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July 05, 2005
Home Life
I've spend the last couple days getting reacquainted with life in the United States. Saturday was my first opportunity to see the girls from high school. The shenanigans were running high (as least what I can remember in between black raspberry margaritas at Alero), but I have been sworn to secrecy on the details. All I can confirm is that there was talk of vaginas.
On Sunday, I did lunch and shopping with Elizabeth. After hearing that I would be receiving a more reasonable offer from my former employer (the one that tried to lowball me with a $12/hour summer job), I was feeling quite sure-to-be-wealthy-in-the-near-future and got some fun summer clothes from Ann Taylor Loft.
Then on Monday, I eschewed all patriotic fervor and instead reveled in the opportunity to have the WHOLE HOUSE TO MYSELF, if only for the 2 hours everyone left to go see the fireworks. Looking back on that precious time, I wish I had remembered to walk around naked for a bit. Oh well, next time.
Today I have been exceedingly grumpy. I attribute it to the gray, drizzly weather, my mouldy bathroom (which was inspected today with the discovery that the toilet has been dripping and the whole back wall is softened from the ensuing fungus), and the following response to a job application:
Thank you for your interest in our vacancy.
Unfortunately it is not possible for us to hire you. Dutch law dictates that we need to proof that there is currently not one single person in the Netherlands who could fill the vacancy if we want to hire someone without residence permit and/or work permit. The situation changes completely in case you already live in the Netherlands as the spouse of..... and having the required documents.
I wish you success in finding a suitable position and to your future career.
First of all, I am quite positive that there is at LEAST a small possibility that I am uniquely qualified for this position. (Several people from school independently sent me the job advertisement.) But I am more disgruntled by the fact that this position was advertised on CSRChicks, an international yahoo group. I've had enough with putting serious time and effort into applying for jobs that I don't have a change for, so I sent the following reply:
Thanks for your quick reply. While I'm obviously disappointed that [your association]—especially as an international organization—is only considering Netherlands-based applicants, I understand that national law is rarely easy to circumvent. May I suggest that in your future job postings that you mention this restriction? I know that the position was advertised on several listservs that cater to a wide international audience, and it's a shame to have people get excited about a chance that really isn't an option.
On the other hand, there have been small pleasures, such as coming upon my dad and Janie sleeping in bed, attired in the socks and eye masks handed out by Virgin Airlines. Special thanks to Joana, who left multiple packs of airline goodies so that the whole family can rest easy without unwanted light in our eyes, cold feet, or bad breath (the "fresh" toothpaste is another favorite).
I'm also almost completely moved in to my "new" room. I've taken the frumpy wreath down (just kidding mom, I LOVED the ribbons and sea shells motif) and put up my painting from Lithauia. I've unpacked both suitcases from Sweden, although there is admittedly still some sorting to do in the attic. But at least I have my own space, even if Janie is constantly leaving stuff on the bed. The next time I find her "Baby Janie" doll in my room, there may be an unfortunate incident of infanticide.
My next step is to confirm employment for the rest of the summer. I'm waiting to hear from my previous employer about the contract work, and I'm about ready to just show up at the NGO I've been waiting to hear from for the last 6 weeks. And, of course, I'm constantly searching for other positions. Who would think such a brilliant, talented, well-qualified girl would have so much trouble finding work?
