Jobs

I should really start thinking about getting a job. My internship only lasts until February (although I'm stretching it to April-ish) and I don't want to come home and work at American Eagle again. Or worse: a call centre.

It wasn't too bad last summer at AE. I went to university with the assistant manager. However, the majority of the staff are under the age of 18, so it was *them* and *me*. They kept talking about how drunk they were the night before, and how drunk they planned on getting that night. Honey, I've been there and done that and it gets old fast.

So I've started putting out some feelers. I wonder if the Council of Europe has any positions available to Canadians? I know we're considered an "observer country", which actually qualifies me for participation in many of the seminars I'm planning to attend. I would love to work on cultural projects regarding European identity within its enlargement.

I have a degree in International Relations, but what does that give you? "Hi, I'm fairly competent in political science, history, geography, economics and languages. Give me a job." No one is advertising for International Relations studentsgraduates. I have my internship which is fantastic, but now what?

So I'm helping out any way I can. I'm going to help compile a report and turn it into an online website for the Bulgarian conference. I made tonnes of good contacts and met some very inspiring people. Maybe someone will like me enough to hire me permanently.

I'm also going to apply to Rick Steves. My parents swear by his travel philosophy and I have to admit: he's got some good ideas. He teaches travellers courtesy, gets them into the culture and away from the tourist traps and tries to show them quaint little out of the way places. For all I know, he'll have a position as a travel coordinator or guide or researcher open. Mmmm... getting *paid* to live and travel in Europe! I know the guides have plenty of free time and make quite a decent living so I may be able to get involved with a local NGO while there!

I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but it's always nice to dream, isn't it?