Remind me again why I traded Florida’s paradise weather for numb toes and over-clothed claustrophobia? I really don’t remember anyone warning me it would be this cold. I think I may be adjusting though – my cheeks are not as puce and I am beginning to regain sensation in my ears and nose (thank goodness! I feared terminal damage had been inflicted upon my precious extremities!). With the correct implementation of thick coats, mittens, scarfs (several of), and a colorful array of vests and leggings, I have successfully fought off the terrorizing, spine-chilling bite of Winter (that excludes my slip on the ice this afternoon when walking to my car).

My colleagues at Lynn will be glad to know I will not be homeless on the streets of D.C. (adding to another of the cities problems). I have a humble abode! Or should I say I am doing it ‘recent grad’ style: I am renting a shared rowhouse in Eastern Market. A beautiful little place less than two blocks from the metro.

Housing – (Tick)
Job – TBD

One down, one to go! As we all know, the current economic crisis does not allow for the most opportune time in job searching history. I have sent out a trillion resumes and I have made up my mind that I am not going to wait around all day (doing nothing) for an employer to get back to me. Additionally, consecutive events have hindered the success of my search (or should I say find): Christmas, New Years, Obama’s inauguration, and now snow. Rather than spending my days counting snowflakes I will offer what I may to a company or institute that I would like to work for – an internship of sorts. Doing this will not only allow me to learn the ropes and inner workings, but also provide me with valuable experience. Everyone has been telling me that you really just need your foot in the door – hopefully I can get both in!

So, the great thing about moving is you get a chance to downsize! Yes, I, Ashlea Evans, own a queen bed, a few boxes (mainly holding books and artwork), and a bicycle. Oh, the joys of being young! It is rather ironic though, because in this last stage of youth and ‘fancy free’, I enter the real world…

For the past few weeks I have been scouring craigslist in search of short term rentals in DC, until I have established where exactly I will be working. Of course I have chosen the best time to look for a job: when the entire world is experiencing an economic meltdown, Americans are being laid off left, right, and center… and the whole of DC is preparing for the inauguration, thus job applications are the furthest thing from their mind. It is all very disconcerting, but I just keep on telling myself that there is not much more I can be doing. I search for jobs everyday, I have roughly 80-100 resumes circulating, I have a professional website, and I am showcased on various job boards/ talent boards. It is all rather frustrating, as it is completely out of my control!

I am so motivated to start my career. I am extremely passionate about what I have studied, and I just want to put in the hours and the effort, in order to achieve all my aspirations. I just need a foot in the door to prove myself, to show them that I am capable, that I am dedicated, and that I am an asset.

At least I have the support of so many wonderful people. Jason Hughes, a fellow blogger and my previous supervisor has been a superstar in helping me find my way in the big world. I don’t think there are many individuals who can say that their previous boss has an RSS feed for career opportunities suited to that individual! I get regular emails from Jason with links to positions he thinks I should apply for. It’s really great because very often a suitable job slips under the radar… and it’s also comforting to know that someone believes in you. So, thank you, Jason!

The whole moving thing has been tough, as I truly just want to get settled and find my feet. I can’t commit to a permanent living arrangement until I have a job, and I can’t get a job until I commit to a living arrangement closer to the city…

Luckily, I am currently taking a much needed vacation. I feel guilty about 80% of the time. However, I am trying to enjoy this time, as I know in a few months time I won’t have the opportunity to sit back and relax.

So, I am finally in the DC area. I’m in a little town in the country called Oxford, Maryland. It is so beautiful, peaceful, and scenic here. It is such a change from college life… I don’t know what to do! I’ve bought a nice new fiction novel to get lost in… it’s the first time in months I have had a chance to pick up a good non-educating book!

Well, the job search continues! As it has been the holiday season I haven’t had much response. I am getting rather anxious, and want to get settled into an apartment – which I can only do once I have a job. For the mean time I am staying with family friends, who have kindly taken me under their wing.

Well, I definitely funded the end of year bonuses at USPS with all the resumes I sent out, as well as the resume paper company’s increases, and the business card business! December has always been the month of giving, and boy did I give! My end of year surprise was my laptop crashing!!! But thanks to my apple care plan, and their very efficient customer service, I will be receiving a brand new laptop in just a few days! And then I will be able to post some photos of my travels! So, stay tuned!