Saturday was my last day of service with my supervisor. She’s taking this week off to spend with her son, so this week, my last week, I’m on my own.
Looking back on service, I know I did a lot of good to the YMCA. I basically created their volunteer program, a system they can expand and improve over time based on my foundation. I recruited a ton of volunteers for them, and made partnerships, and represented myself well. It just wasn’t enough for me. The Y is too self-contained; even the fundraising they do is for memberships or members of the Y. They really don’t do much for the community at large. I also felt like I needed more to do. Building a program is apparently not quite what I’m looking for. But this has definitely solidified for me that working in an office all day is not something terribly well-suited to me, I feel. The whole year, my favorite parts were the events, were the times when I worked a table or directed a volunteer or was otherwise involved. Idly sitting by is not for me. Now I know.
I applied for what I thought would be a part time job, and was called for an interview. After talking to the interviewer for about five minutes or so, she offered me a full-time canvassing job. It’s not prestigious or glamourous, and it involves standing outside for long hours in Harvard Square and surrounding areas. But, it’s a job, and it starts Monday. I took it, just because right now NOTHING else is solid. I should theoretically hear from the Boston AmeriCorps program tomorrow, but who knows. I also got a call for an interview for a job on Beacon, which is right next to the State House, doing some political work long term. It’s only 32 hours a week, and I asked for $32,000 a year, which would be such a huge change I feel like I have to at least interview.
At this point, looking back over my year, I’d be happy going home at the end of August. I’m open to finding a good steady job here, if that happens. This canvassing job is just temporary, I think. I’m seriously considering just keeping it until I find something better, unless it turns out to be a lot of fun. Which is actually entirely possible. But I should have a temp agency calling me with job openings next week, and hopefully I can set up an interview, and maybe I’ll get something real, with a salary. I can move into my own place, and really enjoy Boston without such strict monetary restraints. I’d also be going into Boston everyday, rather than out of it, which I know will help encourage me to spend time out of the house.
Anywho. Still waiting. But now I have a job I’m sure I’ll get a ton of other offers, as Murphy’s Law dictates. Better than nothing, though! I’m not complaining.
