I had an interview at a major medical device firm in Irvine. The preliminary process was all very professional. It took place in a neat building with keypad protected doors. Heck, on the way out, the receptionist even held the door out for me.
The actual interview itself, however, was conducted with all the flair of an amateur. I had instructions in my email to phone someone's cell phone so that I could be allowed onto the floor. It was suggested that I use the phone available outside the elevator, but for whatever reason, I couldn't get it to work.
It might've been one of those internal company phones that required a special code to call outside. In hindsight, I should've used the operator, but it didn't matter, because the person I was trying to call was in a conference anyways. That's the first sign of what I like to call "unprofessional conduct."
My interview was penciled at 3:45 sharp. I couldn't get into the floor until 4:00. I had to call the company that set up the interview to grease my way through. I was escorted to an empty room with blank monitors and carelessly strewn boxes. What am I, leftovers? There were long desks that lined the walls. It's a little hard to describe, but imagine an interview being conducted at a bar. The desk was the "counter top," and we faced each other on swivel chairs. It was a little awkward.
I had written previously that a good interview is a two-way street, but this street was strictly one-way. My interviewers (there were four of them) were all bored, reading from a dry script, with a completely disinterested demeanor. Their speech lacked any kind of enthusiasm. I've never felt more unwanted than the day I was left at the doorstep of an orphanage (fictional story).
I'm of the mind that I can only give what I'm given, but if I'm gonna be successful in the future, it doesn't matter how much the other side blows it. I just have to be strong enough to carry on for the both of us, and I'll drag them into a good interview regardless of their intentions or ability.
Funnily enough, it was during this interview that I got a call from the company I interviewed for last week. It was a bona fide job offer. I can't believe it. It's done. I'll have to say goodbye to my Long Vacation. No more late nights doing nothing but having fun. All of a sudden, I see nothing but possibilities in the future. Vegas 2.0 is on. I'll be joining the PC master race. It's time to get some new clothes. Etc, etc, etc.
To celebrate, I watched Psycho 2. It's well documented that Tarantino prefers the sequel over the original, but I'm gonna have to disagree. You can't topple the classics, although I think Psycho 2 is one of the better sequels in the genre.
Watching old movies is a bit tragic, especially when you like the actors. Chances are, they're already dead, irrelevant, or just plain old. It's a bigger shame for actresses since they were beautiful in their time. When I look up photos from today, it's disheartening to see why father time is undefeated. On the flipside, Barbara Crampton, of Stuart Gordon B-movie fame, has aged remarkably well. This scream queen is still looking good, even in her 50's.
It just goes to show that those who remain stars throughout their lives are a rare breed. Too many careers sputter out before they truly have a chance to shine. Hollywood ain't no place for the faint of spirit.
I'll be starting next week, which means I'll have to make some crucial decisions regarding my ongoing projects. I don't want to abandon them, but they have certainly plummeted in priority. Why do more work when I'm gonna be making money?
All aboard the gravy train, baby!
/eventlog
