quasigeostrophy | In which Dan re-enters the corporate world.

Frustrated at my own lack of marketing skills, watching DKA Productions hover at a part-time level (which is okay if it were not for the financial limitations and being driven more by those same limitations), I've been applying for the occasional "real" job here and there over the last week to two weeks. I had plans for today: 1) Take Al to work. 2) Stop by Best Buy and put in an application because their "Geek Squad" is hiring. 3) Go by Oaklawn Cemetery and grab some (at least) digital shots of the flags in their Healing Field (pictures to be posted later). 4) Check the PO box. 5) Stop by a contract call center very close to home and apply. 6) Go home, check CareerBuilder, Monster, and the print ads and spend the rest of the afternoon putting in other job applications.

When I got to Best Buy, the CSR directed me to apply from home via bestbuy.com, so I altered the above plan, putting that near the end of my list. I wasn't looking forward to it, because I already knew their online application uses the same 37-page multiple-choice psychological profile exam that I'd already done twice for two other companies earlier this week.

I got to the contract call center and filled out their application, including a 30-question basic computer/Internet skills quiz. The job openings are for phone support agents for ADSL customers for a large telco. I was sure I'd missed several of the questions because they were the type that were worded such that, if you read the question literally, none of the answers are correct. I hate those. I waited quite some time in the lobby, watching the HR person work like a revolving door with applicants who were there before me. Finally, we talked for about five minutes, and, as quickly as that, I have a job. One year and almost two weeks after the end of my last one. I probably will start on October 11, the week after my Grand Canyon trip (HR rep needs to check schedule of training classes before confirming exact start date). The HR rep told me that with my test results and experience, I'd be perfect for Supervisor, the first time an opening comes up after I start, but that everyone has to come in as an agent. I can deal with that. In my nine years at FormerEmployer, the most valuable thing I kept in mind during my five years managing was the previous four years as an agent.

DKA Productions will not go away, but now I will be able to feel more justified that it is what it has been and can remain at that level.

It should be obvious that the rest of my plans for the afternoon have been scratched. I will not buy this tobacconist. It is scratched.