I got the job = change in plans

It’s official, I am no longer unemployed! I received an offer from Patch Media Corporation Thursday and accepted on Friday! They were thrilled to hear I would be joining the team and I couldn’t be more excited to start my first “real” job post-graduation, especially in NYC. I was so happy to accept Patch’s offer for so many different reasons, including some of the following:

1. It is a great company with so much promise. Since being bought by AOL about 8 months ago it has grown rapidly and I’m excited to contribute to its up and coming success. For those of you I haven’t talked to about Patch, it is a new and innovative way to find out what’s going on near you. It’s a news and information platform dedicated to providing local coverage for individual towns and communities. Its platform provides information in multiple areas including news, businesses, events, sports, schools, directory, restaurants, local facts, volunteers, arts and entertainment, athletics and recreation, education, government, health, nightlife, shopping and travel. Simply put, it is online media and one of the reasons print journalism is slowly going under. With environmental concerns and the advancement in digital technology, print papers are decreasing and could possibly become obsolete one day. With that said, it’s nice to join a company that operates a news and information platform entirely online.

2. The position description fits me so well! Because Patch started out as a small independent company, there was no need for an Office Coordinator/Administrator, but with its recent growth, the need was there hence the creation of the position. Patch basically needs someone with exceptional organizational skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills to come in and help create structure and establish policies and procedures. With my knowledge of internet media trends and online journalism in conjunction with my office coordination experience, I am the perfect fit! In addition to helping with the development and maintenance of office procedures, I will be responsible for the coordination of all facility and equipment needs, purchasing and managing inventory, facilitating communication with employees, acting as the first point of contact for all AOL departments, callers and visitors, helping HR with on-boarding new employees, assisting the management team with expense reports and travel arrangements, coordinating office events, and assisting with marketing and promotional events. (Yes, I did indeed just give you my job description!)

3. Last, but not least, I get to stay in New York! When I originally came to NY my goal was to find a job and stay here a while. With it being such a big, competitive city, I didn’t really think there would be any good opportunities so I figured I would just waitress or something for a couple of months before applying for a teaching English abroad in Chile program. Little did I know I would get quite a few interviews in just the first 3 weeks. When Patch offered me the position, it was way too great of an opportunity to pass up. So yes, this means there has been a minor change in plans. Instead of living here short-term and then moving to Chile for a while, I will be making NYC my home a little more long-term than expected.

If those 3 reasons alone aren’t enough to convince you that this move was meant to be then maybe the recent earthquake in Chile will help. I woke up this morning only to hear terrible news about an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile. As I was reading this article I couldn’t help but think, thank God I chose to take the job in NYC and hold off on Chile. Literally, I was thanking God! I truly believe everything happens for a reason and I’m thankful the man upstairs was watching over me and led me in a safe direction.

As I have mentioned before, I am VERY close to my family so although they were thrilled to hear my good news, I know it was bittersweet because this job would mean moving to NYC more permanently. Thankfully, I have the most amazing family in the world and they all were more than supportive of my decision to take the job. In fact, they all encouraged me to take it as they knew it was the right thing to do. Like my sister Drea mentioned in her blog, it was just meant to be! I admit, the thought of being away from my family, especially Jaxson, Audrina, and my soon-to-be nephew, makes me sad, but I know they will come visit me in NYC and I will go home for holidays and every other chance I get! :)

My start date at Patch is March 15. I plan on enjoying my last 2 weeks of freedom as I am about to enter the real world as a working women for the REST of my life, yikes! Here is to the start of my new job and new life as a New Yorker!