February 28, 2008Day 32

I got a call from my mom.

We started off talking about the rest of the family; my sisters and dad are doing well, and everybody's certain that David Archuleta will be winning American Idol. Then we moved to the job search. I told her that I hadn't gotten any solid leads, just a couple interviews but beyond that nothing.

She said, "Well, I'm sure you'll do fine. You always come out of bad situations better off than you went in to them."

I agreed with her and, with a laugh, tried to sound unconcerned until we said goodbye…

In the past, I have always come out ahead when things have gone wrong. When I lost my job I was certain I'd do it again. But when I had my interview yesterday it didn't go well. I was overconfident, and as a result I seemed completely unqualified for the job.

I have been overconfident. Until now I'd relied on my abilities as a quick study, gotten myself in the front door, and excelled.

Now, I can't get in the front door. I can't even get anyone to answer the door.