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The last year has been kind of insane. I went from being a middle school teacher to a web content writer and social media consultant–not exactly apples to apples. More like apples to cheetos, you know? But the thing is, I never looked back. I have loved what I’m doing from day one, and nothing has changed on that front. Still, I’m under contract, and if you know anything about contracts, they sometimes end.

My contract is no exception, and it’s up in September. I know I can’t go back to teaching. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy teaching, but I don’t have the passion or excitement for it that I do for the web work I do now. Bearing all that in mind, I decided to start putting some feelers out for jobs a few weeks ago. I didn’t expect anything to happen; I just wanted to see what was out there, maybe apply for a position or two, and hopefully get an interview. Good practice and all that, ya know?

My aunt (and boss) suggested I apply for a social media coordinator position with a company she works closely with. After reading about the position and learning more about the company, I knew I had to at least throw my hat in the ring. The company is a start-up, doing all kinds of really cool education-realted things, growing like crazy, and full of young, smart, excited people. What’s not to like, right?

So I applied. Within hours, they contacted me for an interview. Has this ever happened to anyone else??? Because it sure as hell hasn’t happened to me. I was excited–and extremely flattered–that they wanted to talk to me.

The interview? Was fantastic. The woman I talked to was clearly excited about the company and all they’re doing, and it was contagious. What’s more, the position sounded PERFECT for me. She immediately asked if I was available for a second interview.

Duh.

The next day, I interviewed with 2 more excited, enthusiastic, super smart people who made me fall even more in love. That sealed it; I wanted in.

Next, they asked me to do a homework assignment of sorts so they could see how I would tackle a project. I turned it in like a good little student and waited. Over the weekend. Excruciating.

Luckily, I didn’t have to wait too much longer, because I got a call that Monday asking if I would be able to do a third video interview.

YES.

The morning of the interview, I was my usual bajiggity self, being all neurotic and worried and freaking out. If you don’t believe me, just ask Paula. I must’ve emailed her 18 times.

Then I listened to this and this to pump myself up. If you needed further evidence of my super cheeseball nerdiness, there it is, folks.

So, third interview. Has anyone else ever had a third interview? Me neither. So I knew it had to be serious. Which meant I really needed to NOT blow it.

I didn’t.

In fact, the lovefest continued. I loved them. They (I think) loved me. We were smitten. Yes, in deep smitt.

I’s dotted, T’s crossed, references checked and . . .

Guess who’s moving to DC in, um, 2 weeks???

I seriously cannot believe this is my life–how different it is from a year ago, how excited I am, how happy and thrilled and terrified and alive I feel.

Last night after I accepted my offer, my aunt sent me this text:

Just thinking again how happy I am for you! You should be SUPER PROUD. It’s not easy to change careers and you went from teacher to social media strategist in less than a year. A pretty amazing achievement!!!

And I was immediately a crying, emotional wreck. Jess isn’t always the most generous with the compliments, so coming from her, this felt like the nicest thing in the world. I have her to thank for giving me the opportunity, for taking me under her wing, and for supporting me throughout. I can’t even explain how grateful I am.

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Thank you, Auntie! :)

That said, I want to thank all of YOU, too! Thank you for supporting me through good times and bad, for continuing to read through my neurotic musings and whiny complaints and highest highs, too. Talking to you everyday is one of the best parts of my day. I’ve made so many great friends through blogging, and I am grateful. The power of social media, indeed!

Thanks for reading, thanks for listening, and thanks for sticking with me on this adventure. Today, and everyday, I am grateful.

XOXO

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38 thoughts on “News”

  14. Congratulations!! What a great story!! That sounds like a crazy interview process and you killed it! Let me know if you have any questions about the DC area! Hopefully we can do a blogger meetup sometime too ;)

    Reply

  19. You crazy girl, almost back where you started. I admire your courage and willingness to embrace new things in life. As always, will enjoy following your journey!! :-) Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply

  20. That’s amazing! Congratulations on your new job and the new experiences that are in front of you! I love D.C., and you’ll definitely have some pretty fantastic places to run down there!

    Reply

  22. CONGRATS ON YOUR NEW POSITION!!!!! And bigger congrats on taking a huge leap and going with your heart.

    Melissa, can we PLEASE become real life BFFs now that we’re going to be living SO close to each other?!

    Richmond is less than 2 hours away…

    I can’t wait to run races with you!!

    Reply

    • Ahhhh! YES! We have to meet! :) And thank you so much for your sweet words :)  

      Can’t wait to run a race with you–maybe you’ll make me SUPER FAST!!! ;)

      ________________________________

      Reply

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