Random thoughts

One week after I had the interview for the Community Liaison Office (CLO) Coordinator position, I got the conditional job offer (i.e. I have to pass the security clearance in order to work). So I quickly filled out forms for the clearance and sent them in. It could take two to six months or more if I am unlucky. Well, there is nothing I can do so I will just have to wait. So after the security clearance forms, I took my auditing exam, which was a little difficult to prepare because it was a bit boring. Then yesterday and today, I went to the US Embassy to shadow meetings of a lady who was visiting from Washington, DC. She works in a Family Liaison Office (FLO). She also taked a lot about the CLO program and there was a lot of information to absorb. The good thing was that because we met each other, I would be more likely to contact her if I need help in future. And I got to meet many people in the process, which was what my future boss wanted me to do. The downside of my two days work ...

Searching for a job in a country where you speak the language is time-consuming at best if the economy was good. But, if you were to look for job in the US now, I am sure it is stressful. Looking for a job in Japan is equally stressful because Japanese economy is not doing well. Plus, the inability to conduct business in Japanese, I have very little chance of getting a job here. Don't forget it's financial crisis that caused the downturn, and the ex-Lehman Brothers and Bern Stearns bankers are also searching for jobs in the field that I just started to work in. With the reality in check, I decided to try my luck within the US embassy in Tokyo as an EFM (Eligible Family Member -- DOS has many acronyms and I finally am familiar enough to apply for a job there). There are about 25 positions available to spouses who are under chief-of-mission (ambassador). How many spouses? I don't have the exact numbers but my guesstimate is about 100 or more. Tokyo is a big embassy with many ...