Juggling. Plate spinning. Balls in the air. Gardening.

The January thaw has come to an end but Bruno still thinks the weather is delightful for his morning walk. Last week we enjoyed the freezing fog – on the trees, not so much on the sidewalks. The fog painted the trees with a delicate white lace of ice that was simply beautiful. Bruno was able to take in some very strong smells, too. The heavy air kept scents close to the ground. He considered that heaven.

Last week I was blessed with three great interviews. One was a second interview for a marketing director position at a bank that I’m very excited about. I think I could do really well for this company and be a strong contributor to their goals. I’ve been able to talk to a current employee by connecting to him through a mutual friend. It was good to hear similar comments about the culture and pace from him that I’ve heard from HR and the President and Senior Vice President. It means a move, but then all of my current opportunities mean a move. Hassle? Yes. Concerned? Absolutely not! Love the locations of all of them!

The other two are vastly different. One is a media buying position in television. I’ve bought media before so I know I can do the work, as did the hiring manager who interviewed me. She commented that she was only speaking to candidates who had the skills necessary. What she was really looking for was the right fit within the company. It’s a small office with an open design. Everyone must be able to get along with their co-workers. The office had such a homey and comfortable feel that I could see why it would be easy to spend long hours there. Many times the environment is cold and sterile but this one truly was inviting!

The third interview was with a company that interviewed me last spring but chose to hire someone else. I have a strong advocate there who continues to go to bat for me (thanks, Steve!) and pass along openings with other companies. I don’t know how I will ever repay his kindness to me but I will think of something. Even if he has no direct hand in me becoming employed, his support has been inspiring to me. Oh, yes. He forwarded another opportunity late last week that isn’t even posted yet and connected me with someone on the inside. How cool is that?

This week, I need to continue to try to follow up with a VP of Sales and Marketing that another fabulous friend, Grant, sent my resume in for me (he introduced me to Steve, by the way). He knows her and quickly forwarded my resume for me. I’ve been trying to reach her but this company has recently been awarded quite a few contracts and is probably quite busy managing everything. It’s a solid company that has had openings in marketing but I just can’t seem to get interviewed. A quick phone call with the VP might help…I’m hoping so.

I also have an interview with the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture. I passed an exam and qualified for an interview as an Economic Development Consultant. My past experience working overseas, importing and exporting goods and services has come into play. I don’t know what to expect with this interview but I do know that they are very structured. There could be as many as 10 of us interviewing but since we’ve all passed the exam, we are now equals, if I read the documentation correctly. The best part of the day will be having lunch with an old friend. I’ll be able to relax just before my interview and I’m sure he’ll give me some pointers because he currently works for the State of Wisconsin. He can’t give me any direct help but he can be encouraging and give me a general overview of what to expect.

So that makes four opportunities that I need to keep fed and watered. Some people call it juggling, others plate spinning, and still others say they have lots of balls in the air. I just know that I am very lucky to have so many possibilities and I must remain dedicated to each of them. The waiting is the hardest part. This has already been a very long week.

I’ve been asked which of all of these opportunities is the one I really want. The one that provides me with a challenge, good environment to work in, great people to work beside, and fair compensation is my favorite. That sounds like all of them right now! Sorry. I’ve got to run. I think my garden needs tending.