The Search for a Job

So...the last few weeks have been set in job search mode for Michael and Amanda.  You might recall that I briefly mentioned there attempt to job search at a job fair in Dallas.  This was a complete bust and I think both of them were quite discouraged from the experience.

Michael has hung on...applying for more jobs each day via the internet.  He does have a job so it makes it easier to bounce back and continue the search.  His main goal is to get out of Afghanistan deployments and be closer to home on a regular basis.  We have decided to let God lead the way and see what comes of this effort.

Amanda it seemed took a few days off from the job search and was getting down.  Then, Michael and I had a talk with her about needing to set goals and move forward with plans.  That night she decided that the best option was to start by setting a goal to wake up each day and set up a normal routine for the day.  This would include working on her online courses, writing on her book ideas, and applying for jobs.

Last Wednesday, she set out around a near by town square with resume in hand.  She went to about 10 businesses and hoped that one of these local businesses would be hiring.  Several took her information and said they would call, while others gave her applications to fill out to return.  She liked this idea so much that Thursday she went in the other direction and gave out more resumes in that town square.

This was on Valentine's Day and she was even given a little gift (for me!) from one of the shop owners (so sweet!).  However, she had really hoped for a job.  One of the shops she entered was a dress shop full of formal wear.  The owner was so sweet and told her that she was interested and would look over her information and "talk to Jesus" about the situation.  Amanda looked at this as a good sign and felt like this was an initial interview that went well.

Friday, she got a call from a chain restaurant that is located in town.  She had only filled the application out as a last resort, hoping she would not need to take a job in the food industry.  She was being called in for an interview on Saturday.

She asked if she should even count on a  call back from the dress shop.  I told her that she should stop by the shop on the way to the other interview and see what happened.  That led to a second informal interview with the owner and a chance to come back for a formal interview on Monday (today).

Her interview with the restaurant went well, but that made Amanda worry that she would be "stuck" with this job.  So, then the phone call came yesterday that she dreaded...the restaurant offered her a job, which she accepted.

Then she went to the interview at the dress shop and she was offered that job as well!  She was so excited when she came out to meet me.  She asked what she should do about the other job.  I encouraged her to consider both offers and make the best choice for her.  She did this and choice the dress shop by calling the restaurant to decline the offer.  It was hard to do but she felt relief (a good sign!) after this was done.

We then took a celebratory walk around down town...stopping at the candle shop to have a nice conversation with the owner (mentioned above) and a walk around an antique shop.  It was a good morning for the 'Reynolds girls!'

Meanwhile the boys stayed home and completed their school for the day.  They also arranged for a forester to come by the house to create a management plan for our property.  This was done in hopes that we can obtain an agriculture exemption for timber.  This was a good experience for the boys to hear a professional discuss our land and the habitat that it creates.

A good day for all!