Project Runaway

My radio show co-host and I have been getting some not-so-subtle hints that we are out of a job at the end of January (perhaps sooner). I tried to wait it out to see if we would be offered a new contract, but panic set in last month and I began applying for jobs -- mostly in the Washington, DC metro area.

I've heard nothing. Not a peep. No response whatsoever to my applications or résumé. It was starting to get discouraging. I've long felt like I had nothing to offer outside of radio or TV and I have lost interest in working in those industries. Having no one contact me for even an interview felt like a slap across the face. I was losing my self worth.

Quitting the job search was not an option. Despite feeling dejected and rejected, I had to keep going until I found a job. My only comfort was the fact that I was starting so early. Even if Cox says, "That's it, we don't need you guys anymore," they will have to pay us out until February 1st. I had a buffer.

I decided to change my focus to see if I can get more interest from a different area, so I shifted the search to in and around Seattle, Washington. Although it may seem odd to choose a market on the other side of the county, it's not a completely off-the-wall decision. My best friend of 35 years has been living in the Northwest US for most of our adult lives and has been urging me to move out there almost as long! To call Sam a friend is too generic; she is far more like a sister to me. Moving to be near Sam, her brother Jamie and our friends since childhood, Sarah and Moira, would be like moving to be closer to family. Other than returning to DC, moving to the Seattle area would put me closer to the most friends and family.

Without hearing from back from anyone in DC, I was starting to realize going back there was not going to be possible economically. There were times it was a struggle living on a $75,000 a year salary. There's no way on earth I would be able to live in anything but a hovel if I left radio.

Like a fresh breeze, opportunity blew into my life at just the right moment. This was not just any opportunity either, this was a chance to do something I may really enjoy. I got a response from Nordstrom Corporate Headquarters when I applied for two jobs in the IT department at Nordstrom Direct. Both Product Copywriter and Senior Site Editor jobs appealed to me and according to the recruiter, I am perfect for both! I would be working with fashion buyers, writers, photographers and various other fashion-types. It's like going back to my original dreams before I tripped and fell into radio! Plus, this is not just any fashion, this is high-end designer merchandise! Fashion week in NYC! The collections! Needless to say, this not only helped me start to envision my future but it also greatly boosted my self-esteem.

I don't have the job yet... I am scheduled to take two writing tests next week and then I will have a second interview. I have, however, adjusted my thinking and I'm actually beginning to get excited about the major change.
Now I just need to land the job!