Broke, unemployed and in a state of panic!

Yup, you read right! I’ve hit rock bottom.

Application after application after application has been unsuccessful.

My contact at my old agency was made redundant so there goes any chance of me working there for now.

As a means of survival, I’ve had to forget about my pride, about my ambition, about my intelligence and previous success to take on a job working in a bar.

Tonight will be my trial shift. I’m numb to everything. I left Australia as a successful career woman with everything I could want to pursue a career that was my dream.

I’m left now with an empty bank balance and a desperate attempt to make money so I can pay my rent and eat. This was not what I left my country for…

I just hope something works out soon because this is not a good place for me.

What an emo-roller coaster

I understand it’s been a few weeks since my last entry but I’ve been battling with procrastination and it’s ugly friend, boredom.

CAREER: so I didn’t get that PR job, the job spec changed from when I was first interviewed and they needed Someone with more traditional PR experience and not integrated. In saying that, I have been interviewed for another AD role (on Monday) for an agency that works with the PR company on the same account. This is an integrated digital agency so a little more closer to what I’ve been doing. I’m feeling a bit disheartened given the job was posted on Thursday last week, I got a call on Friday and was qualified by the HR rep, then had an interview with the associate director and one of the joint owners on Monday. It seemed like they loved me and wanted me on board but I’ve not heard a peep since and even followed up with a friendly email.

Sigh

Just today however, I was contacted by a small agency that deals with brand partnerships about a possible role, my details have been passed onto their GAD so waiting to hear back about hat one.
It’s almost been 5 months since I was laid off and I have not been able to find anything – it’s kinda scary and disheartening but I’m trying to stay positive.

COFFEE: I’ve not been exploring recently – so I’m back at BlackBox in Queens Park where I was asked by a fellow customer if I was from Melbourne… She clearly knew what good taste us Melbournians have when it comes to good coffee. I have no recent photos of coffee (oh I lie! I found a gem in Canterbury!! Will have to post that up ASAP) so here is one of my cute kitten who we have now called Chu.

RANT: I just want a job that pays me well enough and allows me to do everything I’m great at… Why is it so hard!!?

Neglect, neglect, neglect

I know I know – it’s been a while. Although I am not technically employed yet, I have been keeping myself busy with a few other projects and ideas.

CAREER: So I had a great week or two with interviews and even a second round interview with London’s 3rd largest PR agency.. But that was last week on Wednesday. And not a lot since except a call on Friday from their HR lady advising she will come back to me as soon as she has any news. Look, I know they’re busy, but when a potential colleague seems to really dig you and your skills, you kinda hope to be snapped up by them real quick! My first meeting with them was with the Associate Director (I had applied for an Account Director role) and she described me as a maverick, much like herself and that she would really want me on her team and try everything to do that. Something tells me not to lose hope and that they’re just busy but the impatient, over analysing side of me is telling me to prepare for the worst.

I have since (well… Only yesterday) have applied for 5 other AD roles within the integrated/experiential marketing industry. It’s tough out there, and I’m quickly running out of mulah. Fingers crossed something comes my way soon!

COFFEE: Ok so not only have I been lazy with updating my career pursuit, I’ve also been really lazy with getting out and finding hidden gems… Except for when I went to Thorpe Park a few weeks ago! And funny enough, this place was just down the road from my house! They’re a pop up and had only been open for 2 days when I found it. Needless to say, they fit out is awesome and so is the coffee! They’re called Black Box Coffee and you can find out more about them on twitter @BlackBoxLDN – seriously cool space, cool guys and a great coffee!

RANTS: I’m just completely over being unemployed! Or ‘between jobs’ sigh… I just want something I can really sink my teeth into you know? It’s getting me down… It’s really tough… I just need life to chuck me a bone and cut me some slack. Please.

– rant over

A quick visit to Camden

I love Camden. I needed (wanted?) to buy some wellies as I’m heading out to a potentially soggy Thorpe park tomorrow and took the opportunity to seek out a cool coffee establishment. I’ve done just that!!

CAREER: I need to make a move on very soon as I have a 2pm call with a contact of mine who is currently based in the US. He’s quite an influential guy that I did some work with at Formula E and he might have a freelance opportunity for me. Yesterday I also received a call from London’s #3 PR agency about a role I applied for, SAM/AD And the associate director wants to meet me now… So a few opportunities building! Just depends which actually comes to fruition.

COFFEE: It’s amazing and it’s called Coffee Circus. I love everything about this place, from the piano the La Marzocco coffee machine is on, to the rustic fit out and relaxed feeling. I’m actually quite lucky as the sun has poked it’s head out and in getting some much needed vitamin D with my ABSOLUTELY AMAZING CAFE LATTE!! By far the most enjoyable coffee experience yet even in the nipply wind. This place is #winning

RANTS: I really don’t have anything to bang on about today… It’s been a pretty feel good day.

– no rant to be over

It’s been a while – and yes I cried

Wow – let’s recap.

So I watched the first ever Formula E race at home on my lonesome and yup, I cried.

I really think I need to let go of what has been and focus on what can be.

If I was asked to go back now, I’m not so sure I would.

CAREER: So I’m back on the employment search band wagon. I had a freelance gig from the 10th-30th September and have been considered to join the team full time, if they secure an account they have been wooing. I have also had a phone interview with another brand experience agency which also seems pretty cool. All global brands but no racing. I think I need to let that go for the moment.

COFFEE: no pretty pictures today as I’ve only really been drinking Starbucks over the event and that’s not worth documenting.

Tomorrow is another day so I’ll have a look around at what is available.

RANTS: oh just that I’m kinda over being unemployed… Or ‘between jobs’ really. First time for me this has happened so I guess it’s best to learn now isn’t it!?

– rant over

We have made progress

So remember that job interview I was up at 6am for my birthday? Well, they’ve offered me a freelance position for a few weeks.

CAREER: I’m working again so that’s a good start! The job is helping the event team run a successful few days in 2 weeks time. Lots to do but I’m getting through my tasks, it’s a good feeling!

I’ll also be there to help during the event.

COFFEE: I went back to the same cafe that made the amazing coffee… Clearly the barista that made my incredible beverage was not in that day so I ended up with a bowl of hot, bitter coffee. I still drank it.

RANTS: Well… The Formula E event is tomorrow and I’m still sore about not being there. I’ll try and find the motivation to wake up at 8am tomorrow to watch it all unfold. And I’ll try my best not cry.

– rant over

A job interview on my birthday

So last week on Friday, I celebrated my first year in the dirty 30’s. I was also up at 6am for an 8:30am interview in Parsons Green. Other than that, the rest of my day was quite OK! I was at home and in bed by 10pm though. My AFL team also lost in their game leading up to the finals but Australia did beat South Africa in the four nations cup. YES!

CAREERS: I was so dedicated to the cause that I was up at sparrows fart on my birthday to go in for a job interview – for no particular role. I’ve met with this agency before and they’ve kept my CV on file so asked me to come in and have a chat about options. I’ve not heard back from them yet but I can’t be 100% sure I want to work there. I found a job with monster energy over the weekend and have applied for that. THAT is something to get excited about!

COFFEE: So I had about half an hour to kill before my interview so found somewhere to park my bum and order a coffee. What can I say but OMG! This place made an amazing coffee… And it was served in a BOWL! Who doesn’t love that! The last time I had a latte in a bowl was way back in March in Austria. Froth levels, perfect. Temperature, perfect. Flavour and intensity of the latte, yup, you got it – PERFECT! I’m deffo going back there!

RANTS: The closer it gets to race day at Formula E, the more I have to rant about. I feel so let down by those who I made my family away from home. I feel like I’m the only one who is missing out on experiencing this first event, even after a whole year of blood, sweat and tears!! And now there are people going who have only been in the company for 5 minutes! I lived that project and still feel totally betrayed. It was not a performance based release… not knowing why you were actually let go really plays with your mind.

– rant over

Journey to the other side of the world – east London

After another one of my famous career ‘chats’ I happened to stumble across a street market in Angel. It took a little while but after much persistence to keep walking I was greeted with a cute organic coffee shop! More on that later.

CAREER: Today I feel has been a productive day. True to his word, my contact that I met on Monday has been connecting me with his network, and I’m getting bites! I was called in for an interview today with a business marketing consultancy… I met the MD a few months ago at one of their events and was encouraged to apply for one of his ‘Client Partner’ roles – so I sent an email just asking to catch up, and sure enough we did. I wasn’t wholeheartedly wanting to work for his company to be honest… They’re great at what they do but generating new business leads isn’t something I want to do… Although I am good at it. We had a great chat and I’ve got another supporter on my case to find my next dream job! I also have a meeting with a highly regarded rec agency later today so let’s see how that goes.

COFFEE: Today’s drop was presented nicely and I must say, I really liked what they did with the place! My latte was unfortunately 50% froth… I don’t mind so much but I know in the world of coffee, that’s a no no. After digging through the froth (oh I always eat froth first!) I was eventually greeted with my coffee. First sip – pleasant temperature but then BOOM! Hello strong bitter characters!! It’s drinkable, but I don’t love it.

RANTS: I’m feeling relatively relaxed today… But ask me again in an hour and if my friend isn’t finished fixing her hair and hasn’t arrived to meet me, then I’ll be having a rant about her tardiness… Watch this space.

– rant… Over??

Sunbathing in London

There are a few things that are quite clear when it comes to London weather…
1. It’s not always the best
2. When it is, it’s quite rare
3. When you get it, make the most of it!

Today I decided to don my cozzie (swim suit) and head down to my local park for a lie down in the sun. Yes… I’ve never done this before arriving here and it’s starting to feel less awkward every time!

CAREERS: it’s been a frustrating few days (oops, I’ll save that for rants!) that ended with a little light at the end of the tunnel… I have applied for role after role and one recruiter even took the time to write back to me to say how great my CV was and that we should chat. I’m sick of feeling like the girl who gave her number out to a guy at a club and he promised to call her the next day. I find myself looking at my phone constantly… Waiting… Then when I get fed up, I chase: ‘hi x! Hope your day is going well, I just wanted to follow up that phone call we were meant to have. I’m free at 11 otherwise please let me know when suits you and I’ll make myself available.’ – only to get nothing. One rec did write something like this back to me though!: oh hey tash, weird thing… I re-read over your CV and looks like you’re not the right fit for that role.’ Really!!?? REALLY!!?
To end this section on a slightly lighter note, I met with quite a well connected individual in the world of Motorsport yesterday. It was putting a face to the name as my old colleague actually recommend me. The conversation went well and I really believe this guy could help me… Just depends if we have enough time before I run out of cash and have to go home.

COFFEE: Today’s coffee is brought to you by the nice guys who run the park cafe at Queens Park. Other than it being a bit on the too hot side, the flavour was subtle (well suited for today) and I really enjoyed it.

RANTS: Other than my short outburst above, today’s rant is about a recruiter who emailed me yesterday advising the job that I had applied for was filled… That morning… Almost 2 weeks since I applied. But that’s OK! He told me to watch that space as they’re
still growing. Story of my life.

– rant over

My how time flies when you’re applying for jobs

So today I didn’t get a chance to leave the house for my daily exercise or coffee… perhaps a walk down to the shops for a few frothies (beer) is in order!

I didn’t not want to post an entry today so I thought I might share a quote, well, lyrics by Drake about something I completely agree with.