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A job hunt

After two and a half months of unemployment and a full three months since leaving Corrymeela, I finally have a job. One that is paid an actual salary and involves a proper commute. It's also based in London, a significant change from living on a cliff in Northern Ireland.

All in all I was pretty glad I didn't have to spend the last few weeks of the year not knowing whether I'd have a job in 2015. A few days before I was offered this position I'd hit the low point in my job search. The rock-bottom point when your self-esteem is on the floor and you wonder whether you're worth hiring after all. A few days later I was offered two different jobs (lucky me!) and had to weigh up all my options before going with my gut.

Reflecting a little on this job search I definitely learned a little more about myself and what some of my goals are. There were two jobs I applied for very early on that I still think would have been fantastic but weren't the right fit at the time and I wasn't prepared enough for the interviews. I also finally realised that job rejections aren't personal and it's genuinely just not the right fit for either me or the organisation at that time. Priorities and needs change all the time and what may have been a throwaway line in an interview or on an application form can massively influence the outcome of a job application.

I've only been here a few days but I feel settled in already. Things are settled for the next six months (unless I screw up the probation period), I like the area I live in and the woman I live with is great. Good start to the new year. 

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