I turned down an offer of a job in Bethesda, Maryland. I spoke to the manager and then interview with a lady, I think she was the assistant manager/supervisor. I got a salary quote from her that was several thousand more than the offer the manager ultimately extended to me. I was very disappointed and felt that I was being low-balled because he thought he could. So I turned the position down. They had five openings at the moment.

I just sent off an application for a job in Sacramento, California. The salary is very nice, better than the position in Maryland (the higher salary offer) and the cost of living is much less expensive than the DC area according to all information that I have researched. They also seem to have long-standing openings so we'll see how this goes. I know that there is a lot of openings in my field, but I get nervous when there are many openings or openings that remain open for a long time.

Other than that, I feel very thanksful this holiday weekend, that I am solid financial ground whatever I decide to do. Choosing a career in health care provides a lot of stability in very uncertain times.

Last week I finished graduate school. Gave my final presentation - without any major panic attack - and turned in my last paper. It felt good! I've been floating ever since then.

Finishing grad school allows to really focus on advancing my career. I'd like to make more money. I don't have to be rich, but I understand the freedom that comes from financial security. I make decent money now, but more would be better.

I work for the federal government and there are a few programs that allow for an increase in salary with achivements, such as completing another degree. We'll see how that goes. I'm relying on my supervisor to take care of that.

Otherwise, I'm actively searching job listings. I will be attending the inauguration in January - I just couldn't pass up such a historic event - and will be in town long enough to have a couple days of interviews if I get any offers in the area. It will also be nice to spend some time with my sister and her husband.