| | New Beginnings
I'm back with some renewed vigor. I'd like to say that writing here will be more regular in 2008, but a quick look at some of my previous posts shows some huge gaps that make it doubtful that I'll live up to my intentions. So -- no promises. Boding well for making this exercise more regular, though, is my list of 'routines' (avoiding the term 'resolution') for the future (not just the year).
Before I get to that...the latest on the job/job search. Frustrations with my current job are still abundant. Having completed the course-work for my masters over the summer, there has been little change at work except for a meager attempt to placate me with some more professional responsibilities that require reporting to a more experienced higher ed professional and a welcome office switcher-oo.
At the end of the spring semester, the Dean of the College came to talk to me in my old office, which was slightly larger than a closet, had one incomplete wall adjacent to the community kitchen and another thin wall that was shared with the mens' bathroom -- leaving the details of why I needed a switch to the imagination. Anyway...the point was he realized from the details I listed on my job evaluation that I was interested in advancement. Although he was willing to make that a reality, what he couldn't do was match it with any guarantees of salary compensation within the academic year. Taking what I could, I accepted the proposal for more professional experience.
Fast forward...I've been in committee for "early decision" in admissions and gotten additional exposure in the admissions office, both of which make me feel like a more valuable professional. A semester later, it all feels inadequate considering my barbone salary, though.
As for the latest, an administrative employee with similar sentiments as myself (she also does well above and beyond the expectations of an administrative aide) and an assistant director have announced new job opportunities that will have them both leaving within the month. Given the fact that in addition to myself there are only two other employees in the 40+ person staff at this level, this is an unusual strain for the office.
Rewind a bit...back in October I applied for jobs at two institutions I have become enamored with: Haverford College in suburban Philadelphia and Davidson College in suburban Charlotte, North Carolina. Turns out I got a few bites on these annual fund jobs. After two successful phone interviews, I have on campus interviews this week as a final candidate at each institution.
So -- opportunities abound. We'll see what materializes, but it should be exciting whatever the result.
Onto resolu-, I mean routines. The reason I'm going to refer to changes in lifestyle as routines as opposed to resolutions is because I'm starting to realize that calling something a resolution only reinforces the fact that I'm making a change, which can make it more difficult to accomplish. I also want these routines to extend beyond the year, so I won't limit myself to making this "Routines for 2008".
Routine #1 - Running Personal Records. I'm making a commitment to run on a regular basis with the intention of eclipsing my performance in 2007 in the 10-mile race and Half Marathon. Whether or not I run a marathon in 2008 is still up for debate, but I'll be content to run both distances that I ran in 2007 with more competitive results.
Routine #2 - Live healthier. Since adequate training is required to improve, going to the gym will be a necessary routine, including regular running, weight training and fitness regiments. I won't stop there, though. I'm dedicated to eating a more balanced and healthy diet, including cooking meals at home more often.
Routine #3 - Read 20 books in 2008. Back in 2006 I did this and found it incredibly rewarding. I have enough time on my hands with graduate school out of the picture. My only rule is that I don't compromise what I'm reading to accomplish the goal (i.e.: I won't be choosing quick reads just to say I've reached 20 books).
I'm confident that nothing I've listed is beyond my ability. My intent will be to inject updates on these three routines in regular blog posts along with general updates, news and ponderings.
Feeling - Unstoppable
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| | Posted 1/6/2008 10:38 PM - 80 Views - 0 eProps - 0 comments
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