If we were having coffee, I would tell you about how the majority of this week has consisted of job applications with minimal exploring in between. Although there is so much to see and do in the DC area, being unemployed has resulted in me staying at home and not doing a whole lot in an effort to save money. That’s okay because when it all comes down to it, I’m a bit of a homebody. However, it’s also gotten a bit excessive to the point where I’ve started having conversations with the cat in between job applications.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you about the exploring I did do this week. Last Sunday, I explored more of Arlington on foot and somehow ended up across the bridge in Georgetown along the way. It was a heck of a lot of walking but it was a beautiful day, some good exercise, and I got to see so much!
On Wednesday, after spending all of Monday and Tuesday at home applying for jobs, I was feeling a little stir crazy so I went into DC, worked on a job application for a little bit at a coffee shop, and then walked around Downtown. I headed to the National Mall (which I discovered is completely under construction right now), walked past the Washington Monument, down Pennsylvania Avenue past the White House (the President was home and there were Secret Service people EVERYWHERE), and then on to the nearest metro station to go home. It wasn’t a huge adventure and I wasn’t visiting anywhere new, but it was nice to get out; there is only so much time one can spend filling out job applications before going slightly mad.
If we were having coffee, I’d save the most exciting news for last–I got a job! Today! At a coffee shop in Downtown DC! I’ll be working at a barista in an awesome location and so I’m officially, as of approximately 1:00 pm EST today, no longer unemployed! I got a call for the interview on Friday, went in for the interview today–Saturday–and was hired on the spot. I know I could have found a secretary or administrative job that pays more, but I really do love being a barista. Anyways, this isn’t a long term deal. Just until I find a higher paying office position. I’m just happy to know that I’m employed and that I’ll be having a paycheck coming in a few weeks. Life isn’t all about the money, but money is necessary to get by in life.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that as excited as I am to be employed, I also feel apprehension. Now that I have a job and filled out all the paperwork, etc., etc., the reality of living here long-term is actually starting to sink in. It’s what I want, yes. I just love this area so much and I’m so happy to be here, yes. That said, it’s still nerve-racking. I don’t have a solid friend group here, yet. I don’t really know anyone besides my current roommates and a few other Morris grads who are also living out here. I miss my family and friends in Minnesota. I’m realizing that as much as I like Arlington, I really do want to move into DC–and even though this barista position is temporary, I don’t know how temporary; finding a place to live in a city as expensive as DC on a minimum wage salary kind of scares me. I turned my dream to move to DC a reality and that’s amazing…but there’s still so much uncertainty at this point and adjusting to a new life in a completely different part of the country is still hard.
If we were having coffee, I’d probably take a deep breath and make a comment about needing to go and practice some yoga. I’d tell you that I spent the afternoon after my hiring success walking around more of the city. I didn’t explore this place enough when I lived here during my internship and I can’t wait to do that now. I do love this city. So much. I have so much more to see of it, too. I’d tell you that I’m meeting a fellow Morris grad for brunch tomorrow and how I’m so excited to catch up with her. There is so much uncertainty in life, yes. It’s okay to feel apprehension now and then. However, this life is so freaking cool and I’m so happy I followed my dream to move to DC despite all the uncertainties. Attitude is everything and, with the right attitude, everything will work out in time.
If we were having coffee, I’d be ready to switch it off to you–and I’d ask if you have anything to share over coffee.
This post is part of the Weekend Coffee Share link up at Part-Time Monster
It's a Britta Bottle! 
Congratulations on the job! If I were there I’d be spending all of my free time at the Smithsonian and other museums, even though I’ve seen most of them 1000 times before. Are you thinking of doing more museum work?
The pictures of Georgetown were cool. I’ve never explored it and didn’t know there were canals. I’ve only been to a few restaurants.
I once had a conference at a hotel in Rosslyn. Convenient location. I don’t know Arlington at all, though.
I hope you are finding ways to have fun! Good luck in your search for a longer term job!
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Thanks Trent! It’s exciting. So much to figure out still, though that’s life sometimes I guess.
True, true–there are a gazillion free museums in DC. Honestly, though, I didn’t want to even pay for the Metro. It’s not that much money for each trip, but it does add up over time. I also really don’t mind spending time at home.
I’m actually looking into editorial jobs right now. I realized that I just want to write and play with words and I want a job that will allow me to do that frequently. 🙂
Arlington is cool! I know DC way better than Arlington, but I’ve had a fun time seeing what there is to see in Arlington, too.
Thanks Trent! I’ll keep the blogosphere posted on what happens next!
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Congrats!
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Thanks, Amy!
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You got the job! That’s amazing, Britta. Sounds like D.C. is treating you well, and I’m excited to hear more about it from you.
I’m currently spending my summer traveling (once more!), this time in Asia. I don’t know if D.C.’s hot yet, but it’s boiling here. Still enjoy the change of scenery and culture, though…and the food really feels like home! Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
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Well, it’s not “THE job,” it’s “A job.” I enjoy being a barisra but it’s not something I plan to do forever. I am happy to be employed, though.
Enjoy your time in Asia. How fun. I’m happy to home, but I miss Thailand everyday.
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Does DC have Manpower or any other temp agencies there? When I have time off school and I’m looking for a job, I just call them up and they look for something for me. They do temp jobs as well as temp for hire.
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Yes, there are tons of temp agencies in DC. I’ve also been looking into those for, too.
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Britta, this is all awesome news! CONGRATS on your job! Even if it is temporary, having something is such a good feeling. I remember how much you enjoyed being a barista last summer, and how cool is it that you get to barista again in D.C.?! When do you begin working?
Exploring the city sounds like so much fun–although from what I know about that part of the country, it’s probably really hot! I don’t envy that!
If we were having coffee, I’d let you know that I’m a step closer to being employed and independent as well. I have a job interview this week for a Front Desk Assistant Manager position at a top-tier resort on the North Shore. If it works out, it would require moving and I’d be making less than I had hoped, but there is room for advancement. Winters are long up north and it’s even more isolated than Morris, but it’s my favorite part of the state and would be such an adventure!
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Thanks so much, Amelia. Good things are in store for the future. ❤ Well, ya see, that's a good question. I've filled out all my paperwork this weekend and my manager told me I was supposed to start today, but I haven't heard anything. I'm not really sure what's going on, but hopefully I'll hear something soon! I also have some really exciting applications sent out for more professional jobs and I'm so hoping I hear something positive back soon!
Haha, yes! Good ole DC is hot and humid, as usual.
Oh wow, that is exciting and very unexpected. Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected, though. Good luck with your interview and I'm looking forward to hearing if this position works out for you.
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Congrats on the move and the job! DC is one of the few places I would like to revisit and just get lost aimlessly wandering around. I haven’t been doing much blog reading lately due to stuff thats been going on and today I just decided to go back to my Reader. I am happy to read your updates and to hear that everything is going well so far. Good luck Britta!
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Thank you so much, Belle! It’s such an exciting time. I hope you can come back someday–DC is amazing!
I completely understand the being busy part. I haven’t been the best at reading blogs, either, especially since moving here and trying to get situated. Glad to see you back in the blogosphere, though!
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Im not done with all the museums yet, so we’ll def be back! 🙂
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When you come back, let me know! I plan on being here for a while and I’d be happy to meet up with you and maybe show you some sites off the beaten touristy path. 🙂
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That sounds like a great idea!!! Thanks Britta. Would surely love to meet up with you and have a real coffee share moment. 🙂
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