Having officially completed my assignment on September 30th, I like to consider my self "semi-retired". I think it sounds better then unemployed.
Thankfully prior to leaving for Afghanistan I paid off all my debt; sold my house, paid off my car and any credit card debt. I'm living with my parents as I search for a job.
It's a little unsettling not having a job. Now, I recognize it hasn't been that long but I started seriously applying for jobs in mid-August. I interviewed for a position at one hospital in CT that started off as a consulting job, changed to a temporary employee job and then finally became a permanent position. As a consulting or temporary gig, it was great. Unfortunately as a permanent position it was a little too far off my career track and to many steps backwards.
I have since interviewed for a position in DC and had a phone call with an HR person from a hospital in PA. Both of these options are intriguing. With DC, I am waiting to hear if they will offer me the job. With PA, I am waiting to see if Senior Management wants to schedule an interview. While I am waiting; I have applied for jobs in Connecticut, California, Maryland and Texas. The waiting is the terrible part. During this process, I have become less and less a fan of the statement "we will contact you if we are interested in arranging an interview, please do not contact us."
With both DC and PA, it was a month after I applied before they got back to me. Can companies quantify when they will get back to an individual? Say something simple like, "if you don't hear from us in 4-6 weeks, we have decided to pursue other candidates." As the self appointed voice of the "semi-retired" I believe those of us looking for jobs, want to know when you don't want us.
Some places will let you search the status of your application. This is a nice feature. I have learned from one place they have reviewed my resume and passed it on to the hiring manager. Two other places have said they reviewed my resume and its been declined. Declined is a little harsh but at least I know.
Keep Smiling!
