Back on the roller coaster!

Alexandra · July 19, 2007

I'm sure no one here remembers, but last year I was up for a job -- a job I used to have as executive director of a nonprofit, for 15 years, before resigning at the end of 1999 because of family needs. In 2006 the woman who replaced me was retiring, so I thought long and hard about picking up the reins again. Ultimately I decided to apply, because it was MY job, my identity, for so long and ever since I left there I've felt professionally adrift (in a new career as an insurance broker, who wouldn't?). I loved that job and with changes in my life it would be very possible to take it up again.

But in 2006 they passed me over and hired someone else. I heard through the grapevine that it was between me and that one other candidate, so I was #2. Now, just a few days ago that person was FIRED for cause--she was utterly incompetent and has cost the organization time and money it can't afford to lose. (As the bookkeeper for the organization, I am still involved enough to have inside knowledge of the details.)

So an entire wasted year later, the job is open again. A different president is at the helm, and I am still interested. I've sent him a formal letter and my resume. And I've let him know in no uncertain terms that my personal circumstances have changed since I resigned in 1999, and I would be in it for the long haul.

Today I heard they are advertising for candidates. AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!

Maybe I am not so interested in working for this group. (Although it still looks better than being an insurance broker.) And maybe they can't afford me, which is a distinct possibility. But I don't understand why they wouldn't want to start a conversation about hiring me right off, since I was their #2 choice last year!!

:mmph:

faithmd · July 19, 2007

It doesn't make much sense, does it?

But then again, as you said, maybe you don't want to work for them if they are going to run their place like this.

If you are a known commodity with a proven good track record, there is no justifiable reason I can see (unless they are union, and being non-profit, I can't imagine they are) for doing another candidate search.

Maybe someone somewhere is telling you that something more perfect is waiting someplace else.

Alexandra · July 19, 2007

It doesn't make much sense, does it?
But then again, as you said, maybe you don't want to work for them if they are going to run their place like this.

If you are a known commodity with a proven good track record, there is no justifiable reason I can see (unless they are union, and being non-profit, I can't imagine they are) for doing another candidate search.

Thanks, Faith. I am a known commodity, to some. Others who are newer only see what's on paper. But what's on paper is 15 years of doing THE EXACT JOB they now need filling! What I think is going on is a fear that they might be accused later of not having turned every stone, examined every possibility, before making a hiring decision. (Although that's what they did last year, and see how well THAT turned out!) Board-run organizations move very slowly and are slaves to committee-think. Also, I'm sure there is a school of thought that different, new, novel is by definition better than old, reliable, rerun me. But this organization is not about fast-moving change; it's about delivering membership value and reliable services. Sheesh!!

Maybe someone somewhere is telling you that something more perfect is waiting someplace else.

That's what I told myself when I went through this wringer last summer. I searched and searched for another position, had an interview, didn't get that job either, and had resigned myself to working where I am for the next umpty-ump years. I will survive if that happens again, but whatever the universe has in store for me had better be pretty danged special!!

little shirl · July 20, 2007

Hi,

I have work for the government and they have to post all opening. and they can just hire the temp who is working the job. One lady has worked going on there years through the temp company but can't past the test with the city, so they don't hire anyone and she keeps working. There is others who past the test, and don't get hired. So it might be procedures. I think you should try for it, and I hope you good luck.

Little Shirl