"Sorry, we decided to go with the other candidate"

So I'm finally back. It seems like forever since I had a chance to post. Since my last post a lot has gone on; we closed on our house (with more drama and angst than I wanted but anyway), we (the PTA) are wrapping up the Fall fundraiser, the Fall festival is Saturday, and the whole potential 9-5 thing have had me all over the place (I know it seems like I only post when I'm stressed, but keep reading this post takes a surprising twist).

Yeah you read right, a potential 9-5. I was presented with an opportunity by an Exec I had lunch with a few weeks back. She knew of a Senior Admin position and asked if I was interested. Of course my initial response was "no, I own my own virtual admin support business". Then I got a call a few weeks later making sure I wasn't interested in the position before they offered it to the other candidate. The pay was great, the benefits were great and not to mention we just bought a new house the steady income would relieve a lot of stress. So I decided to give it a shot.

I knew and accepted the reality that just because I interview for the position doesn't mean I'm a shoe in. I was fortunate enough to have my name bumped to the top of the list but I still have to prove I can do the job. (I know what you're thinking, "how can you just walk away from your business?" I thought that maybe the steady hours and the steady pay would balance things out.)

So I dusted off my resume, spiffied it up a little, and sent it over for review.
They called back and we set up the interview.
I did the whole briefcase, suit and nylon thing. I was going in there to get this job, I was going to win. But something happen mid way through the interview..I realized how bored I would be. I knew I would be busy but the excitement and energy just wouldn't be there. But again the idea of being able to afford (and get the time off for) the family vacation to Disney World my kids have been dreaming of sure make the boredom seem more attractive.

The next day I get a call giving me the "bad news", they decided to go with the other candidate. Now I hate to lose, so it was like a kick to the gut hearing those words "we decided to go with the other candidate", but when I thought about all that I almost gave up for the corporate worlds promise of stability, I could not be happier with their decision.

I love helping my clients make their ideas happen; The sound of relief that washes over them at the end of our planning meetings, just knowing they don't have to do it all I there to help. Not to mention being able to continue to make time to participate in things that are important to me and my family.

I love what I do! I love the way it makes me feel! I would have been crazy to give that up for immediate financial gratification. So thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for "going with the other candidate"

(See I told you it wouldn't be just a rant, it is a reflective post that expressed gratitude and appreciation..J2 Virtual Assistant ROCKS!!!)