Monday, February 16, 2009

The Hunt Continues

This just occurred to me: Despite all my time doing cool things around the globe, I've never had a proper interview. By proper, I mean formal. There was some interviewing with temp agencies in Washington, but that was more of a typing test thing. I dressed in pants suits for my typing tests. Overkill? Probably. I like to make a good impression.

Anyway, Australia might be more xenophobic than I anticipated. My problems: 1. I have a foreign (non-white) sounding last name. 2. My professional experience and education was abroad. 3. I can only work 6 months for any one organization.

While I'm sure I could find work as a skimpy (bar maid) or farm hand in the outback, I have no desire to do either. I grew up on a farm in the country. I already know what hard labor is like; that's why I went to University. I worked as a server during high school and university. I've paid my dues. Grr! Despite my great CV, lovely cover letters and wonderful phone presence, I've only scored two interviews. The first was to be an equestrian coach at a local horse farm (I was under-qualified but the guy was informative). The second is tomorrow. Tomorrow I trot off to a fancy restaurant for a trial shift as a fine dining server.

Honest money is better than nothing, but please God, let it be something that won't make me want to wish I'd been an accounting major!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Interview

I had an interview today. It went well enough. Then I came home and promptly threw up. Boo.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Hello World

Tell all of your friends! There is an intelligent, hard-working soul in Canberra with two liberal arts degrees from a prestigious American university who is looking for a job! The restaurants won't even take me! Maybe this is the part of my life story where I learn that job hunting in any foreign country isn't a walk in the park....

Anyway, hello world! I'm back in the blogosphere. I thought about back-blogging, but truth be told, I don't have the energy. What has happened since December? I've settled in with Sam and it has been GREAT! There's no doubt that my unsuccessful job hunt has been hard on both of us but he has been better about it than I could ever imagine. The man hugs me on a daily basis and says things like "maybe tomorrow will be a better day." WOW! I still have every intention of moving out BUT I need to find a job first. Amen.

Australia reminds me of the States. A lot. Sorry Aussis, but it's true. The way you dress. The way you act. The way you eat. Yep, reminds me of the States. Of course there are notable differences, like driving on the left or calling a cooler an "eskie" (in NZ, it's called a "chilly bin!"). I tried to order take out from a restaurant one day and wasn't understood until I said "take away." Sigh. Regardless, Australia's grand but I often feel a tinge of longing for Paris; I don't think that feeling will ever go away.

Until I write to you again, take care internet! Much love, Mlle Zarrouati.

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All opinions contained herein are the exclusive property of Elizabeth Zarrouati, and in no way reflect the beliefs or attitudes of, but not limited to, the United States Government, the French Government, the Australian government, nor any government entity in the U.S., France, Australia or anywhere else in the world where I happen to be. All writing and original images on I Endorse Bread and Typos ©2008 of I Endorse Bread and Typos unless otherwise indicated. All rights reserved.