Job......Check!!!!

That's right.....I got a job!  I won't start working for another 3-4 weeks due to the background and reference checks that have to be done, but I have a job.

Everyone we've talked to has told us that you will either find a job really fast (if you're one of the lucky few) or it will take a long time to find a job.  I seem to be grouped in with the "lucky few" category and I couldn't be more thrilled.  If you read my last job related post you know that I was actually offered a job in early October but turned it down.  Right now I am SOOOOOOO glad that I did.

Last Wednesday I received a call from one of my recruitment agency contacts.  Jill, the person who had originally connected me with the agency, actually called the agency to see if I was available.  From what I can tell, a lot of positions in the UK are temporary contracts - 6 months or so.  Jill's team had decided not to renew the contract of a team member that will be up at the end of November and were looking for someone to fill the vacancy.

Because they hadn't officially gotten the new position approved or determine the exact details of the role with HR, Jill wanted to see if I could come in for a informal meeting with her and a colleague just to find out whether or not I would be interested in the position.  Luckily, because it was informal, I was able to wear jeans and boots to the meeting because it was one of those typical Scottish days and I was pretty wet by the time I made it to the building.

We met for 20-25 minutes and just chatted about what the role looks like today, what they want the role to look like going forward and whether or not I would be interested.  I told them I was.  They said they'd get back to me soon to let me know what was next.

They met with the department head the next day to give her their opinion and on Friday I received the offer.  I didn't even have to go in for a formal interview!  How awesome is that since it is on the top of my "Things I Hate to Do" list?

I'll be working for Standard Life Insurance Company so I believe the company will be similar to Principal in some ways.  I'm not sure exactly what my team does but I'm sure I'll pick it up quickly.  Oh - and I'll be in an admin/PA role.

Since it's November and the month of giving thanks, here are the things I am thankful for about the job:

1. My position is a 6 month fixed term contract which means that I will be working directly for the company (rather than as a contractor) and will have access to benefits.  I'm not sure what benefits I'll need as a US citizen so I've got some research to do.  
2. Work weeks are 35 hours here so I'll probably never want to have to go back to work in the States.  And I can use flex time to adjust my hours if needed.  
3. Luke and I will be able to walk together in the mornings and evenings.  I'll just "drop him off" on my way since the building is about a 10 minute walk past where he turns off to school.  
4. I'll start earning Pounds.  From everything we've been told, getting onto the Pound system is great because when you go back to the States - you're rich!  Too bad it doesn't work the other way around.  (crappy dollar)

So for the next 3-4 weeks, Luther and I will be spending a lot of time together enjoying the last of our "holiday".  Although this week I will be doing a lot of audiobook proofing - my other job - which will be the topic of a separate blog.

Love you & miss you,

Aubs, Luke & Luther