YOU GUYS!!!

Wednesday afternoon I got a call from the State of Nebraska offering me the job as a Public Information Officer for the Department of Health and Human Services!!

I know that likely doesn’t sound like something most people would want or like, but as someone with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and 10.5 years in TV News, it is a very logical next step when you get out of the news to go into PR or Communications for a company or corporation. State jobs have amazing benefits, 12 holidays a year (including Arbor Day because that holiday was started here!) and pretty awesome pay and vacation time too. I was ecstatic!! I have been trying to get a job with the state for years now, so I was so happy.

The Marketing gig I started Monday? That SUCKED. I was a glorified proofreader. And I felt creatively stifled. I went in Thursday morning and put in my notice…after only 3 days of work! They were cool about it and I went home after about an hour! 

This is where things start to get interesting:

• I decided I do a little Christmas shopping and headed towards the Outlet Mall about 40 minutes away.
• On the way there I got a phone call from the News Director of the TV Station I interviewed with last week in Buffalo, New York. He wanted to “catch up” with me.
• He said, “Melissa, it has to be obvious that I like you and want you to work here. What will it take to get you to Buffalo?” (if only a man was saying that to me in the context of wanting to be in a relationship with me!!!)
• I told him that I had taken the marketing gig, and hated it. And that I’d been offered the job with the state and I really love it And he said, “I don’t think you’ve ever been told this, but you have it. You are sharp, smart, you are talented, you are not just a producer, you are management, an EP (Executive Producer), and eventually a News Director. You have some much potential to be so great in this business.”
• Well, crap! I told him he just made my decision harder. He was working really hard to sell me on it. I still don’t think they can meet the money I want, and that’s a big deal to me.
• He told me that no matter what, if in 2, 3, or 5 years I wanted to get back into the Biz, to just call him and no matter where he was he would get me a job at his station–he thought that highly of me and I was that good.
• YOU GUYS. I have never been so flattered and humbled. This whole unemployment thing has sucked, but man, this was a good way to see that I am in demand in different fields!
• He told me to think about it and to call him tomorrow. My answer will still be no-I’m going with the state job. But, wow, is it nice to be wanted!!
• Then while shopping I hit EVERY BARGAIN! I got a Kate Spade IPad case for $20 (regularly $75). I got a skirt and sweater at J. Crew for $21 total for both! (with 40% off and another 20% from a scratch off ticket that would be for 0-20% off! WIN!) I bought a Christmas gift that was regularly $25 on sale for $3. I think I need to go buy a lottery ticket!! 😉
• I really feel that the following things are true:

If I hadn’t lost my job, I never would have known what wonderful opportunities lie out there for me. I honestly was just holding myself back at my previous job. Now? Now I’ve had 2 job offers for amazing positions in 2 days, I have been offered 3 full-time jobs, and there may be a 4th coming next week. I feel awesome. Thanks for believing in me, and all of your words of encouragement friends! I couldn’t have survived without your support!