36 Hours

So much can happen in 36 hours.

As you might have heard (and if you didn't feel free to read up on the last post) I recently received my open work permit and hit the ground running applying for jobs even before we took off for Christmas holiday.

After one initial interview that wasn't a good fit, my phone remained sadly quiet.  I spent more days than I care to admit scouring the job postings in the local papers and online, crafting individual resumes and cover letters for each position, and (im)patiently waiting to hear back.  I was experiencing the truth that looking for a job...can be a full time job in itself.

I was also reminded what a discouraging process the job hunt can be, and let's be real...I know it had only been around a month since I started looking and applying, but I was expecting to hear much more from potential employers and rather quickly at that.  I also know the reality that so many people look for work waaaay longer than I had been looking.  I began reminding myself that I would rather wait for the right job than grab something quickly and really hate the work.

So I began working at shifting my expectations.  I began thinking and preparing more for the marathon than the sprint.

In the last week as I continued to research and read on tips of "getting the job" I was reading a suggestion to steer away from using all my energy applying for jobs that were posted.  That the chances of getting work through a publicized job posting was 20% to the 80% of jobs that were obtained through the "side door" method.  Personal connections, networking, and researching companies you admire or would like to work for and contacting them to see if they might need help or assistance from someone with your experience.

This all made good sense to me, but I was a little overwhelmed with the idea since we'd just completely transplanted to a new community and I knew little to nothing about area businesses and industry.  And while we've been blessed with a network through the church community it's so much information to sort through!

You can't just come up with a magical list of employers you would be a perfect fit for when you Google: "Awesome places to work in Wetaskiwin, AB".  (I did try.  You know... just in case.)

But I was keen on the idea and was thinking about the places I might submit my resume to that might benefit from my experience.

Begin 36 hour miracle window:

I made a huge meal as I occasionally do even with no plan of what to do with all the food.  Then I start a new game of "Ways to Use Up All the Leftovers in Other Dishes Before They Go To Waste".

Nate came home as I was taking out the huge chicken pot roast and I was looking at just how much food I had really prepared and thinking I had just advanced to tougher level in my "Ways to Use Up All The Leftovers" game.  And Nate suggested we invite up our neighbor who was a single woman.  As I internally doubted her ability to come over with 5 minutes notice, I none-the-less agreed and sent her a text to invite her over.

She accepted.

Over dinner we chatted and got to know each other better, and during the course of conversation found out she worked at an area not-for-profit that helps adults with developmental disabilities to learn employment skills and ways to be connected in the community.  She said they are often looking to hire but almost never post openings.

The following afternoon, I stopped in briefly to introduce myself at reception and drop off a resume...before I got back home from running a few errands afterwards, I had received a call back to set up an interview for the next morning!

The next morning I arrived and had a 3 part interview that went well.  Afterwards, I again was running a few errands and had a call back within the hour to offer my a position!  Towards the end of February I have been scheduled to begin working as a client support worker.

I look forward to the challenges and learning that will come with working with a different age group with developmental disabilities, but am excited to working with what seems to be a very well run organization with great leadership.

The ability to start at the end of February is also exciting as it will still give me the chance to work out the plans that had already been set in motion prior to the job offer including our move that will come quickly!

I am thankful for the way this has been coming together.
I appreciate all the prayers, thoughts, and support as I've been looking.

So if you are also in need of encouragement just remember, a lot can happen in 36 hours!

Keep Calm and Immigrate On

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it's at least 2 degrees outside.  We are in the middle of a heat wave today.  Nate has taken to walking to work in the milder temperatures the last few days.  And we continue to make plans for the future.

Our short term rental has been great for us to get our bearings here, and get things switched over from Ontario (my Alberta drivers license should be in the mail!)  Next week we sign up for Alberta healthcare and we just received our benefit cards from Nate's work.  It feels good to be getting established.

As we've sifted through options  for more permanent housing solutions including meeting with a mortgage broker to discuss options, and we have concluded that we both feel more comfortable finding a longer term house rental to allow us space to create more margin in our lives.

So today we looking at house for rent in the area.

The most exciting news on top of all these other things is a breakthrough in my work status and permanent residency.

I was allowed to apply for and was granted in a few short days, an open work permit.  This allows me to work anywhere in Canada doing any work I want.  It's not restricted to jobs related to my educational background etc.  So the resume's are flowing, and I'm hoping to find a good fit soon.

Just a week or two following this exciting news, I received a letter stating the processing of my permanent resident application is now complete!  We are now simply waiting to hear from the Edmonton immigration office to be in touch and let me know when I need to come up with my original documentation...passport and so on.  And that should be the final step or darn near close!

These changes make the world seem larger again.  The possibilities of travel open up again.
Perhaps that is why the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping...the world can't help but celebrate with me.  ;)