Today, James was offered a full-time job with benefits with Backcountry.com. Whoo hoo!
Now we don't have to worry that he'll be swapped to part-time hours, without notice. In fact, Backcountry is hiring more warehouse personnel again. Very good news. Feels very good to have a secure job.
However, we'd already re-started the application process with the Alaska State Troopers. It is a very, very long process. This is our second go-round. In 2008, James applied in January. Mailed in the background packet (38+ pages, handwritten) in February. Phone interview in March. In April, received the invitation up to Anchorage for the in-person interview. In June he interviewed - physical fitness test (push-ups, sit-ups & 1 1/2 mile run), oral interview with a panel of troopers, written psych test, medical exam, interview w/psychologist and a lie-detector test. After all that, in July, we received a "try again next year" letter.
We were going to wait two years and save up enough for the interview process (flights, lodging, transportation, meals, etc. are all the interviewee's responsibility). But the BIG BACKCOUNTRY.COM PART-TIME SCARE prompted us to re-apply again this year.
Next steps:
1. Mail in the background packet, post-marked by Feb 25th.
2. Wait.
The goal is for James to begin a career with potential for flying planes or helicopters and with a stable job, be able to start our family and have me be a stay-at-home mom. (Of course, adventuring in Alaska is an added bonus!) Wish us luck!
To be continued...