I Had A Job Interview At The Beach

Way back when I was a whole lot younger. I think at least ten months now, I was searching for a job.

I was new to the beautiful country of The Netherlands and I was house hunting, job hunting, and rearing to go. Full of excitement and joy.

I had a job interview here, job interview there, they were coming out my ears!

There was one job interview in particular that holds a strong memory.

I was applying for a job at a tea shop. I love tea. A mint tea is my go to. Fresh mint tea is the best thing I’ve tasted in my life. Fresh ginger tea is up there. I love all the different flavours the natural world can provide.

I sent in my CV and then had a chat with a recruiter over the phone. They then invited me for a video interview. I was excited. Working at a tea shop would be brilliant.

I had experience working at a restaurant and I had experience drinking tea. How much more perfect could an employee get?

The video interview was scheduled for two weeks in advance.

I’ve never been good at advance scheduling. The Dutch culture of having everything planned at least two years in advance has only made me worse at planning — rebellious nature you say?

I’m too cool for school.

So the interview went into my Google Calendar.

I had a couple other interviews that turned into nothing, life went on, it was summer and I was on a “holiday.” I had a heap of savings in my bank and nothing to worry about.

A little different to now.

My friend asked if I wanted to go to the beach with her.

Hell yeah, I did.

So we planned — in advance and decided to take a picnic. We planned this picnic about four days in advance, spontaneous for this country.

The day came and we packed up our things and put on our togs (swimsuit). Then I recalled the interview.

It was today.

The same day as the beach.

It was in the afternoon.

When we would be at the beach.

What was I supposed to do?

I either had to tell my friend that on the one sunny and hot day this summer, and at the last minute, I would have to cancel our beach plans.

Or

I had to take a risk and buy extra data.

I’ve never been very good at making sensible decisions.

So I decided to take a risk.

I didn’t want to hurt my friend and I really wanted to go to the beach.

As I said, I had money at this point and I had hope. Hope is a dangerous thing.

We went to the beach, which took about thirty minutes by bus. The day was lovely and the sun was shining. It was warm enough to swim, but not warm enough to sunbathe.

It was a Dutch summer day.

My alarm went off to remind me of my responsibilities and I took myself away from the other people and sat under a tree.

The video interview went fine. A part from the wind noise and difficulty hearing each other. Other than that it went fine.

And no, I didn’t get the job.

But I did have a lovely day at the beach.

What’s the strangest place you’ve ever had a job interview?