workin' nine to five

image: banana republic 'architect' ad

Are you sitting down? I've got some good news...I'm employed!  For those that know me, this is a HUGE relief as I have been one of many unemployed architects for almost a year.  I have been going through the exhausting and often depressing cycle of searching for job opportunities, competing with so many other qualified applicants, and ending up disappointed.  However, I caught a lucky break last week and now have a contract position with an architecture firm in Chicago doing one of the things I love to do...and getting paid.  I am very grateful to be working again, even if it's just for a little while.

Unemployment is stressful for many reasons, but I must admit, there are a few things I'll miss:

1. hooded sweatshirts and pajama pants as 'work' attire
2. mac'n'cheese lunch, fresh from the stove
3. watching America's Next Top Model marathons on Bravo (it's only on for background noise...really)
4. slippers vs. heels
5. taking my dog Riley to the 'puppy park' in the middle of the afternoon when all the dog walkers come with his puppy friends

Even though there are some benefits to being between jobs, I think all can agree that it's also good to get paid.  For anyone concerned about Second Wind Studios, rest assured I will still try to keep posting blogs every 10 days (my typical posting at such low frequencies should be easy to keep up with), continue creating new designs for my Etsy Studio, and keep studying diligently for the Architecture Registration Exams (2of7, so far!).   My new job is only for an 8 month contract so who knows, I may be back to full time unemployment again in no time.  For now though, I'm more than happy to have found a job to pay the bills.

I think the main reason for hiring me over some other guy was primarily because of my new glasses.  They look a little something like this: 

Thanks for reading!