I received a possible job offer from a contractor before I left for Maryland about 4 weeks ago. I told him I would work for him and was excited to actually have work before I arrived! It was such a relief for me! However, the job offer was not in writing nor was there any mention of timing, job description of talks of money. When I got out to Maryland, I began to explore other opportunities and talk to this contractor about my job description. His operation was very professional and probably a great company to work for, but I did not feel like I was going to be a good fit for him. He also mentioned that the job, as a sales person, was a 100% commission. Sometimes that is ok to be on a 100% commission, but I felt I would be completely on my own. It was almost as though he was setting me up in business 1 hour from my home to work for myself. I wanted to work for a company that was a close team: working together. Yesterday, I received a call back from the company I was hoping to work for that is only 20+ minutes from my home. This painting and contracting company, Hallco, seems to be a perfect fit for both of us. He mentioned he was going to get back with me TODAY, and my heart sank! Why? Because that has happened about 2-3 times already. So, in a concerned and business like tone, I accepted it but also asked him if wanted to hire me. I told him I had 2 other contractors interested and needed to know what to tell them. He then got excited and said, “Absolutely! It just takes a long time to hire someone!” So, that was a relief. I just thought, at first, he was stalling for time or did not know what to do. He then reassured me that he thought I would be a good fit for him and that he wanted to take the extra time to make me an offer that was very satisfying to me. I have NO idea what he will offer me for a salary, but I think he’ll be fair. I told him all the benefits and salary I was making in San Diego but assured him I did NOT have to make the same out here. However, I think it gave him a good idea while he began to run the numbers for himself. Hopefully his offer will be acceptable, and I can start ASAP!  Ted, the owner of Hallco, actually has another business he attached to the painting company that hangs Christmas lights. I have been wanting to have that service for my dad’s business but did not know there was a business and system in place to do it. So, once the details are worked out, I will be flying to Ohio for 4 days for a crash course in learning all about Christmas lights and how to sell them! Should be fun and a great business when the weather gets bad out here!I lastly have one final “interview” this morning with a company I like and know very well: Summit Services. The owner of Summit, Brian Nolan, is a business coach/consultant. He has helped my dad’s business along with many other painters to systematize their companies and be more professional: rising to the top in their area. His office is out of Philly, and he would like me to interview with him about a possible job in consulting? I’m really not sure what he has in mind yet…but will look forward to discussing those opportunities with him. He is looking for part time consultants to help him with his clients. He only works with painters and uses his brothers successful company, Nolan Painting, to help be the “model” company. We’ll see where and if that leads to somewhere! If not now, in the future.