A Mermaid's Dilemma (job searching and moving)

[Theobromine]

So I've been stuck in this crummy no-fun job search for the past long time. I recently moved back to Seattle from Queensland, where I lived for three years while doing my master's degree. I was really bummed I had to move back but my visa expired and it would just have been to difficult to get a new one (I had really wanted to get an employer sponsorship, but those are really hard to get and I was ineligible for a lot of jobs in my field anyway, because many of them were at government agencies and I'm not an Australian citizen). Argh.

Anyway, so I am back in Washington and staying with my parents while I search, and I have finally started having a little luck. I had a phone interview last week for a zookeeper position at Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma, and it went well and they are interviewing me in person next week (yay!) I also just got offered a phone interview for an Aquarist/Water Quality Technician position at Mote Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida. So, I'm really hopeful that one or the others of these will lead to a job offer and that I will FINALLY have my own source of income after a very long time. But...I've never even been to either of these places yet, and I had never really seen myself moving there...but then again, beggars can't be choosers and I would jump for joy and gladly move across the country for either of these jobs, both of which would be a heck of a lot more interesting than any of the jobs I have applied for around here.

Anyway, maybe I'm just being crazy. And maybe I'm jumping the gun, but I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of moving to both places just in case I get VERY lucky and get a job offer from both places and am able to choose. I do know that the Tulsa job would pay 12-14 bucks an hour (and the interviewer said that with my experience, I could probably start at the 14 mark) with the potential to eventually move up to a lead keeper position and make around 17 bucks an hour. The Florida job would only pay $10.50 an hour, and from what I have seen so far, rent is much cheaper in Tulsa. So, financially, taking the job in Tulsa would make the most sense. But I have this thing...about being really uncomfortable with the idea of living so far from the ocean :-/ I've never lived in a state without a coastline. And especially now that I'm finally REALLY getting into the mermaid thing, it would be really hard for me. If I moved to Florida I could swim in the ocean and practice my mermaid skills, and I would definitely be taking a freediving course. I am KICKING myself for never doing that while I lived in Queensland. Argh. But mermaiding seems like kind of a shallow reason to make a bad financial decision, especially with my fiance moving over here from Australia soon. I'll have to be able to support both of us while he waits for permission to work and finds a job.

Anyway...I know I will never make much in my line of work, zoology is something I want to do just because I love it. I know I would be happy doing either of these jobs, even if I have to move to a location that was never my first choice (I miss Australia like crazy, and I will miss my native Pacific Northwest as well). So I don't really know what to do yet but I guess I will just cross that bridge when I come to it. But if anyone out there has any insight or words of wisdom they'd like to share, or even just some commiseration, I'd be very happy to hear! Thanks everyone!

[Blondie]

I don't think that you're basing the Sarasota job souly on mermaiding. I think you do have a passion for living by the sea. And I know where you're coming from with the need to live by the coast. I don't think I could live away from the water for too long myself. And you're right. Rent in Sarasota will be more expensive than Tulsa. That's because Tulsa is in the west, not near any attractions, or bodies of water. It's more "out there" if you say. Though, in Sarasota, I'm sure there will be plenty of attractions and ways to maneuver through the town with out a car. From what it sounds like, you're more interested in living in Florida. And you said it yourself, there would be so much more things to do there that interest you.
It may be a little tougher, but if Florida seems better then go for it. Just be diligent in your work and push past the hard times you might meet. Sarasota is BEAUTIFUL. Any mer would love to live there.

[Theobromine]

Thanks for your input. You've hit the nail on the head about a lot of things. I've always felt very connected to the ocean and I've always loved living hear it. It would be really hard for me to be so far away from it. But at the same time, I'm trying really really hard to be responsible, and to think about my fiance's future as well as my own. If I get the Tulsa job, that might just be a smarter move for us, at least for now. I mean, it's a hard profession to get a foot in the door, but once I have a few years of full-time experience who knows where I could go. Or, maybe I will end up loving it and want to stay there. I don't know. I'm excited about both job possibilities, to be honest. And I'm also trying really hard not to get my hopes up because I could very well end up not being hired by either place :-/ Argh job hunting argh. I think in my heart of hearts what I REALLY want to do is still be in Australia :P but that's just not an option at this point in time. But hopefully someday. From what research I've done it will be much easier for me to get permanent residency (and thus more job eligibility) there once I've been married to my fiance for three years. Damn immigration...

Anyway, I really appreciate your input.

[Theobromine]

Oh, I forgot to ask. Have you actually been to Mote Aquarium? Can you tell me what it's like? You can only learn so much from the internet. I'm hoping they will invite me down for a face-to-face interview so I have the chance to really check it out.

And has anyone been to Tulsa Zoo? What are your impressions of it?

[Drowning]

I moved to Florida to be nearer the sea, and under it whenever possible. This should be the mer capitol of the world! How many more of us are here?

I've been to Mote Marine, FL Aqarium and Clearwater Marine Aqarium. I want to volunteer as scuba diver to help with the aquarium tanks, etc. Not seen any mers there yet...

[Theobromine]

Thanks for the feedback, Drowning. I had my phone interview with Mote yesterday....I think it went ok even though I sound like a nimrod on the phone. They did say I was well qualified (though I'm sure a million other applicants out there are also well qualified...). Well, cross your fingers for me, everyone!! The job doesn't pay much but it's something you do because you love it, and I'm sure I'd be much happier living near the sea than in the middle of the country. Although either job would be awesome and I will be very grateful and lucky if I get either of them!

[Drowning]

Best of luck!! Sarasota's just an hour away, so you've already got a fan here :-)

[Theobromine]

Thanks!! :D If I do end up getting that job and moving to Sarasota, maybe I can meet up with some other mers in person! My friends here don't exactly think I'm nuts, but they definitely don't share my passion.

[Drowning]

Absolutely! I share your passion, but have to hide it from my friends. Being a mermaid is one thing, but being a merman... people really don't get it.

A Florida pod meet and swim (or dive!) once a month would he wonderful!

[Theobromine]

What I don't get is why mermen aren't more popular. I think they're very sexy :P I wish my fiance would be a merman, but he's very claustrophobic and would freak out in a tail. I'll have to be content with him being my mer-photographer. And hopefully we'll end up settling in a place where we can swim/dive a lot!!

[Drowning]

It's a shame more men don't try it. I think underwater swimming feels very graceful, sensual, and yes, a bit sexy. Heck, I'd try synchro if I could meet the right partner!

[Theobromine]

Well...I got the job at Tulsa Zoo! My interview went really well. So looks like I'll be moving out there this month. It will be weird to be so far away from the sea, but the job will be awesome so it will be worth it. I plan on really throwing myself into it. Also, there's an aquarium nearby so I'm going to see about volunteering there as a diver. Wish me luck!

[Blondie]

Congrats! It was meant to be in Tulsa, hm? Good luck with your new job and life!

[Theobromine]

Thanks for the good wishes, iblondie :) Yep, Tulsa. It's going to be very...different. But still worth it for the job. I'm excited! I just can't wait until my fiance gets here, then we're going to have adventures and explore together :)

[xaccer2]

пам� (http://audiobookkeeper.ru/book/2861)

[xaccer2]

320.7 (http://cottagenet.ru/plan/437)

[xaccer2]

вид� (http://eyesvision.ru/lectures/335)

[xaccer2]

Bett (http://eyesvisions.com/better-eyesight-magazine)

[xaccer2]

Фели (http://factoringfee.ru/t/1383128)

[xaccer2]

Мазу (http://filmzones.ru/t/1369411)

[xaccer2]

Simo (http://gadwall.ru/t/1369729)

[xaccer2]

вузо (http://gaffertape.ru/t/1249236)

[xaccer2]

Жизн (http://gageboard.ru/t/1100595)

[xaccer2]

Wind (http://gagrule.ru/t/1039989)

[xaccer2]

небл (http://gallduct.ru/t/1350772)

[xaccer2]

Arth (http://galvanometric.ru/t/1567117)

[xaccer2]

�цен (http://gangforeman.ru/t/1564641)

[xaccer2]

Intr (http://gangwayplatform.ru/t/1702370)

[xaccer2]

�и�з (http://garbagechute.ru/t/1532893)

[xaccer2]

дей� (http://gardeningleave.ru/t/1384276)

[xaccer2]

Слов (http://gascautery.ru/t/1626625)

[xaccer2]

физи (http://gashbucket.ru/t/1491029)

[xaccer2]

Ð*кер (http://gasreturn.ru/t/1578383)

[xaccer2]

Галь (http://gatedsweep.ru/t/1369558)

[xaccer2]

XVII (http://gaugemodel.ru/t/1578369)

[xaccer2]

хоро (http://gaussianfilter.ru/t/1708187)

[xaccer2]

Дышл (http://gearpitchdiameter.ru/t/1356783)

[xaccer2]

Gine (http://geartreating.ru/t/1372188)

[xaccer2]

И�то (http://generalizedanalysis.ru/t/1353176)

[xaccer2]

Jack (http://generalprovisions.ru/t/1379106)

[xaccer2]

This (http://geophysicalprobe.ru/t/1552198)

[xaccer2]

HANS (http://geriatricnurse.ru/t/1551788)

[xaccer2]

Chin (http://getintoaflap.ru/t/1400213)

[xaccer2]

«�а� (http://getthebounce.ru/t/1224619)

[xaccer2]

XVII (http://habeascorpus.ru/t/1377946)

[xaccer2]

Соде (http://habituate.ru/t/1352709)

[xaccer2]

боль (http://hackedbolt.ru/t/1328109)

[xaccer2]

�олн (http://hackworker.ru/t/1628651)

[xaccer2]

Jame (http://hadronicannihilation.ru/t/1300650)

[xaccer2]

Сата (http://haemagglutinin.ru/t/1352135)

[xaccer2]

Овчи (http://hailsquall.ru/t/1369290)

[xaccer2]

XVII (http://hairysphere.ru/t/1370000)

[xaccer2]

Куро (http://halforderfringe.ru/t/1370544)

[xaccer2]

Pete (http://halfsiblings.ru/t/1531312)

[xaccer2]

�тер (http://hallofresidence.ru/t/1346282)

[xaccer2]

�лвз (http://haltstate.ru/t/1370748)

[xaccer2]

Мала (http://handcoding.ru/t/1400139)

[xaccer2]

Спли (http://handportedhead.ru/t/1698083)

[xaccer2]

Хаби (http://handradar.ru/t/1386824)

[xaccer2]

В��е (http://handsfreetelephone.ru/t/1439112)

[xaccer2]

Шаге (http://hangonpart.ru/t/1349313)

[xaccer2]

чита (http://haphazardwinding.ru/t/1348614)

[xaccer2]

Ð*азу (http://hardalloyteeth.ru/t/950206)

[xaccer2]

�озд (http://hardasiron.ru/t/949397)

[xaccer2]

Ð*аби (http://hardenedconcrete.ru/t/1224642)

[xaccer2]

Бонд (http://harmonicinteraction.ru/t/1328377)

[xaccer2]

Masa (http://hartlaubgoose.ru/t/1245149)

[xaccer2]

ТФПи (http://hatchholddown.ru/t/1384099)

[xaccer2]

Roxy (http://haveafinetime.ru/t/1548031)

[xaccer2]

зака (http://hazardousatmosphere.ru/t/1547306)

[xaccer2]

Adio (http://headregulator.ru/t/1548078)

[xaccer2]

Брыз (http://heartofgold.ru/t/1644644)

[xaccer2]

Фейг (http://heatageingresistance.ru/t/1351073)

[xaccer2]

Клди (http://heatinggas.ru/t/1567088)

[xaccer2]

Штеп (http://heavydutymetalcutting.ru/t/1245970)

[xaccer2]

�аро (http://jacketedwall.ru/t/837943)

[xaccer2]

Bonu (http://japanesecedar.ru/t/1201423)

[xaccer2]

факу (http://jibtypecrane.ru/t/1691290)

[xaccer2]

Бешл (http://jobabandonment.ru/t/1224413)

[xaccer2]

Alex (http://jobstress.ru/t/1348956)

[xaccer2]

Соде (http://jogformation.ru/t/1246120)

[xaccer2]

разу (http://jointcapsule.ru/t/1374611)

[xaccer2]

Sher (http://jointsealingmaterial.ru/t/1296410)

[xaccer2]

�бра (http://journallubricator.ru/t/1386820)

[xaccer2]

Жуко (http://juicecatcher.ru/t/1286050)

[xaccer2]

Ð*ери (http://junctionofchannels.ru/t/1253498)

[xaccer2]

Бачи (http://justiciablehomicide.ru/t/1240781)

[xaccer2]

Circ (http://juxtapositiontwin.ru/t/1189311)

[xaccer2]

ELEG (http://kaposidisease.ru/t/1192418)

[xaccer2]

Саве (http://keepagoodoffing.ru/t/1182165)

[xaccer2]

Зем� (http://keepsmthinhand.ru/t/1219868)

[xaccer2]

Капр (http://kentishglory.ru/t/1250631)

[xaccer2]

Susa (http://kerbweight.ru/t/1314810)

[xaccer2]

Alai (http://kerrrotation.ru/t/1245159)

[xaccer2]

у�пе (http://keymanassurance.ru/t/1049284)

[xaccer2]

Монд (http://keyserum.ru/t/1328759)

[xaccer2]

Othe (http://kickplate.ru/t/1655765)

[xaccer2]

Beau (http://killthefattedcalf.ru/t/1518174)

[xaccer2]

Гран (http://kilowattsecond.ru/t/1256388)

[xaccer2]

Cult (http://kingweakfish.ru/t/1688554)

[xaccer2]

утра (http://kinozones.ru/film/2861)

[xaccer2]

Шере (http://kleinbottle.ru/t/1375030)

[xaccer2]

друг (http://kneejoint.ru/t/1379415)

[xaccer2]

Yeah (http://knifesethouse.ru/t/1757660)

[xaccer2]

Пуга (http://knockonatom.ru/t/1376320)

[xaccer2]

опуб (http://knowledgestate.ru/t/1383268)

[xaccer2]

�ере (http://kondoferromagnet.ru/t/1549550)

[xaccer2]

Karl (http://labeledgraph.ru/t/1469836)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://laborracket.ru/t/1549971)

[xaccer2]

Бень (http://labourearnings.ru/t/1584243)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://labourleasing.ru/t/1549479)

[xaccer2]

Jose (http://laburnumtree.ru/t/1232817)

[xaccer2]

Crai (http://lacingcourse.ru/t/1345893)

[xaccer2]

Albe (http://lacrimalpoint.ru/t/1372431)

[xaccer2]

впер (http://lactogenicfactor.ru/t/1550295)

[xaccer2]

назв (http://lacunarycoefficient.ru/t/1244594)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://ladletreatediron.ru/t/1193010)

[xaccer2]

Jame (http://laggingload.ru/t/1227999)

[xaccer2]

Липк (http://laissezaller.ru/t/1250628)

[xaccer2]

XXII (http://lambdatransition.ru/t/1223381)

[xaccer2]

Gell (http://laminatedmaterial.ru/t/1314921)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://lammasshoot.ru/t/1783762)

[xaccer2]

книг (http://lamphouse.ru/t/1327975)

[xaccer2]

(189 (http://lancecorporal.ru/t/1217358)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://lancingdie.ru/t/1187509)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://landingdoor.ru/t/1190079)

[xaccer2]

Zone (http://landmarksensor.ru/t/1711581)

[xaccer2]

(Со� (http://landreform.ru/t/1295815)

[xaccer2]

(189 (http://landuseratio.ru/t/1228643)

[xaccer2]

Ко�т (http://languagelaboratory.ru/t/1353083)

[xaccer2]

�лаб (http://largeheart.ru/shop/1161120)

[xaccer2]

бле� (http://lasercalibration.ru/shop/590390)

[xaccer2]

ме�� (http://laserlens.ru/lase_zakaz/717)

[xaccer2]

Lead (http://laserpulse.ru/shop/590583)

[xaccer2]

Shag (http://laterevent.ru/shop/1031151)

[xaccer2]

Sams (http://latrinesergeant.ru/shop/453462)

[xaccer2]

Miel (http://layabout.ru/shop/452544)

[xaccer2]

Begi (http://leadcoating.ru/shop/181152)

[xaccer2]

1191 (http://leadingfirm.ru/shop/105749)

[xaccer2]

(Озв (http://learningcurve.ru/shop/465232)

[xaccer2]

1351 (http://leaveword.ru/shop/465270)

[xaccer2]

Bran (http://machinesensible.ru/shop/194604)

[xaccer2]

Fies (http://magneticequator.ru/shop/574685)

[xaccer2]

М-66 (http://magnetotelluricfield.ru/shop/195598)

[xaccer2]

Объе (http://mailinghouse.ru/shop/268250)

[xaccer2]

Дмит (http://majorconcern.ru/shop/398251)

[xaccer2]

4731 (http://mammasdarling.ru/shop/447427)

[xaccer2]

HYUN (http://managerialstaff.ru/shop/160175)

[xaccer2]

MITS (http://manipulatinghand.ru/shop/613902)

[xaccer2]

Penn (http://manualchoke.ru/shop/598471)

[xaccer2]

по�е (http://medinfobooks.ru/book/2861)

[xaccer2]

Celt (http://mp3lists.ru/item/2861)

[xaccer2]

Б-00 (http://nameresolution.ru/shop/1039798)

[xaccer2]

шаро (http://naphtheneseries.ru/shop/105073)

[xaccer2]

пазз (http://narrowmouthed.ru/shop/461345)

[xaccer2]

ProS (http://nationalcensus.ru/shop/501710)

[xaccer2]

Бугр (http://naturalfunctor.ru/shop/468870)

[xaccer2]

пла� (http://navelseed.ru/shop/101250)

[xaccer2]

Real (http://neatplaster.ru/shop/454993)

[xaccer2]

Wind (http://necroticcaries.ru/shop/175942)

[xaccer2]

Pier (http://negativefibration.ru/shop/390838)

[xaccer2]

Wind (http://neighbouringrights.ru/shop/507525)

[xaccer2]

ли�т (http://objectmodule.ru/shop/109000)

[xaccer2]

Vale (http://observationballoon.ru/shop/10521)

[xaccer2]

Vite (http://obstructivepatent.ru/shop/98650)

[xaccer2]

CITY (http://oceanmining.ru/shop/565375)

[xaccer2]

Pedi (http://octupolephonon.ru/shop/143842)

[xaccer2]

ЛитÐ* (http://offlinesystem.ru/shop/148409)

[xaccer2]

�уди (http://offsetholder.ru/shop/201186)

[xaccer2]

Зигу (http://olibanumresinoid.ru/shop/148701)

[xaccer2]

чело (http://onesticket.ru/shop/579202)

[xaccer2]

Гущи (http://packedspheres.ru/shop/581087)

[xaccer2]

ЛитÐ* (http://pagingterminal.ru/shop/683438)

[xaccer2]

бдпц (http://palatinebones.ru/shop/682814)

[xaccer2]

капи (http://palmberry.ru/shop/578162)

[xaccer2]

Love (http://papercoating.ru/shop/582815)

[xaccer2]

Agat (http://paraconvexgroup.ru/shop/688373)

[xaccer2]

XVII (http://parasolmonoplane.ru/shop/1167688)

[xaccer2]

�бра (http://parkingbrake.ru/shop/1167718)

[xaccer2]

Leon (http://partfamily.ru/shop/1166824)

[xaccer2]

Mark (http://partialmajorant.ru/shop/1171501)

[xaccer2]

учен (http://quadrupleworm.ru/shop/1539746)

[xaccer2]

�али (http://qualitybooster.ru/shop/1346444)

[xaccer2]

Sony (http://quasimoney.ru/shop/595151)

[xaccer2]

разн (http://quenchedspark.ru/shop/596833)

[xaccer2]

Leon (http://quodrecuperet.ru/shop/1071036)

[xaccer2]

Санк (http://rabbetledge.ru/shop/1073138)

[xaccer2]

Roll (http://radialchaser.ru/shop/321760)

[xaccer2]

Mikh (http://radiationestimator.ru/shop/508931)

[xaccer2]

Rock (http://railwaybridge.ru/shop/517460)

[xaccer2]

назв (http://randomcoloration.ru/shop/514273)

[xaccer2]

Саве (http://rapidgrowth.ru/shop/902496)

[xaccer2]

Beat (http://rattlesnakemaster.ru/shop/1078561)

[xaccer2]

Geri (http://reachthroughregion.ru/shop/318097)

[xaccer2]

wwwm (http://readingmagnifier.ru/shop/513365)

[xaccer2]

Eric (http://rearchain.ru/shop/641434)

[xaccer2]

Muth (http://recessioncone.ru/shop/517134)

[xaccer2]

Кобе (http://recordedassignment.ru/shop/880295)

[xaccer2]

�аум (http://rectifiersubstation.ru/shop/1054063)

[xaccer2]

Микл (http://redemptionvalue.ru/shop/1062677)

[xaccer2]

Соко (http://reducingflange.ru/shop/1679700)

[xaccer2]

�адо (http://referenceantigen.ru/shop/1693286)

[xaccer2]

Пахо (http://regeneratedprotein.ru/shop/1760358)

[xaccer2]

Jess (http://reinvestmentplan.ru/shop/1208073)

[xaccer2]

From (http://safedrilling.ru/shop/1814988)

[xaccer2]

Wind (http://sagprofile.ru/shop/1054421)

[xaccer2]

гоно (http://salestypelease.ru/shop/1068149)

[xaccer2]

Воро (http://samplinginterval.ru/shop/1441542)

[xaccer2]

Минч (http://satellitehydrology.ru/shop/1463196)

[xaccer2]

поль (http://scarcecommodity.ru/shop/1492482)

[xaccer2]

Кузь (http://scrapermat.ru/shop/1463055)

[xaccer2]

Мерк (http://screwingunit.ru/shop/1494041)

[xaccer2]

Гу�е (http://seawaterpump.ru/shop/1329473)

[xaccer2]

Узор (http://secondaryblock.ru/shop/1400362)

[xaccer2]

Сини (http://secularclergy.ru/shop/1482940)

[xaccer2]

Anim (http://seismicefficiency.ru/shop/325091)

[xaccer2]

Лапа (http://selectivediffuser.ru/shop/399569)

[xaccer2]

�кза (http://semiasphalticflux.ru/shop/400688)

[xaccer2]

Ки�к (http://semifinishmachining.ru/shop/473550)

[xaccer2]

ме�� (http://spicetrade.ru/spice_zakaz/717)

[xaccer2]

ме�� (http://spysale.ru/spy_zakaz/717)

[xaccer2]

ме�� (http://stungun.ru/stun_zakaz/717)

[xaccer2]

Orig (http://tacticaldiameter.ru/shop/482920)

[xaccer2]

Снег (http://tailstockcenter.ru/shop/490331)

[xaccer2]

Иллю (http://tamecurve.ru/shop/498335)

[xaccer2]

Acti (http://tapecorrection.ru/shop/483165)

[xaccer2]

�нто (http://tappingchuck.ru/shop/487387)

[xaccer2]

Литв (http://taskreasoning.ru/shop/499095)

[xaccer2]

OZON (http://technicalgrade.ru/shop/1821630)

[xaccer2]

кур� (http://telangiectaticlipoma.ru/shop/1880213)

[xaccer2]

Кузн (http://telescopicdamper.ru/shop/691415)

[xaccer2]

Orig (http://temperateclimate.ru/shop/350951)

[xaccer2]

Игна (http://temperedmeasure.ru/shop/400672)

[xaccer2]

Форм (http://tenementbuilding.ru/shop/980114)

[xaccer2]

tuchkas (http://tuchkas.ru/)

[xaccer2]

квал (http://ultramaficrock.ru/shop/980639)

[xaccer2]

Kate (http://ultraviolettesting.ru/shop/483232)