Employing the Unemployed

My last day of employment with T-Mobile USA was September 27, 2010. And by some strange twist of fate, my first day of work in my new job will be on September 26, 2011. One year of unemployment. One year of sleeping in, staying up late, following my own agenda. And along with that, one year of counting every penny, of being careful and worrying about the unexpected expenses. And here is how my journey to employment came to an end.

August 9th: Job Notification from Oregon Employment Department
Business & Employment Specialist 1
(Unemployment Insurance Claims Service Representative) (ID: 807670)
Experience: At least 2 years
Location: Bend
Wage Offered: $2,585.00 to $3,727.00 per Month
Hours per week: 40

August 17th: Completed the online job application and submitted it.
Thank you for your application.Employment with the state is more than just a job – it is a profession. Serving our families, friends, and neighbors across this beautiful state is a privilege. Working for the state of Oregon is an honorable choice and we are glad you are considering a career in public service.

August 24th: Received an email that I met the job qualifications
"It appears you have sufficient education or experience to meet the minimum qualifications for the position and your application has been accepted."

August 30th: I get a call to set up a job interview for September 6th.

September 6th: Job interview (I didn't think it went well)
Good news: I have an interview today for a great paying position with the state unemployment agency. Bad news: I've lost so much weight that my "interview" suit is hanging off me like a potato sack and doesn't look very professional. September 6 at 9:57am (Facebook Update)
Bad feeling in my tummy, I don't think it was meant to be. Onward to Mexico! September 6 at 12:09pm (Facebook Update)

September 13th: Received an email that I've passed to the final step; Criminal Records Check

September 19th: I passed the Criminal Records check

September 21st: The official call that I was being offered the position!

September 26th: I report for my first day of training :)

So I'm happy to report that after one year of unemployment, I will be reporting to the office of employment to help other people in the exact same shoes that I have walked in for the last year. I am very thankful for this opportunity, for this ability to be able to provide for my family again, especially as José faces the yearly lay-off in November. Last year was a very lean one for us and I'm looking forward to what this will mean for our family. And lastly, the medical coverage so that we can finally take him to a specialist to see what could be wrong with his throat. I have been working and reworking the monthly budget ever since I got the call, I just so excited!