Seeking a New Job (II)

The academic world is one in which the mill grinds slowly.  University administrators and faculty prize process over results (one of several areas they share with most Baptist churches).  And so the process takes a while.  I first saw the job ad in December and began to compile my application packet.  Standard contents requested by a university search committee are: A letter of application, a resume (called a curriculum vita or cv), four references, and copies of transcripts for each of your degrees.

This can take awhile to assemble.  The most difficult part is crafting a letter of application that  is specific to the institution and demonstrates that you are familiar with their focus and their interests, all the while demonstrating that you, coincidentally, happen to be the best candidate for the position.

So over the holidays (almost exactly a year ago) I worked on my application.  The hardest part of the process was getting two of my references.  I wanted to get one from a colleague and I wanted to get one from my supervisor.  So part of our decision to apply for this position was talking to these two colleagues and letting them know that I was interested.

Telling my supervisor that I was searching for another job seemed to be crossing a Rubicon of sorts.  But, it ended up going better than I thought.  My supervisor told me he thought I was ready for the promotion and that I should definitely apply for another job (thanks?).

Seeking a New Job (I)

We had quite the adventure this last Spring.  Starting in December of 2010 I began a lengthy process of applying for an administrative position at a fantastic Christian college.  Although we've been blessed for the last ten years to be at our current location at a state institution, I have felt an increased calling to begin working in a school that is more closely aligned with my own sense of vocational calling.  I had kept an eye on the job sites where such positions are posted and found one in an ideal setting.

This university  is big enough to have a nice sized student body (and corresponding budget) but still about half the size of my current location.  It would afford a great opportunity to get to know a smaller group of people and be united with them toward a common purpose.  The position was one of greater responsibility as well.  It would stretch me out vocationally and push me to develop some skills that I'm currently under utilizing.  And it is a pretty stable place.  Sadly, not all Christian institutions offer the same sense of stability and fairness that I've grown accustomed to in a state institution.

And so it seemed like a good fit for both sides.  We began the process with high hopes.

The Accident

A few months after Scooter got her license, I had just dropped her little brother off at home when I got the call every parent of a teenager dreads.  "Daddy, I just got in a car accident and the policeman wants you to come here!"  I could hear the tears in her voice as she took gasping breaths between the words.  I asked her if she was injured or if anyone else was hurt.  She replied "No Dad, I'm fine.  I looked down for a second and ran into the guy in front of me.  We're both OK, but could you hurry?"  She was on the street in front of her school and when I arrived I saw her car behind another car with a policeman standing between them.

I saw another father standing next to the driver of the other car.  The driver was a boy who was as skinny as he was scared.  He looked about 12, but I found out later had just turned 16.  When I identified myself to the police officer he thanked me for coming and then motioned for the four of us to gather round. 

He cleared his throat and began speaking what sounded like a speech he has given before.  "OK, here's how this works.  We have here an accident involving two brand new teenage drivers.  If I report this accident, there will be auto insurance rates skyrocketing all over the place.  There were no injuries and there are only a few scratches on both cars.  If both fathers are willing to walk away from this without reporting it to anyone, I'll close my notepad and drive away."  He had already talked to the other father (who nodded his assent) and then looked at me.  I quickly agreed.

"Alright, y'all have a nice day." And he got in his squadcar and drove away.

As a friend told me later, it was a great way to have your first accident.  Thank God for mercy over judgment!!  And Scooter's been accident free ever since.

A New Driver in the Family

Shockingly, Scooter has begun to drive a car.  I’m not sure that has completely sunk in.  She turned 15 last year and took driver’s education last in fall of 2010.  Scooter earned her permit in January and was required to drive for 50 hours under our supervision.  She counted the days until her birthday when she would turn 16 and be eligible to take her driving exam.  On that day we drove up to the DMV to take her exam…but a problem quickly arose.
Scooter’s car was graciously given to us by my brother and sister-in-law.  But they live out of state so I had to get new plates and registration.  I had done that, but left the out of state inspection sticker (I mean, it wasn’t due for another three months and why spend $10 if you don’t have to?) When we arrived for the exam early in the afternoon, we were discouraged to find that we couldn’t take the exam without getting an in state inspection.

We got back to the DMV to take the exam around 4:15 only to find out that they ran their last exam at 4:00.  As the gentleman told us we were too late, I saw Scooter begin to tear up.  I asked him if there was anything we could do and explained that we had been by earlier in the day.  It was her birthday after all.  He paused for a moment, looked back at the clock, looked at my weeping daughter, and then  said that he would see what he could do.  (So note the other important lesson for Scooter that day: A woman’s tears are a powerful force.  I have encouraged her to use them only for good).

He returned a few minutes later and told us that he had arranged for her to take her exam.  She took her driving exam and made an exceptional score, well above what was required for passing.  She has the maturity, the skills and now the license.  Everything looked fantastic.

So it came as some surprise two months later when she had an accident.