Park Inn

Earlier this month, I hopped the train to an interview at a new hotel in Oslo called Park Inn. I made it there, found the place on time, didn't freeze to death, managed to charm the interviewer and found out she wanted to hire me (even before I showed up just based on my resume!). She said that she thought I was absolutely the best candidate for the job and someone they would really like to have on their team.

That's great...right? Don't get too excited--I wasn't either. No work permit = no work. Or at least not this kind of job (waiting on tables). The real kicker is that she wanted me to start when the hotel was having it's grand opening, just a week after the interview! First of all, I would bet all the few dollars that I have that this job offer would NOT result in a work permit, and secondly, even if it could, I know that it could never ever have been processed in a week. So the conclusion was--it was a dead end.

The worst thing is though is that I knew that before I went. I knew they would probably want to hire me and I knew that I wouldn't be able to take the job. But for some reason I went anyway. It seems strange to turn down an interview when you are desperate for work, even if you know it is just going to result in you wasting your time and money. Good practice, right? Well, I think I could have done without that experience and could absolutely have the 238,- kr (~$40) back in my wallet.

To tell the truth, I don't feel that sorry for myself. I am not sure the job would have worked out anyway. Of course I know I can wait tables like a champ and that I enjoy it a lot, but I am not sure if I want to commute an hour and a half (one way) to do so, especially when a hotel needs people crazy early and crazy late. Plus, the Norwegian train system hasn't been my best friend lately; every time I have traveled to Oslo as of late the trains have been delayed because of the weather. I even had to take a bus instead once!

Probably wasn't really meant to be. If I am going to have a job in Oslo it better be a job that lights my soul on fire! The interviewer did mention that she wants me to let her know as soon as I get something figured out. She said I always have a job there waiting for me if I am interested. I could foresee myself working there two mornings a week for example, and maybe staying the night with Stine or someone else that I know that lives in Oslo. At least it's an idea.

So I bundled back up and left the hotel happy that they liked me and frustrated with this immigration/work permit situation. Mixed feelings seems to be the story of my life these days.

Then I took pictures.

And it made me hopeful that something will work out. And soon.