Australia: Welcome to the World of Contracting

After five weeks of job search where my emotions often oscillated between disappointment and hope, frustration and determination, I finally landed a job and I start next Monday! Just when I was about to throw in the towel, I received not one, not two, but three offers in the span of five days. It must have had something to do with my haircut. (My superstitious nature led me to believe that bad luck was weighing me down in the form of my split-end-ridden hair. And I was right!) The past two weeks post-haircut have been particularly crucial as events unfolded that thrusted me into the world of contracting whether I was ready or not. I am discovering for myself just how tenuous the job market is and if you don't play your cards right, you may start off with three offers but end up with none. This was the process I went through that finally got me a job (Cliffs Notes version so you don't fall asleep on your keyboard):

• Offer #1: When I read the job description for a 6-month contract at a women's hospital, I was beside myself because it was everything I was passionate about and would take my career to the next level. I applied online, got a call back, and went into Vagina Hospital* for an interview. Everything went beyond smoothly on both sides until the very end when they told me the salary would be a bag of peanuts. I quickly did the math in my head and realized that my daily rate would be 2 peanuts a day which is precisely half of my usual rate of 4. Then they quickly corrected my math, "That's the per annum salary so it would be cut in half for a 6-month contract." Although the voice in my head was screaming, "EXQUEEZE ME? I'd be working for one measly unsalted peanut a day?" I was able to compose myself and feign enthusiasm nonetheless.
• Offer #2: A recruiter I interviewed with several weeks ago finally called me back and asked me to meet with the client, a car accident insurance agency, for a less challenging role. Car Wreck Inc. and I met at a cafe for about 20 minutes and they wanted me to start the following week. The pay would be 3 peanuts a day.
• Offer #3: A friend of mine introduced me to Pimps R Us, the company she works for; after weeks of not hearing back, they found me a position at The Bank - one of Australia's biggest financial institutions. The Bank liked what I did at another bank in Tokyo and wanted to meet with me at yet another cafe which left me pondering, why do Aussies love to conduct interviews over coffee? Even though the job is not really what I wanted as it would be a career derailment, I'd get 4 peanuts a day.

Vagina Hospital was the first to offer me a position. Since I knew sooner or later I'd have other options, I had to gracefully turn it down via email. Then Car Wreck Inc. offered me a job two days after. But I wanted the big prize so I stalled and "accidentally" missed two phone calls from them asking me if I can start the next day.

3:00: I reluctantly called back and explained my situation that I was waiting for another contract which was longer duration and more pay. They gave me a deadline of 4:30 to make a decision or they will contact my backup to take my place. I then gave Pimps R Us the same deadline.

4:25: Pimps R Us called to inform me that The Bank will get back to them by 5 to discuss if and when I can start. My heart was pounding because I didn't have until 5. What if The Bank said they no longer needed my services and by then it'd be too late to get the job at Car Wreck Inc. At first I would've been happy with any job offer. But now that I actually had choices, I felt blessed and cursed at the same time by the predicament I was in.

4:30: I called Car Wreck Inc. and asked for another extension until 5:30 and they agreed.

5:20: Pimps R Us called and congratulated me on securing a 3-month contract at The Bank for 4 peanuts a day. I will start the following Monday.

5:25: Breathing a sigh of relief, I apologized to Car Wreck Inc. for giving them the run-around. At least their backup candidate will be happy to take my backup job.

Next Day: I went into the Pimps R Us office to sign the contract and even tried to negotiate for 4 and a half peanuts a day. I know - my balls are getting more steely by the minute. I didn't get the rate increase but it certainly didn't hurt to try. I then found out that the project I'd be leading at The Bank doesn't even start for another couple months, but they didn't want to lose me to another job so they are giving me a random assignment until the project starts. Human nature is funny isn't it? For weeks no one wanted to hire me. Now that Vagina took the first bite, everyone else wants a piece of me too. Well I'm certainly copacetic with the situation.

Finally, a big THANK YOU to Jimmy, a seasoned contractor, who has been such a great help throughout this whole ordeal. Also thanks to Justin and Ben who have been given a play-by-play without their consent every time something minor and major happens.

*Company names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

Pictures: Shrine of Remembrance on St. Kilda Rd.