Honeymoon

No I didn't get married.
Just referring to my first few days at the new job.
Capital and I are in bliss.
Capital is thrilled to have me. They see potential. They see possibilities.
If only they knew what they were getting. Too bad. Too late. They already requested my business card.

I am also very pleased.
It's been easy. It's been nice.

I started on Wed, March 29th. I'd figure it would be easier for me if I started mid-week. That way I wouldn't feel overwhelmed and end-up wishing it was Friday. Three days would be easier than 5.
I think it worked cause my boss schedule my three days very lightly.
It started with a tour of the company and introduction to employees. Everybody. Everybody who was available during the tour. Some I haven't met yet cause they're out of town or just out of their seats. I've met a few more in the following days. The rest of my day was filled with trainings or meeting to review what I've done/learned.
I felt a bit guilty at the end of each day cause I felt like I wasn't working.
This situation is so foreign to me. Every job I've ever taken, I worked immediately with usually no training. It was either swim or sink case. I could have qualified for the Olympic swim team by now. =)

This orientation period is even stranger to me cause the training so far has been computer related. I was trained on using email, calendar, database and phone? I'm being trained on areas I used to train other people. Funny thing is that I could have been bored and frustrated but I haven't been. The people training have been very profession, warm and extremely knowledgeable. I actually learned a few pointers that will save me some time. Nice.

Another strange aspect is all the meetings I'm having just to talk to managers of various departments/teams. Nick, my boss, feels it would be beneficial for me to learn what people/dept do from themselves so I can work better/well with them. Unheard of, I know but it's true.

I keep thinking they will throw me into work soon but they keep insisting I give myself a few weeks, even up to couple of months to train and get familiarized. They are willing to give me that time, wait until I'm ready. Can you believe it? The whole thing makes me a little nervous BUT I'm trying to stop my impulse to just jump in. I'm trying to enjoy the supportive environment and their gift of patience. I know I will be better for it in the long run.

Wow how my work environment has changed. After my past experiences I think I can really appreciate such nurturing company. I think I will be very happy there.

Of course this IS the honeymoon stage. I'm sure when it gets busy I'll look back and kick myself for not enjoying as much. I am a bit worried about what I will be doing eventually. Right now they are hinting at the various duties I'll be given. All sounds fine on presentation but not sure how much of effort and energy each will take. I might end up overwhelmed which is not the plan. Remember my goal is to find something stable and comfortable so I can concentrate on PHOTOGRAPHY. I have to remind myself that this is my second job. Please remind me time from time.

Thank you again for all your support and positive energy.
I'll keep you posted.

No Wonder...

No wonder I don't have the mind-set to date. I've been on one for the last two months but didn't know it.
After exchanging some emails with friends, I realized this job search was actually like dating.
Think about it. The parallel is remarkable.

No one wants to be in the search mode. I think that's why many are in their jobs for years.
I had finally left a long, unhealthy relationship and found myself unemployed (single) again.
Although I've been unemployed before, I found that this time that I was very anxious . I'm sure it's the age factor. I worried that I could end up permanent unemployed (single) or settle for a job that's just decent. I also found myself irrationally questioning my qualifications (attractiveness). Yet despite all this, I knew I would not settle just for any job. I'm very much an idealist (romantic).

I knew what I wanted in a job this time which made the search a little easier but more difficult at the same time. Sure I knew what I wanted but is there a company/job out there that meets my expectations? I had to look. I had to try. I hesitated going through headhunters (eharmony.com). I looked through the want ads (match.com). I was very discouraged by what I saw. Nothing among the available positions looked even remotely enticing. The best way I knew was through referrals so I asked my friends who were working in companies that had the qualities I was looking for -- supportive, encouraging and appreciative of their employees -- that lacked in my previous employments.

Luckily I had three friends who did worked in companies that fit the profile.
Linda has been with Lehman's for 12 years in a mutually benefiting and respectful relationship.
Hyun has been with PNYC for a few years. It's not her ideal but she's content for now.
Dennis has been with Capital for a short time. But in that time he has expressed how wonderful Capital has been for him. He painted a lovely picture and that drew my interest.
So among the three I was really attracted to Capital, then Lehman's and finally PNYC. PNYC was actually more like "I'll give it a chance cause maybe my first impression is wrong."

So they all put in a good word and arrange introductions.
The first interviews (date) were pretty much the same for all three. I wore my best outfit. I even bought a new outfit for the occasion. Each interview we exchanged information. We spoke of what we were like and what we were seeking in the other. We asked questions. In the end we left on a hand shake and I was promised a call.

Lehman called and told me that I wasn't right. Lehman was like the older man, established and very set in his way. Although those qualities were attractive I wanted a little bit of a creative or adventurous side.
PNYC didn't even call but we both knew we were not right for each other. No chemistry at all.
Capital was promising. It was solid company but wasn't so typical. I knew that after my first interview. I went in for a position I was overqualified. Instead of just simply rejecting me, amazingly Capital recognized my diverse and advanced talents and skills and encouraged me to apply for a position better suited for me. Wow. That doesn't happen too often.

I liked Capital and could see myself liking it even more. I went on several additional interviews where we got to know each other better. It was very promising. I had a good feeling about Capital and was getting very positive feedback. I had every indication that I was going to get an offer (be exclusive and be in a relationship) so I didn't even bother looking at other jobs. Sure I probably was limiting my options by going with the first promising company that came my way but I had to go with my gut. That's how I work. Capital offered me the job. Yeah.

Hopefully my gut didn't steer me the wrong. I'll see how this goes and hopefully it will be a happy, loving, lasting relationship. Now that that's done I guess I can now focus my attention and energy on finding my guy. This may take longer. I'll keep you posted. =)

Start Date

I'll be starting my job Wed, March 29th.
The office is in the Rockerfeller Center, above the Banana Republic.
It's too bad I don't like BR anymore. It's convenient.
Hmmm maybe it's a good thing. I won't spend $$$.
If anyone is around there, I'm available for lunch once the weather warms-up.

Dennis at Carnegie

Monday night my sister Christina, Katherine and I went to see our friend Dennis perform at Carnegie Hall. He played his bass with the orchestra that was accompanying a few choirs from all over America. It was the first time we ever saw him play outside of his apartment. It was very exciting to see him up there on the stage looking spiffy. Katherine noticed how shining his shoes were. =) We're so thrilled that he's getting back in the game cause it would be sad to see such talent only in his living room.
Go Dennis go!

Jae's Wedding

This is late. I know.
The job thing really had me preoccupied but now that's over I can report on the rest of life. =)

So I went to my dearest friend Jae's wedding. It was on March 11, 2006.
As many of you know, it was a shocker.
Jae who claimed he would be okay as a life-long bachelor broke the record of fastest to the alter by someone I know.
He met his love-of-his-life Saehee in November at a new church he as checking out.
They were engaged in December.
Wedding was in two weeks ago.

Shocker especially if you know Jae. He's never impulsive though he is a romantic. Saehee got the latter out of him.

The wedding was lovely.
Everything was perfect. The bride and groom were perfect, even perfectly calm.
Jae, as you can see in the photos, was smiling ALL THE TIME. His friends were worried that it may become permanent. Never have I witness any man quite that happy. Of course, we were soooooo thrilled for him.

The ceremony was a nice sermon.
Reception was huge. They had tons of food served in traditional Korean buffet style. If you thought the line for Magnolia cupcake was long you have no idea. Luckily it was fast and everyone got to eat.
The highlight was when Lena sang "A Moment Like This" (Kelly Clarkson) for their first dance. It was beautiful.
Then we went to a local Korean/Japanese restaurant for after reception party. It was for Jae's friends to get crazy and silly since the reception was at church (no alcohol was served). Well it didn't get too crazy. Many drank but everyone behaved. No arrests.

Of course, Jae and Saehee won't remember anything from that day. Thank god for wedding photographers and friends with great memories. We'll tell them all about their wedding next time we see them.

I wished I took more pictures but the whole experience was kinda weird for me. Not the wedding but the reunion I was having with college friends whom I haven't seen in many years. A few I haven't seen since college which has been 10 years! I was way too preoccupied with catching up with people to take out my camera. Fortunately Lena remember to take pics once in a while and therefore reminded me to take a few shot. Here there are.

Thank You for Your Support

My dearest friends,
Thank you for all your support during my job search.
Your constant emails and phone calls touched me deeply.
You really, really love me.
I know I haven't been my fun self lately but that will change.
I have a job!

After almost two months of interviewing I have accepted a position at Capital (Dennis' company) this morning.
I was offer the position last Friday morning in the midst of St. Patty's parade -- Capital is on the parade route.
The base salary is below what I'd expected & hoped but with other considerations like their kickass benefits and bonuses, it's a good start. They assured me that the position has great potential for growth and depending on my performance (which you know I will blow their minds) I could and will be quickly promoted. It's promising to hear from my supervisor Nick that what he liked about me (besides my charm and beauty) is my obvious leadership skills and my strong desire to advance. (Nick didn't really say anything about my charm or beauty but we all know it's true. hehehehe) He did say that he wanted someone who could grow to be his counterpart and eventually capable of taking his job down the line.

I'm excited.
I really like the company.
I like the people I've met so far.
And I think I'll like the job as well.
Of course true bonus is being able to work with my friend Dennis every single day. =)
Oh the financial bonuses are nice too. =) I will be using it to pay for my photography.

Again, thanks for all your concern, support, prayer and love.
I'm lucky to have you all.

Job ...

I've been really sick the past week.
Started Sunday, March 5th and I'm still recovering. Stupid cough.
I didn't leave my apartment until Thursday, March 9th because I had the final round of interviews (see last entry).
I barely made it. Had no energy left afterwards and came right back home to recoup.
I think it went well. The first hour was a video conference interview with a head dude in LA. It was fairly standard. He asked me about my background, asked me a few questions and then asked if I had any questions. I really didn't have anything but I made it a point to ask anyway. I was told it was a good sign to the interviewer cause it makes it look like I'm interested in the job/company. Whatever. Second interview was only 30 mins but it was much tougher. The guy was the head dude of my department for the NY office. He was very direct and asked me if I knew anything about the company. Well I knew the basic but I got a feeling he wanted a little more details like how $$$ the company made, it's history, etc... I got this sense cause he proceeded to tell me all the facts. I briefly went over my last two jobs, he asked questions and then asked if I had any questions for him. I mentioned that since this was my 8th interview that I didn't really. He then suggested that I could ask a question I already asked. Tough. So I did. I asked what qualities or traits he wished the person hired for this position possess. He like the question. Turns out he hoped the person had diligence and patience. I guess I would be handling some demanding people with high expectation in service. Hmmm. After working with unreasonable-at-many-times designers, any person would be a walk in the park.
Finally I met again with Nick (who would be my direct supervisor). He wanted to introduce me to some people I would be working closely with. Hmm doesn't that make it obvious that they are going to hire me? Also ran into the HR person Dianne who informed me that she talked to a reference of mine. Glowing recommendation, of course. Hmmm more signs that I got the job.
They promised to get back to me early next week.
Well it's early this week, I consider Monday and Tuesday early in the week, don't you?
Nothing.
I better hear from them by tomorrow. I consider Wednesday midweek.
Stay tuned...

Will I work again? If so, when?

So today I get a call from the Dennis' company about another round of interviews.
Oh my God.
I've already had six interviews and thought the last one was it. I was wrong.
I was informed that this is the final round and I'll be meeting more than one person.
It's totally exhausted.

For those who don't know, I applied to three of my friends' companies. All investment companies.
The first two didn't want me because they thought I was over-qualified for the administrative position I applied for. Truthfully I was but come on, I wanted an easy job. Guess they didn't agree. I went to Dennis' company expecting them to reject me as well. Fortunately for me, the HR person heard my qualifications and directed me to another position that just came up. It was like fate. The position is very much like what I've been doing for the past six years. It's very managerial and multitasking. At first I was worried that it would be too much like my previous jobs but then realized that I rather be challenged than bored. Besides this time I would be well supported with other people around me and be paid well for it. Good factors. I liked the company a lot. I especially love the fact that they encourage employees to volunteer and get involved.

I was warned by Dennis that the hiring process was a long one. He had about 12 interviews. Yikes. I thought six was tough. But I think being this far it's a very good sign that I'll probably get it unless I do something really stupid like show up to the interview drunk. Therefore, it will be all worth it in the end.

Wish me luck.
Pray for me.
Support me by buying me dinner. =)

Another Wintery Day

It's not as pretty as the last one. A little more rain mixed in the snow. It still is beautiful day.