But I am intrigued and I start researching Yellowknife where this job is located. I find that there are some very good opportunities and the town (city) appears to be very progressive, has a fairly young population and most of the amenities one could want are there (or, at the very least what’s not there one could live without). I apply for the job close to the end of August after putting hours into the application documents…..and I wait.
While Rochelle and I wait for some response to these applications and start thinking about what we would do if we both got jobs there; what would happen if one of us did and ultimately what would change if neither of us got these jobs. I was really getting into the idea of going wherever I needed to go in order to have career growth and a better paying opportunity. I began to look at other jobs the government posted as I knew how much of a long shot it would be for me to get the first job I applied to; that even though it was a very specialized job to which very few would be so uniquely qualified, it was still a matter of selection; that the GNWT would adhere to the Affirmative Action process to ensure priority consideration was given to Indigenous and non-Indigenous and other equity groups.
Lauren, who had completed her Business degree in April was also involved in the process of seeking employment – Toronto and GTA – corporate – but was having limited response. As I continued to get excited and focused on moving to the land of opportunity (my perception), I wondered if the rest of the family could also see themselves moving there. Danielle had just finished her Massage Therapy Program in school and would complete the registration exam and practical later in the year. Caitlyn was in school and wouldn’t be done for a couple of years. It would be a long shot for them to pick up and leave. I mentioned it offhand one day to Lauren, which for everyone who knows Lauren, would be the ultimate long shot as the worlds of Corporate Toronto and unknown Yellowknife were miles apart.
Lauren decided to broaden her search to include Yellowknife. Rochelle was interviewed for the Social Work job in Hay River. A job that Lauren originally considered applying to was decided against and as I reviewed it I realized that while it had not been the path I’d followed in recent years, there was enough overlap of responsibilities and qualifications that I knew I could fulfill the responsibilities. The job was called Information Coordinator for the Petroleum Products Division of the Department of Public Works and Services and I applied on the closing date.
Approximately 10 days later I got a call to set up an interview. I prepared as much as I could in the less than 48 hours between notice and phone call. It was with the Director and HR and typical to all interviews you prepare but still get caught with unexpected questions. The practical part that followed had some peculiarities and I’m not sure how well I did. I was told I would hear one way or another by Friday of the following week. By Wednesday my references hadn’t been called and when I arrived home a message from HR was left, asking me to call back. I didn’t reach her directly so left a message thanking her for the interview opportunity, that I presumed it wasn’t moving forward. Well, I was wrong and reference calls were made the following week and was presented with a verbal offer on the 17th of October which could not be formalized until the Governments’ Affirmative Action process was completed a week later.
Rochelle’s interview had not resulted in a job offer. Lauren’s prospects had not improved and Danielle had returned to school to enhance some entrepreneurial skills. At this point both Lauren and I were ready to leave our current jobs and relocate to what we fervently hoped were the opportunities we were looking for. Rochelle was game to go but also undecided for a variety of reasons. On October 17th, I gave my notice and started to dismantle my Ontario life.
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