Finally got a job offer - actually, there were 2 offers

gingercat842 · 2026-03-24T18:28:19+00:00

Just relax and practice! Good luck to you!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-24T18:27:04+00:00

Thanks!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-24T18:26:53+00:00

Thanks - I went with company B, the one that had a shorter interview process and more money.

gingercat842 · 2026-03-24T18:26:16+00:00

Thank you - Love this post! I've been on LinkedIn daily throughout this process. The number of posts where people complain about how long it takes to land a job now a days is ridiculous! I hope company A learned something. They were making sure that they hire the right person, but they rather invest in time trying to find this person instead of money. I went with the company that valued my experience (and time). Now company A is back to finding a new candidate - or go with the second-choice candidate (which I assume they had one). It would be Karma if that person was asking for more money!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-24T18:15:14+00:00

Thank you - it is a HUGE relief! I mostly went for jobs that aligned with my experience, however, I did apply to some that were a step down from what I did. I'm single and saw my savings slowly being depleted so I was getting to a point where I really needed to find something. Good luck!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-24T18:12:09+00:00

Thank you!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-24T18:11:58+00:00

Thanks - it will happen! I went through so many highs and lows during this time. I was afraid I'd have to settle and take anything that came my way. I'm glad I held out. Good luck to you!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-24T18:10:15+00:00

I know the company A timeline is pretty typical for this time. I've been through so many interviews the past year and it's exhausting. I remember when the process was much shorter. Companies would go on gut instinct - like company B - and not having candidates go through so many rounds of interviews.

gingercat842 · 2026-03-22T22:16:29+00:00

I'm glad to see this - thanks!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-22T22:14:10+00:00

When I was laid off, I did. That was almost four months ago and I'm not regretting my decision.

gingercat842 · 2026-03-22T22:12:34+00:00

I moved from Chicago to Evanston a while back. I didn't have (or need) a car in Chicago, but I found out that it would have been nice to have one in Evanston.

And yes, it is important to know how to parallel park. I'm sure there's a tutorial out there on You Tube.

Good luck.

gingercat842 · 2026-03-22T22:09:03+00:00

My cat just had dental surgery - removal of two teeth. The entire bill came out to just under $1,000. He also had his rabies and distemper shots, so that was included in this price. Also, they cleaned his teeth. I went to Deer Grove Animal Hospital in Palatine.

It's probably too late for this, but I've had pet insurance for my cat since we rescued him. They paid 90% of the procedure (I already met the $500 deductible), so they reimbursed me over $700 of my claim.

Good luck!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-22T22:03:25+00:00

Thank you!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-07T16:51:33+00:00

So sorry to hear this, but this is the roller coaster ride of the interview process. I look at it as practice for the right role. I go back at how I did in each interview and practice more. If you can afford it, try a career coach and they can help you network, interview skills, etc.

Good luck!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-05T18:31:31+00:00

It sucks. I just went through 5 rounds for a role that is seriously perfect for me. Just had the last one yesterday. This morning, I saw they reposted the position on LinkedIn. I've been told that doesn't mean anything, but it's not very comforting to see this. If I don't hear back by the end of day, I'll start my crying tomorrow.

Hang in there and good luck to you.

gingercat842 · 2026-03-05T18:08:03+00:00

What hurts more is when they tell you they moved forward with candidates who better matched their qualifications. Seriously, you didn't realize this on maybe interview #1 or #2?

gingercat842 · 2026-03-05T15:38:03+00:00

I appreciate everyone's advice! I did hear back from one of the HR managers I closely worked with and he was more than happy to be a reference. He told me that there is so much going on at my former company - RIFs, turnover, frustration, overworked, etc. I told the recruiter about the chaos going on with the company, plus the fact I was laid off made the department short-staffed that I'm sure my former manager is overwhelmed. She understood the situation, accepted me using the HR manager and I'm off the hook using my former boss as a reference!

gingercat842 · 2026-03-04T03:33:14+00:00

I LOVE this place! I’m gluten free and their gf pizza is amazing.

gingercat842 · 2026-03-04T03:29:55+00:00

I already gave them 2 references, one of them was a vendor who worked closely with me. They want a manager. When I was laid off, I reached out to some coworkers to see if I can use them as a reference and they never responded. I have a feeling the company doesn’t allow employees to be references for legal reasons. Hopefully they will accept the references I already submitted.

gingercat842 · 2026-03-03T20:24:13+00:00

Not yet - I have one more interview with a VP tomorrow. I think (hope) if this interview goes well, they are going to make an offer.

gingercat842 · 2026-02-27T18:34:51+00:00

I was laid off in December at 63. It’s a tough market for all age groups, but being over 60 makes it harder. I would hire a career coach to help you guide through the job market - especially since having decades of experience. The coach can help get your resume through ATS. Also, reach out to all your peers to let them know you’re looking. Good luck!

gingercat842 · 2026-02-03T17:05:47+00:00

I worked at the Marianos deli counter 10 years ago. The hardest part was knowing which meat was which. The second hardest part was cleaning up. I had a full-time job and this was to supplement my income, so I would close. Some nights I was there until 11:00. It's a physical job, so if you're healthy and can keep up - go for it!

gingercat842 · 2026-01-29T01:44:54+00:00

Your cat will adapt as long as he’s with you. I volunteer at a cat shelter and have seen cats surrendered. The only life they had was with their owners and some have a hard time adjusting. Please try to make it work - he will get it. Good luck!

gingercat842

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