OK! A PERMANENT Job!

So, you remember I got a contract at ALE last week, which was a good thing, but really not my ideal job. And I told you what fun I had on Friday with the interview on the UT campus and my tour of the UT Tower. (Visit the link to learn more about the place.)

Well, woo hoo, I got a call today telling me I had the University of Texas job! I get to work in the Dungeon in the Sky! Imagine me, about 3/4 of the way up in the picture, in a tiny cubicle, not being stressed out or bored. That is what I am imagining right now. I was so happy to accept this offer. Even though the pay is less than what I was making contracting, it will be consistent throughout the year, and I will have vacation and sick days (those antiquated concepts). When I thought about it, I realized I was only working 9-10 months a year the last couple, so I never really earned all the money I could have. So, after negotiating, I accepted the offer.

I am so incredibly relieved. Many of you may not know I started out as a University employee. I was a graduate teaching assistant for a few years before quitting grad school, and after my really wonderful but brief stint at the National Council of Teachers of English, I worked a couple of years for the University of Illinois. I spent a LOT of my life on university campuses (4 years undergrad, 7 years grad, plus 2 at the UI job). I like being there, and I like the kind of people who do that kind of work. Things have changed a lot, for sure. There sure isn't any parking at this place, and nope, no health insurance for free, but it still has a feeling that makes me feel like I belong. I look forward to starting this job, rather than dreading it like I did the last two contract jobs at big corporate entities.

I even look forward to the long commute. Why? There's a park and ride place not too far from my house, and an express bus. I can knit on the commute and listen to NPR on my MP3 player!! Free knitting time! And at some point next year, there should be commuter rail I can take. Have I mentioned how much I love trains? I would feel so good to not be wasting gas. Plus doing work that I feel good about.

Folks, I am so relieved and happy that I can hardly express it. This was a long wait, but worth it. I can start as soon as my security clearance comes through. Even though it may mean I don't get to spend as much time with my dad when he visits as I would like, I think it will be good. I have told a couple of potential employers that I am set. I have to tell the recruiter for the contract job "thanks but no thanks" tomorrow. I hate to bug out on them, but ya know, I really would prefer to not work at that place, since they were not too good to my man.