Well I have some new updates for you all!
So the second "interview" in California went really well! They asked me to come stand in on an autopsy, essentially to make sure I won't puke all over the place. I was informed I wouldn't be touching anything, just observing. I met with the forensic assistant supervisor before we got started, and filled her in on my background and experience. Then we went in for the morning briefing to see what cases were on the agenda for the day. She gave me a short tour, then introduced me to the autopsy tech I'd be shadowing that day. She advised him I was allowed to do whatever I wanted. So, he threw me right in. I used the bone saw to help remove the skull cap. I used garden shears to clip the ribs to remove the rib cage. Obviously, if you know anything at all about me, you know that no puking was involved, and I jumped at the chance to do anything. They kept me around longer than originally planned because they had more they wanted to show me. They all seemed to be quite impressed with me (shocker, I know)
I was advised by the supervisor that going into this portion of the interview, I was tied with two others for top applicant. They have three positions open. She told me that she hopes I'll join their family, and they look forward to working with me. It doesn't get much more promising than that!
Now for the not so fun parts: I've done some research and number crunching. I know what the pay scale is for this job, and I know what kind of expenses I'm going to be expecting. Basically, they'll need to pay me at the top end of the pay scale for me to be able to have any sort of life. Also, they're looking at putting me on the graveyard shift: 8 hour overnight shift, five days a week. I could be on that shift for a few years before moving to a shift where I actually assist with the autopsies. Graves just does the body intake (putting the body in the system when it arrives and moving it to the cooler). So needless to say, I'm still unsure as to whether this would be the best move.
At least I have three months to think about it, since my background check will take that long to be completed... I also have to make one more trip out there to meet with a background investigator. And provide a lot of obscure paperwork along with a 16 page personal statement form.
In the meantime, I still plan on going to EMT school this summer, so I'll be getting the ball rolling on that application process as well. I also interviewed to be a barista at Starbucks to make a little extra dough. I should hear back from them tomorrow.
The past few days in particular have been quite exhausting and stressful. I'm simply tired of being in this situation. Funds are starting to dwindle, along with my patience and my enthusiasm. I just get worn out thinking about the idea of having to start my life completely over somewhere new: trying to make new friends and find a new community, especially when I could be stuck on night shift. I'm ready to be settled.
I'll finish with lyrics from a song by Ingrid Michaelson (Be OK):
I just want to know today, know today, know today
I just want to know something today
I just want to know today, know today, know today
Know that maybe I will be okay.
Okay I think that's enough. As always,
Let the adventure continue
