will work out - it always does and it usually ends up for the better. We live in a Tech Corridor and if your current company can't give you what you need, there are other GREAT companies in Westlake/TO.

I was at the Westlake Promenade last night (our open air shopping center and Friday Teen Hang Out) and I was commenting on how the kids looked and acted just like my era/generation did at that age. I could see the frustration on more than one parents and adult faces. Remember the kids who did the "Sit-ins" and defied authority? We changed society. My high school class got it so there were no dress codes in schools! We were the first girls to not have to wear skirts/dresses and we made the front page of every newspaper. Can you imagine the frustration of our parents back then? It's really no different.

Pretty soon you will be on the other side of this situation and will wonder how you all survived - you might even laugh at what you are now going through.

LeeAnne: Something better is around the corner so keep your chin up - teenagers? we all survived and are still sane - Joanna

LeeAnne,

I am a firm believer in fate and that everything happens for a reason. The real reason as to why you did not get this job will show itself somewhere down the line and you will be amazed that the reason, 9 out of 10 times, is in your favor. Believe this to be true. It has happened to me more times than I can count.

My mantra in life is "This too shall pass." Hold onto this and look ahead to something better down life's road for you. In the meantime, allow yourself to be angry and disappointed - for a little while - and then more forward to something that gives you happiness.

You are a winner and there is something more worthy of you and your talents just waiting around the bend!

LeeAnne:

Good advice from all....hang in there. Your postive attitude will win out.

Girlfriend.. you are so very sharp. Do what feels right. but do not worry..
Email,. we all need to meet 4 lunch..
You , me , Kathy we are all close and a few others..
C

LeeAnne, I'm sorry to hear about this. Believe me...it's THEIR LOSS!!
You have so much going for you and I just know that there will be something even better waiting for you. Hang in there!!
The right job is waiting for the BEST...you!

Hi LeeAnne,

Hang in there...the darkest hour is before dawn.

However, if you feel comfortable, I would ask the interviewer to share what tipped the scales into the other candidate's side...was it a skill? was it some experience? was it specialized knowledge? It is good to know, because that way to you can address it and add it to your skillset. If you got along very well with the interviewer, chances he will be happy to give you the feedback.

Lee Anne,

Sorry to hear about the job opportunity, just
keep your positive focus and another one will
surface...take an extra long run or bike when
your challenged by your kids and relish the good times they give you..wishing the best for your family and you..r/wes

LeeAnne, I agree with everyone else's sentiments that you are fated to find an even better job.

As for teenagers, I've been through it, got the scars. At 24, our son is doing just fine, however slowly, after the adolescence from hell.

But now when he comes over for dinner on Sunday afternoon, and gives me a big hug, I know it was worth it, even the bad stuff.

I realize that doesn't help you very much, but just remember that they almost all eventually become functioning adults, and then they can laugh with you about what jerks they were back then! So hang in there.

And thanks for sharing your feelings. I myself am having career problems and doubts, and I know how important it is to be able to talk about it.

Lee Anne,

What a big disappointment. I echo all the words of encouragement from everyone above. Especially what Karen & others said about fate. I really does always seem to work out for the best - just hope it doesn't take too long for the best to arrive :)

In the meantime, focus on your wonderful upcoming cruise to the Med!!! Keep your brochure handy to drool over and put a picture of your favorite destination at your desk to look at whenever you're feeling down.

Take care,

LeeAnne,

I'm another one who feels strongly that everything happens for a reason. If this job didn't work out, I firmly believe that it means something better is out there for you. Hang in there - your time is coming.

In the meantime, have you ever heard the following saying? Guaranteed to at least give you a slight smile:

"Raising a teenager is like trying to nail jello to a tree." :)

Kathy

Oh, you guys are the best! Really, I'm getting all teary here. Claudia, you're right, it would be great to get together for lunch or martini's or something (or howzabout one of Todd's Cosmos?) ;) I really appreciate the care and kind words you've all expressed in here. It's so meaningful. I haven't been in here all that long, and you guys have just embraced me. Thank you!

I'm going to keep plugging away at my current job, and keeping my eyes open for something better. And I do try to stay focused on what's important. The reality is, no matter how tense and uncomfortable my days at the office are, I realize I am far more fortunate than so many even just to have this job, and to have all that I have in general.

And while my kids can be hugely challenging, I am so lucky to have them at all. I don't think I've mentioned before just HOW lucky we are -- as I was unable to bear children, my DH and I adopted our two as infants. And they are both from the same birth-parents, so they are 100% siblings (long story!). This has definitely brought a set of challenges, and sometimes they seem a little overwhelming, but I try to remind myself how fortunate we ALL are to have each other.

Anyway, yes it does help to have this cruise in the not-too-distant future, and to have this place where I can obsess about the details, read and live along with others' cruise experiences, and just have a fun place to yakk with people who enjoy the same things I do.

Well, I'm off to go try to nail some jello to a tree. ;) Thanks for brightening my day!

LeeAnne: Yak away all you want - that is one reason I love the Off Topic threads - you know there is always someone out there who will listen and respond to you! Joanna

LeeAnne, I'm so sorry to hear about this - especially since you were so excited about my new job! I thought we were going to be newbies together.

This will all work out - somehow, someway. You'll find a better job or maybe your boss will! I know how it is to work for someone you don't really get along with, so my thoughts are with you, that each day will be better than the next. :hug:

Keep that great sense of humor, LeeAnne. Kids can be challenging, from the time they are little through adulthood. I thought it would be easier as my daughters got older. WRONG! Bigger kids, bigger challenges! Love for your children makes all things somewhat tolerable!

LeeAnne,
I don't have children, in part because of infertility issues, but I raised my former step kids and I can tell you that kids are kids no matter how you had them and no matter how much you love them, they can drive you right up the wall and make your life pure hell. Hang in there. It WILL get better! I just think it's so cool that you felt you could share with us!!

LeeAnne, :hug: :hug: :hug: Bonnie

LeeAnn,
I am sorry to hear that it didn't work out. Keep your head up in order to see the silver lining in the clouds!

What type of job are you looking for? I am the VP of HR for my company and although we don't have any openings, I have lots of colleagues in different industries. I can keep my eyes and ears open for you.

Hang in there & keep healthy!
Miriam

LeeAnne...
As much as this may sound like a cliche..Things really do happen for a reason and when a door closes a window does open ...thats a guarantee, I promise !!

Kathy,

"Nailing Jello to a tree" is the best simile I've heard in "I don't know when!" :D

LeeAnne:

It's true that one door closes and another opens, hang tough. I was adopted myself and while I never gave it much thought as a child, not a day goes by that I don't stop and think just how very lucky I was. Rest with the knowledge that one day, your kids will do the exact same thing. Trust me.

LeeAnne,
I add lots of positive thoughts heading your way as well. I was never lucky enough to have kids, so I can't speak to that, but there's a better opportunity just off the horizon for you jobwise!

This is my first opportunity to pop on here today, and I encountered all these wonderful thoughts. Thanks for the day brightener!

Robert, your comments were very touching. I suppose every parent hopes that someday their kids feel lucky to have had us...but perhaps adoptive parents feel it a little more acutely, since we were entrusted with the role by someone else. :)

Greetings LeeAnne,
Not getting the job you desired is disappointing and I also encourage you to explore the reason that you weren't hired. In the meantime, hang in there and something even better will be offered to you.
As a side note concerning your teenagers, I would like to offer a little story that may help you through these difficult times. I hope it doesn't put you over the edge into a worse mood, I only mean to give you some sense that there IS light at the end of the tunnel.
I was a single, divorced parent of 4 children born from March 1962 to July 1966. I was from a broken family myself with a undemonstrative mother so my parenting skills left alot to be desired. During their teen years, I was working at a minimun wage job during the day and attending college at night to improve myself to get off welfare. I finally graduated from nursing school in 1980, but during those years I had many visits to their schools, some visits from the police and many fights with the children over discipline, school grades, talking back to me, generally very BAD behavior.

Well, my son, the oldest, did graguate High school and joined the Navy in 1980. I was so pleased that he was going to make something of his life, without a detour to jail although he did have a Juvenile Hall stay briefly. And we had a good relationship. In 1981 I got a telegram from the Navy that he had Leukemia and were shipping him home from the Phillipines. Long story short, unfortunately the chemo didn't work and he died a year later a week before my oldest daughter's wedding.
I more or less recovered when in 1983 while at work I received a phone call from my ex-husband, that my middle daughter, 17 years. had been hit by an 18 wheel truck as she was turning. She was in a coma for three months before she also passed away. We also had developed a good relationship before the accident. She had graduated from cosmetology school and had just started her first job about a week before.
So even though the teen years are the most difficult, be glad that you have your husband to support you through the difficult times and never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.
Things will get better.
My thoughts will be with you.
I want to end on a happy note, so now for the rest of the story.
I married again, I made more money as a nurse than I ever dreamed I would(after being on welfare) which has paid for over 50 cruises, 6 on RSSC, my two daughters are hapily marrried and I now have 6 grandchildren who are my loves. And I'm looking forward to retiring later this year if finances permit. I'm burned out.
Best wishes to you and your family. Savor every moment with them, we never know what life holds.
Happy cruising,
Joanne, the chocoholic

JoAnne,

Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. We all grow from hearing how others have struggled and overcome. I am sorry for your losses and happy for the joys you have shared with us.

Joanne - thank you for sharing your story. I found it very touching - best of wishes to you and your family.

Masaki

Joann,

Your's is a very inspiring story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Betty

Joanne:

Your story is so touching, reminding us that we don't always know where our lives will lead us.

It's so hard to parent kids, and no matter how much we love them, we can't always shield them from the worst. Thanks for giving all of us some perspective.

I'm so glad we got to meet on the Mariner in 2003. Hope to see you again sometime soon.

Joanne, Thank you so much for sharing your very touching story. It helps keep the important things in perspective.

I want to send out hugs to both LeeAnne and Joanne. I agree with KAren, LeeAnne, there is a reason you came so close but did not get that job. It most likely has nothing to do with your abilities. I realize I may be 20+ years late but, Joanne, my heart breaks for you.

Joanne, In a time when people spend so much time thinking only of economic uncertainty and other issues, your story forces us to abandon such thoughts and dwell instead on how many blessings we have all had bestowed upon us. Thanks for sharing.
Best of luck in retiring this year. Nursing is a very high burn-out field, and it sounds like you deserve to pull the plug and spend some much deserved time with those beautiful babies!