Dear Jeff,

I just got off the phone with the studio. They want me to co-teach/co-lead retreats this summer and want to add more classes to my schedule which are mid day and conflict with scheduling at the restaurant. The added retreats/classes would only leave Tuesdays available for the restaurant.

With that being said, I I’ll have to unfortunately decline the job offer at this time. I know it isn’t reasonable for someone to work one day a week/pick up shifts sporadically.

I appreciate your time and the offer. I really enjoyed meeting you and chatting. I hope your summer goes fantastic and I will be sure to come and enjoy the patio when I can!

Sorry again for the last minute email.

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Dear Jeff.

Thank you so much for your time and presence with me yesterday. I enjoyed our time talking about the opportunity to serve on your team.

It’s with regrets I write. After careful consideration I’m surprised to find that I’m oscillating on whether even 3 shifts is doable for me. And 1 (possibly picking up another shift, to make 2 as ad hoc) likely isn’t enough for me to stay current on what I’ve learned or to offer you what you need for a commitment.

And, it occurred to me as I was driving home from our visit, that this weekend marks the 2 week window of which I need to remain healthy and covid-free before I leave the country. (It seems covid is everywhere right now, affecting more friends and family these past couple weeks than I could count all total, since the beginning of pandemic? So strange.) I can’t risk an infection prior-to, or worse – getting to Scotland and being marooned there. (True story: Chase’s Dad- this same scenario just happened 1 week ago, screwed in Ireland.) So, it’s a tremendous ask to begin after returning from Scotland. (Mid June).

I feel very conditional presenting this to you, and yet, it’s what will work best for me – But I need to really honor that for myself. And Jeff, I completely honor that this in total wouldn’t work for you, as you really need someone who can jump right in an take flight.

I think it’s best that I step back, for you to find another candidate who can better fulfill your needs, and better support a full head count.

I’m surprised and disappointed that this realization has surfaced. I’m so so sorry. Thank you for your extremely kind invite to take a day to settle into a decision that feels right. I appreciate that more than I can express.

You are lovely, and I’ve loved every interaction with you– both as a customer and potential staff. Your folks are lucky to be led by your example.

Wishing you all the very best! I look forward to seeing you again.

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Dear Jeff.

Happy Monday. Hope you are having a great start to your week. I wanted to send this email to first off thank you for your time yesterday and additionally thank you for the job offer. At this time I will not be joining the team. I do however hope to be able to leave the door open, to reapply later in the summer, as right now my schedule is very tight. I hope you understand.
Once again, thank you for your time and consideration.

___________________

I have received 11 of these emails this year.

11 people I have offered a job to.

11 people I’ve spent 45+ minutes with.

11 of these emails.

All of these women were very sweet. Potentially very good employees. Women who did not start.

It’s frustrating.

It’s discouraging.

It pisses me off.

Alas.

We move on.