tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478365705550169157.post9147428187761358634..comments2022-10-03T02:51:30.808-07:00Comments on Moraline Free: An Afternoon In TunisiaHuman Side Presshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07625276629942278844noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478365705550169157.post-63842851232960038152010-02-05T14:41:11.028-08:002010-02-05T14:41:11.028-08:00So this is very exciting, because there's a go...So this is very exciting, because there's a good chance that this will lead to future opportunities guiding for Trek. (Not to mention it pays well, and will be great experience for me as an MT. ) I'm THRILLED, but the reason taking it has been a challenging decision is that this position is only for 2 1/2 weeks. It's a one-time gig, with no guarantee of future work. I asked my current job for an unpaid leave of absence, and they said no. It's disappointing, but I understand where they're coming from.<br /><br />There was never really any question in my mind regarding whether I'd take this job, even if it meant quitting my current one. But now that it's come down to that, the reality of that choice is significant. So this week I have asked many of you for advice and help, not necessarily in making the choice but in coming to terms with what it means (and making sure I'm not making a big mistake, economy and all.)<br /><br />It seems crazy to leave a full-time job, one that I genuinely like, for a two week gig. But then, it's me, and I'm all about on the edge, taking chances, and having adventures while I'm able to do it. I've had to weigh a lot of pros and cons, and what it comes down to is that I would really regret missing the Trek opportunity, and I am very confident that I won't go unemployed for long. I do believe that the bigger the risk the bigger the reward, and that change is always accompanied by growth, and that is always a good thing.<br /><br />In light of that risk, I've given up my apartment as of March 1, so I won't be tied into a lease without steady income. I'll be gone for most of March anyway, and have a friend who's offered her basement to store my stuff for a little while. So once I return from Texas, I'll be starting over with jobs and apartments again. :)<br /><br />Given that, if any of you who are in Colorado has a couch or guest room I could surf for a week when I get back, I'll pay you in home-cooked dinners and free shoulder rubs. And if you hear of anyone looking for a writer/massage therapist/help with their website/to organize their kitchen/housesitter etc. please keep me in mind.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you who have been so supportive of me following my dream even in the face of potential unemployment; it has meant a lot to me this week, and I am overwhelmed by the confidence in me that so many of you have expressed.<br /><br />Here's to a life of adventure!<br /><br />Hugs,<br /><br />NicoleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478365705550169157.post-7814117602990351502010-02-05T14:40:43.008-08:002010-02-05T14:40:43.008-08:00Dear friends,
Many of you have been asking about ...Dear friends,<br /><br />Many of you have been asking about my ambiguous and somewhat cryptic facebook messages and things this week. I'm sorry I couldn't be more specific, but I'm happy to finally be able to share my news.<br /><br />Of course, I'm a writer, so you're going to get the backstory:<br /><br />About four years ago I was looking for work and came across a posting for tour guides for Trek Travel. Trek, the cycling company, leads luxury vacation bicycle tours all over the world. Biking, traveling, guiding, planning events... I had found my dream job.<br /><br />Except the application window had closed a week earlier.<br /><br />So I kept them in mind, and the next year I applied. I probably spent more time on that application than I had for any of my college apps. They responded, I had a brief phone interview, and they said they'd keep in touch. They didn't end up hiring any guides that year. Or the next two.<br /><br />About a year ago I got a freelance writing assignment from Wisconsin Woman Magazine that was "travel tips from the local experts," so I called up Trek Travel and asked if I could interview their president. I did so, and met with their hiring director in the process. It was great to make that connection, and I've kept in touch with them ever since.<br /><br />As you know, this fall I moved to Colorado. In September, I found a great job with the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, working in their box office as the Administrative Coordinator. Despite being another office job and another nonprofit job, I've really enjoyed working there. My co-workers are a lot of fun, and its great to be back in the arts world. And I was thrilled to find such a good fit job for me so quickly.<br /><br />Then about three weeks ago I saw that Trek was hiring for "Soigneurs;" licensed Massage Therapists to accompany their guests on a two-week long ride across Texas and provide first aid and massage services. So I dropped Garth (the hiring director) a line, and he strongly encouraged me to apply. He said that if they were able to hire me, it would be a good opportunity to see how I would do as a guide. I had a phone interview two weeks ago, and didn't think it had gone very well...<br /><br />But I got the job!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com