On Ye Ol' Ego Boost

So, its been a while since I posted but I actually have an excuse (unlike Mr. Quist). Up until a week or so ago, I've been working 60-70 hours a week. I work my 9-5 and then work on phonebook stuff. Just seconds before I completely snapped (and trust me, I came very, very close) the phonebook went to print. We are now on a sort of hiatus. Unfortunately, this translates to a financial hiatus too; with the work went the money. Right around this time, my 9-5 (really an 8-5, but I leave at 4 because fuck lunch breaks in a crappy business park) started to get sucky. I won't get into the details, but being paid less than I am worth combined with crap means I was contemplating looking for a new job again.

Before I go on, let me apologize to those of you who are sick of hearing about my work situation. I have little else to talk about because this has been my principle concern for some time now. I am still looking for "home".

Now you may not know that this crappy 9-5 found me. I was contracting at a photo studio and working the phonebook when I got a call asking me to come in. I have a philosophy that when a job finds you, it would be both rude and stupid to not hear them out, so I went. The lure of "salaried" (albeit low) with quasi-benefits hooked me. Well, just as I am starting to regret getting hooked, I got another call. I creative staffing agency (one of the 3 main ones in Portland) asked me to come in, and at the same time a place that I did an informational interview last summer asked me to come in too. This later event is the subject of my story.

I got an email from the new project manager at this place saying that they had grown a lot in the last 6 months (indeed, her position didn't exist when I was there before) and they needed freelance (cringe) help with some upcoming projects (read: temporary (cringe again)). I had met with the Creative Director and Senior Designer who apparently both really liked me and my work. So, they wanted to talk to me. I have to tell you, I love this place. When I was there before the 3 of us were very comfortable and talked and shared and it was GOOD. Its a design firm (very good). I went in, talked with the project manager, it went well. The creative director walked by the conference room on her way out and said hello. I went to shake her hand and she friggin' hugged me! The pay is unbeleivable. I love the environment. The part-time for 6 months is a sweet schedule. I love the people. The work is gorgeous. I am trying really hard to not get excited, but DAMN its hard. I've been bitterly disappointed before, and I may be again. But the moral of the story is that I am indeed wanted. Someone I admire likes my work. And I probably won't be stuck at crappy jobs for long.

Life is good.