Social Insecurity

I received my social security number earlier this week and went and had my first interview today. I have decided that the best way to approach finding a job in the US is to enroll with a temp agency. This was how I managed to get a job in London when I first moved there and I am hoping that the same approach will work here.

A big difference between what I encountered in the UK and what I experienced today is the enthusiasm that was displayed in California. Those of you that know me will know that I am a grumpy so and so. Jen calls me Eyeore when I am like that, but I can't help it. I am a pessimist and whilst I don't resign myself to failing I think it is important to be realistic about opportunities and situations. I am a polar opposite of most Californians. My experience has been that Californians are extremely upbeat and positive and that can be tiring for a guy like me. When I do finally get a job I am going to have exert so much energy being positive that I am worried that I will be constantly knackered.

I entered the temp office and everything is buzzing and people are speaking REALLY LOUDLY. This is another thing I have noticed and that is people do not seem to have a volume control on their voices. I speak as someone who can not speak quietly, and in the UK I am constantly having to lower my voice to make sure that private comments are kept that way. Here I am like a church mouse compared to most people. I went to a coffee shop before my interview and sat and read the paper. Whilst there I could hear every word that a guy said and he was on the other side of the room. And no-one else seemed bothered by Mr Loud.

So, interview went well and they will search for jobs for me. Nervous but also excited as slowly things are falling into place.