<p>That’s exactly what I did – I didn’t mention the other stuff and I never do in an interview, lol. I only discuss college-related things. I only mentioned the high school stuff in this thread to make a point that I was fine going into college and was just as capable as any other – just that I happened to hit a big rough spot. None of that matters in an interview.</p>
<p>If I didn’t know something, I said I didn’t know but made a guess based on what I did know. It was a very dual-pronged interview, which was kind of cool. Lots of tech questions, and then lots of finance questions. A logic question or two (got them correct). Always tried to liken something to a past experience when I could or explain how I would figure something out if I didn’t know. <em>shrug</em> Hopefully I move onto the next step.</p>
<p>As for Philly, now I’m unsure. I didn’t expect the local firm to get back to me again – but if I want that job, I need to stick around and see if they want me back (I honestly don’t know if they will – I was honest in my answers, but maybe they don’t want honesty). It pushes back my plan to immediately go to Philly, so I may have to either sacrifice the early-Dec interview or ask if it can be pushed back even further.</p>
<p>I would not sacrifice an interview with a company that is inline with your career track. Go to Philly, interview with the Philly company and if company in Austin wants a second interview, ask them to give you a RT ticket. Interviews are hard to come by and you cannot afford to miss an opportunity.</p>
<p>Would basically mean flying to Philly, staying there for however long that interview process lasts for (which may coincide with the interview back in Austin if they decide to get back to me) – again a lot of money going back and forth that I don’t have, otherwise I’d do it. Not sure if that problem is solved by whatever an RT ticket is, but if it’s asking them to fend for some cost, they may just say “forget it then.”</p>
<p>I think it depends on ultimately where you want to end up (job wise and geographically). That’s where I’d put my energy. I think RT means round trip.</p>
<p>I second cbreeze, go for the Philly interview. You have to look upon it as an INVESTMENT not as an expense. I know it’s hard to spend when money is as tight as it is for you. Take the offers of help available to you and use it. You can look upon the help as a business loan - one that enable you to generate future returns.</p>
<p>Just think, if this local opportunity didn’t pan out where would you be ? You don’t want to be in the boxed situation you were before the interview. Until the company has given you positive feedback and an indication of a second interview you don’t have much reason to stay. What happens if the position is not going to be filled till the new year ?</p>
<p>I agree with others that you should go ahead with the interview in Philly. My offer to help you get there stands.</p>
<p>Over the next few days, get your stuff in Austin prep’d for shipping in case you decide to stay in Philly. Fly to Philly on Monday. Crash with a friend for a couple of nights. You can interview in Philly on Tuesday, work your old contacts hard for temp employment, talk to Accountemps & other similar agencies, check the malls & Starbucks for part-time/temp jobs, etc. Look for a place to sleep for the next couple of weeks (friends, hostel, shelter). By Thursday you would have a good handle on how you can live in Philly while working with Penn career counseling folks on permanent employment.</p>
<p>At the same time, you can be following up with the Austin firm. Perhaps you will get a clear answer from them early next week. If they want to see you again–and it really looks like a great opportunity–you can use the return portion of your ticket, be back in Austin by the weekend & be available for a follow-up interview or whatever on Monday. If it doesn’t look promising, then stay in Philly & have your already-packed stuff sent to you.</p>
<p>PM me if you want to proceed. The cheap tickets are going fast.</p>
<p>Hey, legendofmax! I’m another parent who’s been thinking about you this past week. I’m hoping that you’ve continued to connect with lonestarmom and MOWC and that you’re in Philadelphia on a friend’s couch moving through this crisis and toward a more secure life. But no matter how it’s going at the moment, many people here are pulling for you. Please do update and let us all know how you’re doing.</p>