July has been a really rough month for me, which is partly why I have been a bit quiet on the blog.
I had to put my dog to sleep two weeks ago. It has gotten easier each day without him, but I do miss him a lot. When we moved back home to St. Louis, he had moved into out house with us and had just started doing all the new and quirky things as he became acclimated to the house. I feel like I notice his absence most in the mornings when I wake up.
It’s very bizarre for both myself and for Andrew to not have a dog around. Both of us grew up with dogs, so Tabor’s absence feels especially peculiar. Our roommate has a dog, but she’s very mellow and not too excitable, so a lot of the time it’s like she isn’t even there.
Andrew and I talked about getting a puppy eventually, back when we were still in school, and we both agreed that now would be a good time. So while I still sorely miss Tabor, I’m ready for a new friend. We adopted Tabor through an organization called Stray Rescue, which rescues stray dogs and finds them good homes, so I wanted to go through them again.
We’ve been in contact with them the last few days, and I’m happy to announce that we are in the process of adopting a puppy! Andrew and I signed the contract yesterday, but I don’t believe we will be getting her for a couple of weeks, as she still need to be spayed and she’s still very young! We are both super excited and can’t wait to bring this little puppy into our home.
July has also been rough because I am still searching for a job. I’ve submitted over 50 applications and have gone on some interviews, but I’ve not been contacted by anyone yet that I’ve been interested in. I have been really discouraged by the whole process. I know that these things take time, but I’m so bored sitting at home and am really fighting a lot of feelings, wondering if I made the right decisions in choosing what degree to pursue and if all the work that I’ve put in the last four years has really been worth it.
Needless to say, it’s been a bit ugly.
But, as all things do, I’ve managed to find a bit of a silver lining. I was contacted by a staffing firm that had been forwarded my resume and met with the recruiter on Friday. She was very nice and seemed very interested in me and finding me the right job that would be a good fit. She praised my high GPA and my several internships and said a lot of firms are looking for new graduates with good internship experience.
I just hadn’t been able to find them on my own.
I left with several positions that I was interested in, would be great experience and good pay, and she said that they receive positions like the ones she gave me every day. I’ve had perhaps five interviews over the last month, but nothing really felt right. I’m feeling encouraged that these applications will be more of a step in the right direction.
Plus, having a puppy at home will definitely make me not want to go to work! 
I’m so sorry that you went through a difficult month. It’s really painful to lose a pet, and I agree that when a pet leaves, a home just seems so much quieter. But I’m so happy at the same time because you’re adopting a puppy (and saving a life in the process)! Like you, I’m excited to meet the new addition to your family, do post lots of photos when you finally get her!
Good luck on finding a job you really like and I’m sure you’ll be alright!
Awww! I know the loss of Tabor’s been very hard on you, but at the same time, I know Tabor wouldn’t have wanted you to be sad for a long time. I think the new puppy will be great. I can’t wait to see photos of your new baby! Please blog a lot about your new puppy. I haven’t seen her yet, but she already sounds like a darling ^^
And yes, applying for job 50+ time is very discouraging. But unfortunately, we’re in a super competitive job market. I know I had my rough moments during my job application process. I couldn’t help but feel like a failure and feel so down. It’s hard trying to pump yourself up with all of your accomplishments when it doesn’t seem like they matter much. But you’ll get something eventually. It may take a while, but it will happen soon! Good luck with it! Don’t give up!
Thanks, Tara! We are so excited to bring this little girl home. We have already taken tons of pictures, but I want to wait until we really have her before sharing them. But I promise there will be lots and I’m sure she will be blogged about a lot!! ?
I’m sorry again about your dog, I know he is happy and watching over you.
He’d be happy you’re adopting a new puppy! 
I actually never had a dog. My dad is severely allergic to animal dander (even hypoallergenic pets) so I never had one. I really want a kitten when I have kids of my own. I want the feeling of having a pet!
Some staffing agencies take out money from your paycheck and the money goes to them. But good staffing agencies are helpful and a lot easier than finding jobs yourself.
What type of jobs is the staffing agency helping you find?
Are you reading Harry Potter? I CAN’T WAIT.
Haha! Everyone keeps telling me he would be happy we are adopting another dog, but I keep thinking that he wouldn’t because he was such an attention hog. He constantly needed attention, and if there was another dog in the room receiving attention and he wasn’t – GOOD LORD, haha. That’s a bummer about your dad. It’s such a wonderful connection you get with dogs – I guess it’s the same with cats, but I’ve never had one. They really do become a part of your family. Sounds a little crazy if you’ve never had one, but they just wiggle your way into your heart.
Most staffing agencies receive a commission of your pay, but only if you’re contracting for them. My goal is to find a job where I don’t have to contract and just start full time. But even if I did contract, it wouldn’t be too big of a deal because most of the positions have really good pay – despite whatever commission they are taking.
She’s given me a few different positions so far, one as a cost analyst, one in auditing, and one as a business analyst. So kind of focused around accounting, which is what I was looking for, but also just generally pertaining to my degree. All of which I am interested in!
NOT YET.
I haven’t received my book yet… I’m a bit annoyed haha.
Yeah that’s why I want a kitten when I’m older!
okay, that sounds good! I heard auditings kind of boring from previous auditors but everyone’s different!! Maybe it’s just the people I’ve talked to.
I’m halfway done with HP. It’s really good!! I’m taking my time!
It’s never easy on anyone who has become emotionally attached to their pet. Especially since they’ve had them for a long time.
I remember crying my eyes out when my first cat (PODUNK) passed away age 13. I had a terrible time coping with it as I was the one who had found her. It was on a Sunday night when I first found my beloved pet lying on the ground. I thought that was rather odd even for her. I shrugged it off and picked her up. I carried her to my bed and began to give her affection. My cat tried to stand on her feet but ended up collapsing to the other side. I became scared and petrified. After the shock had somewhat subdued, I ran to my dad’s room (he was asleep) and I said “Daddy, Po tried to get up but fell over!” My dad popped out of the bed like a Ninja and ran into my room. He had seen my cat lying lifeless on my bed and announced to me she was gone. Of course, I balled my eyes out. However, my cat came to and stayed like that for a good 3 days. I know in my heart she was trying to stay with me as much as she can., but even I wanted to put her down. However, my dad stated “Let nature take its course.” I was able to miss school that day and spent the day at my grandmother’s place while waiting for her to get off work. I cried until I passed out. My grandmother was shocked to see me there at her apartment and asked me what was wrong. I told her what was going on. She felt so bad, she took me to lunch. Then I had my 2nd cat Poe 2, and she passed away at age of 2 years old. She was a black cat and was crossing the street at night when someone had hit hit. Did the jerk leave a note? Nope. Hit and run.
Anyways, sorry for that. Just brought back a memory.
I hope that you will receive a position with this new firm! It sounds like a dream come true for you. I know you’ve been trying to search for a job and some times one will pick up right away, and some times one will not. Just don’t be discouraged. I always thought that I would not receive a client for a WordPress theme, much less a theme in general. However, I am getting clients left and right. I have two people wanting me to create an entire theme from scratch for their domain/portfolio. I didn’t think that my skills were that good as well, but I’m coming to find out they’re pretty good if people are asking me to build them an entire website. Don’t worry, you’ll get a job. I have faith in you!
Awe, I can’t wait to see your new adopted puppy! Do you know what the puppy looks like yet? If so, do you know what you’re going to call her/him?
Aw, I am glad you are going through with adopting a puppy.
I usually hate recruiters. There is one that has been calling me for the past year-and-a-half asking me what I am up to and trying to get me to find new work so he can get money (duh)… but sometimes they can be a big help. It can be really time consuming and stressing applying for jobs yourself. It’s nice when someone headhunts you, too. xD
And if it doesn’t feel right, don’t go for it! I’ve been in situations where the job just isn’t the right fit, and it happens… it is worth waiting for something that is suited to you
I’m sorry to hear about Tabor, but it sounds like you had lots of wonderful times together and he had lots of love! Your new puppy will bring you lots of joy, I’m very excited to read more about her when the time comes! I can’t wait to see pictures.
Job hunting is so incredibly stressful, I hope it isn’t too much of a toll. Fingers crossed the recruitment agency will do their bit and find you some wonderful roles – you’ve worked so hard at your internships that you deserve a fantastic job!
So sorry to hear about Tabor
Losing a dog is always hard. It’s definitely losing someone you love. I am glad that you’re getting a new dog. When we lost our fave dog back in 2003, we bought 5 dogs just to ease the pain. Sighs. I still think about him sometimes.
Job hunting is hard but the right one will appear! Be positive and just find out what you want to do. Do not fret!
Again so sorry about your dog! *hug* But congrats on getting a new puppy! Post pics when you get them!
Job hunting can be so hard and discouraging. It took me a good year to finally get one. But I’m sure you’ll get one soon! Good luck!
I am sorry that July had been a rough month. Let’s hope August brings some better news for you and Andrew! I am glad to hear that you are doing your best to cope with the situation. Good luck with the application process for a new puppy!
Keep on applying and trying! It’s hard when you have rejections but at the end, they make you stronger. With the GPA and experience you have, you should easily wipe out the competition. Good luck with everything, Becca! We believe in you ^__^~~