The Job Interview

Posted byFractured Faith BlogPosted inA Fractured FaithTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ve been quiet of late for a number of reasons. One of these is that I’ve applied for a promotion at work so have been working on my application. Lo and behold, I now have an interview on Thursday so need to further prepare for that. This has meant less time for writing but considerably more time for fretting and imagining the worst possible scenario when I step in front of the interview panel. I am DREADING IT.

I might appear confident, calm and collected in the bloggerverse but I can assure you all, it’s a carefully contrived front. I have zero self confidence and continually run myself down, before others get an opportunity to do so. I’m at my most comfortable when I’m writing when I can be at my witty, most erudite best. A bit like Oscar Wilde, my fellow Irishman, but without the side burns and frilly collars.

If I’m successful at interview I become a BIG BOSS, as opposed to my current medium sized self. The fools might even give me my own office, although I think asking for a nameplate on the door might be a bridge too far. Maybe I could just make do with a nice potted plant or desk diary. Either way, it’s a big step up in salary, workload and responsibility. I applied for the position very reluctantly and with a heavy heart.

You see, I want to be a writer. I’m a homebird. I want to sit at my laptop on the sofa and tap out stories and tall tales to my heart’s content. I wrote a 350 page book last year. My family loved it. My friends loved it. My beta readers and editor loved it. Two literary agents have asked for the manuscript but still I’m waiting for ‘the one.’ To temper the euphoria I’ve also had my fair share of rejection e-mails.

Am I selling my dream down the river by going for this promotion? Is it the end of my hopes of becoming a full time writer? I sincerely hope not. If nothing else, it could provide me with the finances if I end up going down the self publishing route. It will also put the family in a much more comfortable financial position. I’m being a realist here, much as I prefer to daydream about book deals and signings.

We shall see what Thursday brings. For all my doubts, I’m a competitive bugger so will give this my best shot. Part of me will be bitterly disappointed if I don’t get it, part of me relieved. Does that even make sense? This post has been more a rant off the top of my head, as opposed to a structured, thoughtful piece. I hope you can excuse me the luxury of shooting from the hip in this one.

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

67 thoughts on “The Job Interview”

  1. I totally understand the disappointment vs relief scenario. Sending positive vibes that all happens that is best for you and yours!! Btw being a full time writer is not down the drain…. it can still happen!! 😉

    Like

    Reply

  5. Hoping for the best and congrats on the interview. In no way are you selling your dream short. You still need to provide for your family. Your dream can come true while you still have to reside in the world of bills and life. I still have my fingers crossed for you. 😃

    Like

    Reply

  6. That whole ‘shooting from the hip’ thing is good practice for interviews. I like to give people a chance to let me know how they think more than just recite their favorite weakness that they will miraculously turn into a strength. Best wishes for a comfortable, fruitful interview.

    Like

    Reply

  7. We humans are filled with self-doubt – well, at least the vast majority of us. I am wishing you all the best whether you are given the job or not. Wishing you all the best, always.

    Like

    Reply

  8. “Part of me will be bitterly disappointed if I don’t get it, part of me relieved…” I totally “get” that! I’ve often felt that way about pursuing new challenges! All the best with your interview! Praying you’ll be a huge success! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Give it your all amigo. If it is meant to be then you’ve done well. If not, you change tack.
    Sacrifice for the good of the whole….hmmm seems I remember a generous soul doing just that.

    Like

    Reply

  11. I pray it goes well Stephen. I’m a bit of a realist like you. I love to counsel and encourage people. But I also know my family needs to eat so I am sticking to my job for now

    Like

    Reply

  12. Your mixed emotions make perfect sense. It is a voyage into the unknown and we generally greet those with an odd mixture of fear and fascination. Best of luck with it. Based on your established history of handling multiple demands swimmingly, it should not interfere with your writing career.

    Like

    Reply

  13. Sending you much love and luck. I’m pretty sure you will get it because you work hard at everything you do. I experience similar concerns. I want to advance in my job, but I don’t want to have more attention and more responsibility at the same time. I’ve actually not even gone for a few things for this reason. I regretted it much later.

    Things will work out no matter what happens.

    Like

    Reply

  14. Just give it your all and what will be will be. The only failure is not trying right? You work, you run, you dad, you write. It’s who you are because it’s who you want to be.

    But yes. Interviews are the worst…

    Like

    Reply

  15. No worries. Really. You wear many hats. It means a lot just to have you say you’ve enjoyed it….although I did have a terrible dream that I received feedback highlighted all in yellow that said I should rewrite everything except for like 6 words. It was terrible. 😆

    Like

    Reply

  18. Ugh, I hate interview panels…I had one years ago and was so nervous. Maybe you could practice your responses and think of the types of questions they’d ask. I pray that God will work everything out for you. I pray for peace and calmness over you. No matter what happens, you can still continue writing. Don’t ever give up on sharing your story/using your voice.

    Like

    Reply

  21. As some one who was terminated last week after being there for twenty nine years, your ramblings make perfect sense. Of course my brain isn’t quite right these days. I have the luxury of being able to take the summer off before I will look for a new job. People suck and at this moment I’m glad I don’t have to be around them. Best wishes and may God put the right words into your mouth on Thursday!

    Like

    Reply

  25. I’m way too literal to be able to give you an advice. It will take learning every single detail, asking a lot of questions, then I will usually ask you to give me sometime to ponder all. Aren’t you glad I’m far away 🙂!

    But what I can do, is wish you the best outcome that suits your personality, your overall happiness and your family’s happiness. And if I must suggest something that might be beneficial, I’d say: Confidence. Go into the interview with confidence. Do not show any hesitation. You got this.
    Good luck.

    Like

    Reply

  28. A positive attitude will get you places in life. Have faith in yourself, smile, take deep breaths before and after the interview. May you get the job and if not, there is something better elsewhere. Change is difficult at times. Best of luck!

    Like

    Reply

  30. Yes, your potential relief or disappointment completely makes sense. There are pros and cons to every single thing, whether it’s a job, a relationship, purchasing something big {like a house}…with any choice or opportunity in life, there are pros and cons to be considered. I’m glad you’re noodling it out and I believe that you’ll do well. Can’t wait to here how it went!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

%d bloggers like this: