Hope :: Hope but Be Smart about It

I have a bad habit of diving head first into things. But if you’ve ever had a swimming lesson, one of the first lessons they teach you is to never dive in right away, especially if you aren’t sure what might be beneath the surface. What are you supposed to do? Jump in feet first.

Smart, right?

Well, I can blame my head-diving tendencies on having never taken official swimming lessons. But I obviously know the suggestion, or I wouldn’t be able to write about it here, right? Right.

But that doesn’t keep me from diving into life head first.

At the end of April, I had a job interview over the phone that led to an in-person interview in early May. Based on the in-person interview, I thought I had the job, hands down. I went ahead and got clothes that were appropriate for it (but held off on getting the haircut so I could get one closer to the actual start date), and had my heart set on it. Then weeks went by and I didn’t hear anything. Now it’s been two months.

Now, the fact that I haven’t actually heard a solid no gives me hope that there’s still chance—slim though it may be—that I may still get the job, but if this experience has taught me anything, it’s that I need to learn—finally, at the ripe old age of 33—to jump in cautiously, rather than diving in head first. All I can say is: at least I didn’t buy a car!

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At this point, I’ve begun seeking employment elsewhere. And, actually, have found some possible positions in my field! I have an interview next week, and I’ll keep you posted!

But, with that said, I’m going to hope but be smart about it.

Until I have an offer letter in my hands, I’m not going to assume that any job is mine. As exciting as these opportunities are, they are just that: opportunities.

I think it’s great to hope. Actually, in my opinion, it’s healthy to hope. But you can’t let it take over your life. You can’t let it allow you to become blind to the reality around you or to other possible opportunities.

Will I use the clothes that I got, even if I don’t get the original job? Absolutely. Maybe not as often as I would have before, but cardigans are always a great accessory for dresses. And dress pants have their place.

But is there a part of me that wishes I had been a bit more patient? Yeah, a little. But it’s all part of the learning and growing process.

I’m excited about my next prospects, but I’m cautiously optimistic. Putting my feet in first to make sure I don’t splat on the way to paying my rent this fall.

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