Whenever the seasons change, it seems, my phone starts ringing with people calling about interesting job propositions. Often, I am intrigued, and am hopeful that THIS phone call will finally be the answer I have been seeking: a job that captures my imagination and will keep me shod and clothed with a roof over my head. Inevitably, however, I am disappointed and want to hide in my bed. I can’t count how many times I have lived this scenario in the last two years. Hopes up, hopes dashed, often in a single day!

Yesterday I received a phone call, followed up by an email with an appealing job description: executive editor, with some contribution to a sister web site, and some media exposure through public speaking and occasional television interviews or segments.

Although I would not necessarily want to have a full-time job in front of a camera, I really do enjoy occasional media appearances and public speaking. I always get an adrenaline rush and feel that it adds spice and variety to a job that would otherwise entail sitting in front of a computer. So any job that lists media experience is a plus! Especially when there are also serious editorial responsibilities.

Against my better judgment, I allowed myself to think this could actually be for real. I mentioned it excitedly to Luke. He liked the description enough, and even better when I mentioned the salary. I slept like a happy little clam.

Until this morning when the phone rang. The headhunter was calling to say that she hadn’t realized the company would move so fast but the position had already been filled. Would I be interested in another one that had opened up? I grudgingly said yes.

I shouldn’t have. One glance at the words, “Reports to Executive Editor” and “Requirements include five years experience in product packaging, retail, marketing, web or publishing” and I knew this one wouldn’t do.

So, yesterday I could be an executive editor and today I could do no better than report to one? How quickly we fall!