Yesterday, I received an email inviting me for a job interview. This is the third interview I've been invited for since moving here, which is awesome. It's for a job that, in the description, sounds perfect. I would be using and developing the skills that I want to use and develop, working to improve health among disadvantaged groups. But it's in Alice Springs. Alice Springs is pretty much in the center of Australia, surrounded for hundreds and hundreds of miles by absolutely nothing. There would be no job opportunities whatsoever for Hugh.
I don't know why I'm even worrying about it. The university makes it clear that they will not hire temporary residents. They have no intention of sponsoring candidates for visas. So I'll go to the interview, do my best, explain that I can't work for them longer than 6 months, and that'll be that. I guess I'm just in a funk today because the whole thing reminds me of the unsustainable position I'm in. I came into this knowing it would be like this, that I wouldn't be able to start a career here until I somehow become a permanent resident. I willingly chose that path, so I should buck up and remember that I don't actually regret my decision in any way.
Anyway, I couldn't bear the thought of sticking around in the flat, so I went in search of retail therapy, in the form of used knitting needles at the Salvation Army store. It is conveniently located next to an office supply store, and I've been meaning to grab some basic supplies for paper crafts.
It ended up costing more than I expected, because apparently double-stick tape is exorbitantly expensive. I mean, $7? That's outrageous! In fact, everything at the office supply store was more expensive than I thought it should be, and I can't tell if that's just because everything in Australia is more expensive than back home, or if this store is just taking the piss. But I had fun, then I came home and started designing my new scrapbook. And I feel fine now! Funk banished.
That fashion catalog from the 70's was only 50 cents? What a steal!
ReplyDeleteAs I recall from the past 30 or so years, you typically research your future options carefully, make intelligent decisions based on what benefits and sacrifices those options entail, then fret that, when it's time to pay the piper, you won't be able to foot the bill.
ReplyDeleteKaren, you are rich beyond your wildest dreams in both courage and backbone. You know there are scary things in the forest; yet you set your foot upon that path because you also know that your "home," the place you need to be, is on the other side. It's not in the least bit odd that you would get a little shaky, though, when the bear is potentially just around the corner.
I would be surprised if you took on a challenge without committing such careful thought and research to it. And I would be equally surprised if you didn't quiver a bit in the midst of it. Those two things are quintessentially YOU.
I, for one, am so very proud of the many challenges you've willingly (and successfully!) taken on. There are times in my life when I'm faced with the simplest of challenges and I think of you - of all you've risked and of the many, many wonderful experiences you've had because you've set your foot upon those scary paths. You and your sisters each give me something different - you give me the strength to be brave.
I totally agree, though - $7 is wayyyy too much for double-sided tape...
We'll have to send you double-sided tape in your next care package! Yoiks.
ReplyDeleteGet the practice from the interview, knowing in the back of your mind there's a better option, and that you're going to wait for it. Patience. The right job/situation is baking in the oven, it's just not ready yet. But you already know that, don't you?