I let myself have a day or two to have a good cry then I got back to Craig's List and to my contacts. A friend gave me an introduction to a recruiter in the New York City office of her firm. I had a wonderful interview and although they were still interviewing I really felt that I had a good chance of being offered a position. While I was waiting for a call back a recruiter that I had met with several months ago gave me a call and told me that she had an interview for me to go on.
She said the job was a temp to perm position and they needed someone to start on Monday (this was on a Wednesday). Well, I had no interest in being a temp and as much as I dislike "un-named retailer" I could not in all good conscientious leave without giving notice. But I had not actually received an offer from the job I had recently interviewed with, so I was not in a position to turn my back on any opportunity. I tried to stay mindful and prayerful and asked that if this was going to be the right job for me that all of my wish list must be met. My list included, 1) location - midtown Manhattan, 2) enough money for us to finally enjoy life in one of the most expensive city in the world, 3) respectful and friendly work environment, 4) reasonable daytime hours, 5) a job requiring the skills I have and not the skills I wish I had, 6) and finally a company that does not have a problem with my "older worker" status.
When the employment agency gave me the address I was thrilled to see 30 Rockefeller Center. I could not dream of a more mid-town address. She also sent me the estimated salary which was well above my wildest dreams. During the interview the receptionist who is being promoted into another position told me that average employee has been with the company for five years. She herself has been there for seven years (and at age 55 was being promoted to work for a managing partner). I asked about the temp to hire situation and they said that they do not just call an agency and hope that any temp that shows up works out. They interview the candidate and bring them on with all intents of bringing them on as permanent employees. When they asked me when I could start I told them I would not be able to start for another ten days. As I was walking out the current receptionist said that she was so glad that I had said I was not available for another week because she herself was not ready for the transition until after the 4th of July holiday. They asked me to start on July 7th. I accepted.
As I was leaving the building looking up at the famous Rockefeller Center landmarks I literally had to pinch myself. A line from the Rogers and Hammerstein "Cinderella" came to mind. "Can this be real? Or am I in a dream?" It was everything I had dreamed of. There was even the added perk of a television in the reception area tuned into CNN (I'm a t.v. junkie).
So I gave my notice at "un-named retailer". I burned through and did what I needed to do to leave on good terms. Don't worry, I have a book in the works to detail my 2 1/2 year journey from beginning to end with all the highs and many, many lows of my retail experience.
Today I got up and put on a pretty dress and a pair of heels and headed off to work.
There is really not a lot to say about the day. I scheduled conference rooms, answered phones, and sorted mail. I looked down on the skating rink at Rockefeller Center and looked out to the south on the Empire State Building. I spoke to friendly, professional people, and began and ended my day during civilized daytime hours. When I got home Jeff said that I seemed depressed. I am not depressed or disappointed, After years of racing at "un-named retailors" to keep up with an endless pace for a thankless management team I think I'm stunned. Stunned but thankful.
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