My job interview with some band called Inks…

Back when Adam wore short pants and I was a single lady without any particular ties, I decided it was time for me to get a new job.  There wasn’t anything wrong with the job I already had, but after three years in the same place it seemed to me it was time for a change.  So armed with my trusty Diploma in Accounting I started reading the Positions Vacant, Women, advertisements.

That’s right, in those days Positions Vacant were divided along gender lines!

Now because we are all of an age, I don’t have to explain to you that when I studied Accountancy, you worked 5 days a week, went to lectures and sat exams at night or on the weekend.  Very few people went to University to study accountancy, although the odd person may do an Economics Degree, although this was not highly prized by employers as they came into the office with no knowledge of how to prepare a Trial Balance, let alone a Balance Sheet, bear in mind, I am talking pre computers! Times do however change and these days I would be hard pushed to get a job as a janitor armed only with my little diploma.

Accountancy and I were never going to be lifelong companions, but I’ve never regretted the study. Many of my positions over the years have used this lowly diploma as their foundation.  It wasn’t long after I graduated that I started working for the owner of a thoroughbred horse stud. He really wanted a Secretary, but as he could be a little trying, his Secretaries tended to have quite short careers, although the one who left his office in tears after only 30 minutes set a new record!

I was asked to answer his phone, type his letters, keep his social diary, attend the yearling sales and the races when one of his horses was running and liaise with stud personnel, trainers and so forth, until he found a “real” secretary.  Some nine years later when he retired, I was still sitting in his office… It seems that somewhere along the way I had become a real secretary!

But I digress… And what has any of this to do with my interview with some band called Inks?

Whilst I was reading the Positions Vacant for Women, one caught my attention.  It was for a Girl Friday to make travel bookings √, keep records of expenses √, negotiate hotel bookings/rates√, book limos, collect mail, organise personal appearances, and maintain diaries √√ √√. I thought it a little strange that the interview was at Chequers nightclub in Sydney but it was broad daylight, so in my neat suit, high heels, gloves and matching handbag I trotted off to be interviewed.

Now I must tell you, I have never been a big fan of popular music, preferring classical and jazz so my first impression of my interview was, “What’s that dreadful noise?”  The interview was a little strained, well not one of them was wearing a real shirt and I was dressed for a totally corporate environment.  I later told my boyfriend that it was for some band called Inks or something similar.  Now this man, who later was to become my darling GOM (Grumpy Old Man), has worked in commercial music radio, but even he didn’t know who I was talking about so when called to a second interview I declined – I wanted security and “some sort of band” didn’t seem a good start.

Okay, okay, I know you are all having a good laugh because you have already guessed “some sort of band” was INXS!  When the mini series about INXS started recently, GOM reminded me of my decision – “Ha Ha Ha – You said No to working for Michael Hutchence!!”

Now admit it, you have made brilliant, balanced, decisions like this one, haven’t you?  Anyone?  Please?

What kind of decisions like this have you made before? Share them with Karen in the comments below!