I suspect that my unemployment is coming to an end.

This may be because I have a job. Seriously, why am I still scheduling interviews? My resume has received such a positive response from employers. I’m thrilled that my dream company, USHG, called me yesterday to schedule an interview today. It’s for a server position (which is what I applied for), but I am going to carry the conversation towards a management role. I thought for sure they’d bypass my resume, because it’s all management and coordinating experience. If they’ll extend me a maitre d’ position then CB will have some serious competition–both companies are NYC famous dining groups who offer benefits and dynamic appreciation of their employees. Both companies make a habit of promoting from within, and both companies have a standard of hospitality that is compatible with my own. So really, it comes down to what they have to offer: position, salary.

The response from CB was immediate–they called me seconds after I emailed my cover letter and resume, and eagerly invited me for a trial shift before the interview had ended. I can’t wait to work there tomorrow and try things out.

USHG, on the other hand, let things slide over a week. I was taken aback to receive a phone call from Blue Smoke on a Sunday, and for this position. Again, I think my statements on hospitality, and the fact that I’ve been in there and have multiple positive interactions with their staff and maitre d’, that I received a call back.

Yesterday, also, I received a call from the manager at the House. She said I was supposed to be there training. I told her that I haven’t received an offer, didn’t know what it paid, whether or not they were considering other candidates, how often I would work, etc. She thought the owner had gone through all of this with me, but no management was present at the time I trailed/ trained. She said it pays $85/ shift, and the training pay is $50/ shift. Quickly, I did the math: that’s an under cut, really. I nearly laughed out loud. Shortly after our phone conversation, I received an email with the schedule. I’m on under “host” for one training and two shifts this week. I had applied for a maitre d’ position, but now this all makes sense. People, there is a difference. I figured: I had planned to pick up a disposable job until I signed a contract for something substantial, so here it is; go to work.

Because the industry is heading into season, and because I’ve received a very good response to my resume and personality, unemployment has actually been kind of nice. I would love a ceaseless cash flow but, lets be honest, I haven’t even picked up the two checks I have waiting at the LYNC. It’s the first of the month, I have a rent check to mail and some bills due, but I’m almost certain I’m going shopping today before my interview at Blue Smoke.

Still, I don’t feel like I’ve made the most of my unemployment. I haven’t been to the museum. I haven’t trekked up to Laduree and bought macaroons. I have definitely needed this time to recoup from the stress of the move–which was less about actually moving, and more about having a job that I despised. Things are on the up and up.

Soon.