Sunday, November 14, 2010

Roanoke Addendum

Well, Roanoke County did call again. On Thursday of this past week. It's just not the news we wanted to hear. I, of course, got myself all excited seeing the county's phone number come up on my husband's cell phone (he was home, off for Veteran's Day so he was with me). "Oh boy, they didn't forget about us and they are calling to offer the job!" was exactly what went through my head. Ha! Who was I kidding?

As Kurt listened to what the caller was saying to him, his expression changed to worry and strain. He mouthed the words, "What?!" and then said a few "Ok's" to the caller, said he call back in an hour and got off the phone. His first words were, "I don't believe this". Then he explained they wanted him to come down for another interview, an all day one this time, and meet the staff. They also wanted him to meet with the other candidate and compete with him during questioning. They explained that they couldn't decide on which candidate to pick so this was their solution. They named a day next week and said it was non negotiable.

So Kurt spent the next hour stressed trying to find a way to work around their demands. He was already scheduled with two important mandatory meetings at work that day plus he had his class to teach the night before. There were no direct or indirect flights to Roanoke and driving was out of the question since his class the night before didn't end until 9 pm. To add to the fun, Roanoke County refused to move his start date of mid December so if he did land the job, he would only be able to provide two weeks notice at his current job to make the Roanoke start date. That is just not something you do when you are a manager of an important social service program. Talk about burning your bridges.

We talked about the options, got upset about the options and finally decided the option was to call back and ask for another date for the interview. After another phone call back from Roanoke, Kurt was told that the administrator was not willing to compromise. It was over for real this time. No job, no moving. Kurt told them goodbye and that was it.

It was meant to be, nothing was going to change that. It was tough having hope again after I was just settling with the idea that it was done with before, but at least we knew now for sure what had happened.

Given the job situation, the economy, and the luck we've had so far getting calls on resumes we send (read: no calls at all!) I don't see us moving anytime soon. But hope springs eternal and that's what I've got now- hope. Like I tell my husband, and myself on bad days, it's not the end of the world. It's not like one of us is sick, our house burned down, or we have no jobs. It's just a dream I have. And though it may stay a dream the rest of my life, at least we tried. And to me, that counts for a lot.

9 comments:

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

I know this must be very disappointing for you, but don't give up hope. This just wasn't the job he is meant to have.

Sweetflutterbys3 said...

Thanks, Sweet. I am praying there is another job out there for us. We'll keep looking!

Beth said...

Oh gosh, Mary Ann...I'm so sorry to hear of your disappointment! I can certainly understand your frustration and discouragement, but I hope you'll keep the faith. When Tom was out of work for so long two years ago and submitted application after application with no response, we were really discouraged. And pretty worried about what we would do. But then, in the span of four days, Tom got three calls---two very encouraging ones for third interviews and one offering a job. He took the job and has been happy there. So keep applying and keep hope---you never know what might happen. And, of course, it's a great blessing that your husband actually has a job, so you don't have to worry about that. I do hope and pray that you are able to return Home someday.

Sweetflutterbys3 said...

Thank you, Beth. It was encouraging to hear that everything worked out for you and your husband after all that. Man, talk about stress! I kept saying all through our Roanoke experience at least Kurt has a job to fall back on and Thank the Good Lord for that.

Believe me, we will keep trying. I've lived in Pgh. for 30 years and I've never given up hope yet that I would someday get to move back home!

CountryDew said...

I am really sorry to hear about this.

Sweetflutterbys3 said...

Thanks, Anita. We are still plugging away and giving it the old college try. It may take forever but that's ok :)

Greener Pastures--A City Girl Goes Country said...

What?! Who wants to work for a company like that anyway! Kurt did the right thing. He will get good karma for being considerate of the company he's working for now. Don't worry--you'll get home. Kurt will find something better when the time is right.

Sweetflutterbys3 said...

Debi, my thoughts exactly. Thanks for saying it. I was getting bad feelings about the Roanoke company even though my desire to move was pulling me in another direction. I appreciate the encouragement. I'm praying that our chances improve as the economy improves.

queen of everything said...

i have been so far behind. i'm sorry this didn't work out. we had a similar issue this past october, so i feel for what is going on. my prayers are with you and your family as you continue day to day.