Been a While: Why Didn't I Write Over the Weekend?

Nerves, I guess. I had my last interview on Thursday, with Chris Schloesser, the Legislative Director at the Rockefeller office. It went well; Chris seemed very interested in having me come on board. I spoke of my need to be rooted in place, and how the Senator's relocation in West Virginia and long term commitment to the place matched my practice in Webster, and how I was able to thrive there. I left feeling really good about the interview; I felt like I had a good alternative to Senate Finance. But I then realized that I had not met Jocelyn, the Health LA with whom I would be working, and also realizing that everything on the Hill is about who knows who (and nobody is really anybody's friend). So, unless I get the call to come by to meet Jocelyn, they are not serious interested. So, then I wasn't sure what to think. And, my anxiety is simply building on itself. 4 days later, no call from Jocelyn.

Similarly, no call from Senate Finance. It was a week ago that Marie sent her message to Liz Fowler. Nothing. Now, objectively, the Senate is really busy right now. And maybe they don't have time. But Shale has an offer from Debbie Stabenow's office, as well as Nicky Lurie's office and House Ways and Means. And Barb is negotiating with Rima Cohen and Dora Hughes, as well as something else that she didn't want to talk about, which I am guessing is Rockefeller's office. So, until they settle, it is likely that I will hear nothing.

I'm not alone. Gustavo, Sheldon, Gregg and I all seem to be in the second tier of RWJ Fellows. Granted, that is not a bad second tier to be in (kind of like getting your third choice for residency and having it be Hopkins- how is this a bad thing?). But this sort of thing generates much anxiety. So, on Tuesday, I will talk with the CMS Office of Policy (the CMS Policy Think Tank) and on Wednesday, I am talking to the Office of the ASPE (HHS's think tank for the whole Department). Both would be incredibly relevant to me, going back to UMass and let me learn what it is that a policy shop does. So I shouldn't complain. I checked in with the Office of Legislation- they are still interested. That is a good thing.

Still, I've now been rejected by 5 of the 8 places that I have interviewed. And I have no idea what that means.

And the knot in the pit of my stomach continues. I think that I will go to sleep.