I got a job for Christmas

My gift this year is what I asked for, and it fits me perfectly!

As my last blog post can attest, my struggle is real when it comes to employment. I had my eye on Funko back in August when they were hiring for someone in Product Development. Their company profile, the unconventional job description and posting, and the fact they are headquartered in Everett (a reverse commute) made it seem like any job there would be a cool gig. I mean, I’m not cool, but at least I can sit at their table, right?

So technically, I had the skills and experience for that Product Development position, but I knew I’d be a weak candidate, so I didn’t bother. I just kept checking back to see if anything else would come up. (This was one of only a handful of private companies where I applied, and was actually my first choice behind public service/government work, where I submitted the majority of my applications.) Anyway, one of my cheeky free-text answers to a question flagged my app for followup by Talent Acquisition, which I learned is a fancy name for The Person Who Decides Whether You Get an Interview. So on the same day that I went on an interview for a different private company, I got the request to do an initial phone screening at Funko. It follows that the universe always has a sense of humor, so of course I got a job offer from that other company. But my gut was screaming at me not to take it. I really gave it a lot of thought, but in the end, I had to follow my instincts. One of the reasons I declined the other position (that paid GREAT) was that I just felt good about the chance at Funko. Something in the back of my mind said this would be the one.

Anyway, most people don’t know who Funko is. I’ll admit that I didn’t at first. Not until I saw the job posting on Indeed and did a little background. I had the “Oh! Those guys!” moment when I saw their products. They manufacture and sell licensed collectibles, with their bestseller being the Pop! line, which are bobble-head-like caricature figurines of pop culture characters.

The interview itself was actually fun. I laughed a lot. I was relaxed enough to be able to talk freely: about my personality, what I’m really good at, what I’m not so good at, and random things about life that had no bearing on the job. It was more of a conversation than an interrogation.

Naturally, when it rains, it pours, so after that interview, I went on another one as a supervisor at the Department of Licensing. Yep, the good ol’ DMV. Sounds like a stellar job, right? But actually, I would have loved it! Despite a 2-week estimate on an answer, we are in week 3, and still nothing. So… Funko for the win!

My official title is Customer Service Specialist, and my home base is HQ in Everett. I will only be answering emails, as they don’t have any kind of customer care phone line yet. (But they’re working on it!) If you know me, you know this is perfect. I get to do emails. Just emails. All day. The least people-y job out there. Or, at least, the people can’t see my eye rolls and hear my exasperated sighs. Let me state that customer service is not a life goal. Shocker, I know. Try to control your disbelief.  And it’s less money than I wanted. And it’s a desk job working for the man. I would agree that all those sound like dealbreakers on the surface. But I get to wear a t-shirt and leggings to work every. damn. day. The medical, dental, and vision benefits are ridiculous, y’all. And the freedom in not having the buck stop at your desk for a complaint about a product or policy or – worst of all – an employee, getting to take days off, not having to reschedule clients due to weather or illness… the list goes on. Owning a photography business was an extraordinary blessing, and I will count it as the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done professionally, but it’s time to move on and use all that experience for a company where it will do them good.

I am a little disappointed that I didn’t go back into public service. That type of work is part of who I am and because of it, in all my working life, I’ve never ever had a nine-to-five. So, at the age of 41, this is a little intimidating, and it will be so different. But one thing that gives me courage is that my interview was not only with the Customer Service supervisor, but also with those who will be lateral colleagues. Not just a hiring manager that thinks I’m a-ok and throws me into a mashup of personalities. The whole crew got to weigh in, and evidently, felt that I am a good fit for their team. I don’t see any reason to believe that I won’t be.

I also know that this is so good for my family’s financial goals. I’m not getting any younger, and I have some things I’d like to do and have, preferably before I hit menopause.

So, the future at Funko is wide open. Aside from the dress code and benefits, the intangibles are even more important. Based on what I’ve heard, what I know, and who I met, I really feel that my contributions will be valued. This is crucial to me, both creatively and personally. I will do this job as long as I want and as long as they’ll have me, but something tells me that, should they find I have skills or knowledge better suited elsewhere, I would be welcomed to transition to other roles. Who wouldn’t love to work for a company that supports unique talents and encourages growth and individuality? For me, it’s not always about the money. Money is just a means to an end. Having a job I really like ranks high on my list of how I measure success.

Everything about moving to the PNW has fallen into place. This job starts January 2, and the girls don’t go back to school until January 7, so I get to have almost a week to myself, getting to know my daily routine before the girls go back to school. It’s a really great transition, rather than not being with my kids at all during their first Christmas in a new town, or the utter chaos that would have been the First Day and the First Day Back.

Turning down that other job, waiting patiently, and trusting the process brought me to this. I’m living well, laughing more, enjoying the rain, and I couldn’t be happier.