When all else fails…

I have a degree from one of the best schools in my field. I have impressive experience. I have a solid GPA, a talent for communications, an impressive resume. But I can’t find a job for the life of me.

Three weeks after returning from France, I’m sick of doing nothing without a job – especially now that my summer photo album is full and my bedroom redone. Mendon doesn’t offer a lot for employment – there are no PR or marketing firms nor any upscale restaurants where I could earn a decent wage. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I thought back to when I lived at home in high school; I wasted one miserable winter season working at the Gap in Bellingham, 20 minutes away, and the best part about it was that EVERYONE in my family got Gap gifts for Christmas. I’d never do that again… but there are other opportunities there.

Linens and Things is hiring. I marched in with my “customer service” resume and application, landed an interview. Of course, as I returned to the store to meet with the manager, my insides cringed. Me? Work at LNT? Retail again? After a B.S. and tons of experiences? I couldn’t bear the thought. Reminding myself how much I needed a job – any job – was all that got me into that office… 10 minutes late.

The interview went fine. The entire time I was slightly panicked (not severely – for what do I care if she laughs me out of the interview for not being prepared?) that she’d ask me why I wanted to work at LNT. Truth is, I didn’t. So what would I say?

Luckily, the question never came up. And as I prepared to leave, she startled me with an opportunity I couldn’t deny considering: “We’re actually looking for managers right now too; maybe you’d prefer a management position instead of an on-the-floor associate?”

Ok, so being a manager at LNT isn’t exactly my ideal first job out of college. But with hundreds of dollars monthly in student loans, who can turn it down?

Me. I’m a snot. I said I’d think about it, meet with the regional manager Saturday. In the meantime – there’s an upscale bar going in right down the street.

So I stopped in. Walked in with attitude and my “hospitality” resume – deeply lined eyes and dark lipstick. I play the part of bartender well. Apparently, the managers thought so too. They were tasting wine and loved my recommendations and we had a laugh talking about Europe and Boston – and how Mendon is nothing in comparison. Then I met the chef.

Turns out he’s good friends with Pino, my old boss and friend at Restaurant L. It was fun to reminisce about that crazy character, tease about Boston restaurants and dream about how amazing this place will be – with an 80 foot dark wooden bar, swanky leather chairs, 12 high-class billiards tables. This are is in desperate need for a bar/restaurant like this. “I’m excited for you to work with us here,” he said.

“Me too.”

They don’t open until November, but at least I’ve got some options… so don’t worry guys, you’ll still get Christmas presents. ; )

And I’m almost employed again! Yea!


Got to get ready for my French discussion tonight... can't wait to speak it again