Whew!

After weeks of interviewing and worrying about the fact that "good jobs" are really hard to find here, I got an offer today from a financial institution similar to the company I worked at in Ohio. I accepted the offer.

I have a couple of other interviews scheduled for other companies during the next couple of weeks and I think I'm going to keep the interviews -- just in case I get a better offer. Networking and all that.

I'll be working in the collections department for personal loans but it doesn't seem that bad. A lot of point and click type stuff. I sat with someone during my second interview and he had been with the company over 7 years and loved his job. During the 30 minutes that I sat with him, he didn't get one person on the phone. He said that it's soft collections -- no threats or anything -- lots of listening and suggesting ways to come up with the money and trying to get a promise for something/anything.

The company seems decent -- it's a reputable company with offices all over the world. There is room for growth and development. The location where I'll be working is about 15 minutes from my home, across from a shopping mall, lots of restaurants, and a movie theater. It's a good location.

They met the salary I was making at my former company in Ohio and they also have bonuses and incentives. Most of the collectors bring home between $500-$1000 a month in bonuses/incentives once they are fully trained.

I start December 10 and will be in training for 4 weeks. Training is 8-5, M-F. Then, my regular schedule will entail working two days a week 8a - 6p, two days a week noon - 10 pm and then 8a -12p on either Friday or Saturday. The Friday/Saturday thing alternates every other week. One week, I'll work 8-12 on Friday and have Sat/Sun off. The next week, I'll have Friday and Sunday off and work 8-12 on Saturday. I like the idea of having Fridays off.

Benefits kick in one month after the start date so that means I only have to pay for COBRA for one more month, December.

I've already met my supervisor and most of the people I'll be working with and everyone seems nice. My supervisor seems like one of those no BS type of guys -- no games, straight-forward.

After my 90 day probation, I'll be eligible for incentives/bonuses and time off. Each employee gets 22 "time off" days to use in a calendar year -- as personal days, sick time, vacation days, etc. The company is closed on "regular" holidays like Mem. Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. We get paid for those days. Sometimes, they have other days off as "management" determines.

We get paid every other Friday so I'll get a paycheck before the end of December. Yeah! I can't tell you what a huge relief this is for me.

Now, hopefully my health will improve because I'll be getting back to a routine, collecting a regular paycheck and able to enjoy living here without worrying that my money will run out before I find a job and apartment.

Thank you to all of you who have offered constant support and positive thoughts. :)