The Job I'm most Excited & Hopeful About

Interview-mania here at GIANT-Land (srry, I'm being a total dork. Translation: I've been interviewing a lot)!     I'm deep in the belly of the job-hunt beast and its stomach is a'rumblin'.  I'm not really sure what that last sentence meant, but it sounded good, right?

Here's the skinny:  I'd like to find a position which has the following (not necessarily in this order of importance though):

1. Company has philosophy / product / social service I can get behind (this is a MUST actually)

2. Very little overtime (looking for a work-life balance, not a WORK-life balance)

3. Excellent benefits

4. Nice people to work with

5. Great boss who I can learn a ton from

6. Opportunity to learn & opportunity for growth

7. Ability to actually take a vacation

8. Possibility of a long-term commitment (if I could find the place I'll work at for the next 10 or 10+ years - GREAT)

9. Reasonable commute

I've interviewed with a bunch of colleges/universities in the area and some small companies.  Positions that run the gamut from Project Managers to Recruiters to Admissions Communications / Design.  Some of these positions would have clout, underlings, and a plump paycheck.

BUT THE JOB I AM MOST EXCITED & HOPEFUL ABOUT IS A MERE OFFICE ASSISTANT POSITION.

Here's why...

The opening is at a company that is fast expanding in a cutting-edge field.  They bring young, hip, talent to Philly and provide jobs to our area when few are hiring quality positions (and fewer at the rate they are).

BUT, more than that, this is an organization that VALUES their employees.  It is clear in how their employees speak about the organization, clear in how the benefits are offered, and clear in the overall culture of the company.  THIS is a PLACE I really WANT to work.

It is inspiring to even learn that companies like this exist.  Sure, we've all read about the Nike or Google or whatever company that encourages their employees to work when they need to (even if it's 2 am), take the time they need to (as long as you are getting your work done), is super happy to have you - YOU, not someone else, but YOU, and overall treats you like a human being.  BUT, do these places really exist (I mean really out there, like you-or-I-could-work-there exist?)? YES.  Yes, they do!

That's why I'd be happy to start out watering plants, answering the phone, ordering napkins, and taking guff for getting the wrong pizza toppings.  Office Assistant?  Sign me up.

There are a bunch of steps to go and I may not ever be offered the job, but I'm once again hopeful that a great place to work is out there waiting for me.