Soon to be Unemployed

As some of you may know, my position at HKBU is coming to an end this month. I have resigned. Not only has it been an asset for my CV, it's been a really great way for me to meet new people and get out of the house. Nonetheless, I was never 100% sold on this job. Now don't get me wrong, I'm extremely thankful for this post (so many people are struggling to find work), however, I'm convinced I was destined to be a domestic goddess, or "taai taai" if you will. Unfortunately there are many things standing in my way of fulfilling my "taai taai" dream. Maybe one day.

In reality, my heart is really set on serving. I pursued my bachelor's degree for a certain purpose, but after moving to Hong Kong I quickly found that the particular field I was interested in working, the area I felt "called" to, was challenging to get involved in for a couple reasons (language being one). After being told "I didn't have enough experience", I more or less just gave up. I've never understood how you gain experience without being given a chance. Anywho..

I then chose the path which is extremely easy in Hong Kong for westerners. Teaching English. These jobs are a dime a dozen. And with the exception of mine, they pay quite well, too. The hourly wage for a NET is anywhere from $30-$70 USD an hour. Not too bad right? That's what I thought. I even received my TEFL certificate for better job opportunities and ended up settling here at HKBU.

After working here for a few months, I quickly realized it wasn't for me. I longed for something more than a nine-to-five. So I began exploring some more options. In order to gain "valuable experience" serving in a humanitarian based organization, I began volunteering on Saturdays at Chungking Mansions teaching English to refugees. Could it be that God was leading down the English path for this purpose? It's been so rewarding and has honestly become the highlight of my week. I'm more convinced than ever that this is the career path I want to pursue, even if it takes me awhile to get there. I'm still young right? I would love to be able to volunteer full-time, but Ellison is pushing me to get a part-time job so I can have my "traveling" money. So I'm leaving HKBU in hopes to find a part time English job which will allow me the freedom to volunteer on a more regular basis, but will still give us that extra income each month.

So for the past couple of weeks I've been on the prowl. Searching websites high and low looking for a part-time English position that would suit my ulterior motive. I applied to this one post calling for a Part-Time English Instructor or Voice Talent which pays around $500 ($65US) an hour. They called me in for a group interview yesterday. Please note, I have NEVER been to a group interview before and pray I never have to again. Here's why:

I arrive to the interview place about 15 minutes early and find another applicant waiting in the room. Is she really wearing jeans? Yep, she is. Nice girl, but could have googled some interview prep advice in my opinion. After reviewing some of the company's publications, interviewee #3 arrives. Cute girl. Asian and friendly as well. Diane (the boss) follows her in and
we begin the interview process. She shows a PowerPoint giving the companies background information and we all listen intently. Then about 10 minutes into her spiel, interviewee #4 comes barging in the door. "HELLO EVERYONE!" In my head I'm thinking, "Inside voice, please." He was 10 minutes late. Obviously he didn't google either. Everyone gets their 2 minutes of fame to introduce themselves, of course I volunteer to be lucky number one. Wow, interviewee #3 went to Berkley and studied at Cambridge. Recent graduate, but still impressive. Where is ETBU again? My degree most definitely fails in comparison. Everyone finishes and we move on. Bursting through the door 25 minutes in is interviewee #5. "OHHHHHHHH, I'M SOOOO SOORRRYYY I'M LATE. SO SORRY, SO SORRY." Really? She sits down and gives her introduction. Middle aged woman from Canada. She reveals to us her entire life story and concludes with a bold statement, "I like to talk....a lot." You think? Story time subsides and we continue.

Each person is to give a 5 minute presentation on the information sheet that was passed out and we have 2 minutes to prepare. Although I find the instructions to be rather ambiguous, I give it my best shot. Okay... that could have gone better. Why did I have to be one of the first people to go? Perhaps if I understood what the lady wanted exactly, I know for certain I could have done better. When someone says "present" the information I in return give a presentation. However, I think what they were looking for was someone to "teach" the information, which I in fact didn't really do. The others follow...

It's now Berkley girl's turn and I'm amazed, to be awfully blunt, at how terrible she is. I don't know if she is nervous or just finds social interaction awkward, but I can't make out the poor girl's sentences. I'll take my ETBU degree, thank you. (No offense, Helen. You're great!!) Outside voice guy does really well, but continues to shout every word that comes out of his mouth.

We conclude the interview with the voice talent reading, which given my 10+ years of theater and public speaking experience, I hope I did quite well. But who knows, it's over!

Although I don't expect to get the specific "instructor" job (there were 3 more group interviews being held as well), it was an experience to say the least. Maybe they liked my voice? Who knows...I did get to go to Big Bite and get a delicious hamburger since I was in the North Point area. WIN!

Regardless, I know I will find the right fit eventually. Just trusting, obeying and praying. All I know is I definitely prefer one-on-one interviews.

**UPDATE** Soon after I posted this, I received an email from the GM at the company I interviewed for and she said I preformed well in both areas as a voice talent and a trainer and that there is a high possibility that we cane work out something. She said she would give me more details next week..! Possibly good news!!