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smurfette
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« on: January 05, 2007, 04:53:50 PM » |
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As a result of the situation described in my "convoluted" thread, I am left with an insane travel/interview schedule soon, but I had no choice. I had to move up an interview which is now back to back with another one.
The back to back interviewing itself is not so much the problem. But I fly halfway across the country, leave immediately after the interview, fly back home arriving home very late. Next morning super early have to fly to the other coast (yes, I tried to go straight from one interview to the other but it was very complicated to get that to work). I am sick too, on top of everything. Any suggestions on how I can stay alive and not sleepwalk through the second interview? I've already arranged to spend the night between the interviews at the hotel across from the airport, rather than driving home and back the next morning (esp. since nobody is around to pick me up).
Thanks!
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crazybatlady
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« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2007, 04:59:40 PM » |
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Drugs.
Ask your doctor for some valium or lorazepam and take it to sleep the night between flights and on the plane--assuming you have enough time.
One valium or lorazepam won't make you a zombie but will take the edge off your nerves enough to allow you to sleep. Sleep is what will make the difference.
Good luck.
cbl
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As always, CBL rules! All hail the CBL!
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emperor_of_ice_cream
Junior member
Posts: 55
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« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2007, 05:01:15 PM » |
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Keep a sense of humour if you can!! That's a tough schedule you described. Perhaps it's how rock stars feel when they have lots of tour dates...when I do a similarly punishing schedule, I'm planning on keeping a lot energy-bars in my bag to smuggle into bathrooms or hallways or wherever I have a moment of privacy. On the bright side, perhaps you can "piggyback" the stress of the first interview onto the second one, i.e., perhaps in your mind you can blur them all into one so that the "stress" phase passes quickly and you feel calm for both interviews. Good luck!
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smurfette
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« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2007, 06:28:55 PM » |
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Thanks. I completely forgot about energy bars. CBL-- I forgot to mention I have Ambien somewhere. I'll take some with me!
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kishter
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« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2007, 06:45:17 PM » |
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On the same track as the energy bar thing ... be sure to eat lots of protein and good carbs while on your visits. You'll be tempted, but avoid the empty calories, white bread, pasta, etc. They will just make you crash. Protein protein protein will keep your mind and body sharp.
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spork
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« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2007, 07:30:48 PM » |
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Drink lots of water. Keeping yourself hydrated will help you get better sooner. Absolutely stay away from alcohol.
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a.k.a. gum-chewing monkey in a Tufts University jacket
"Please do not force people who are exhausted to take medication for hallucinations." -- Memo from the Chair, Department of White Privilege Studies, Fiork University
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not_a_gradstudent1
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« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2007, 08:09:05 PM » |
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I fly halfway across the country, leave immediately after the interview, fly back home arriving home very late. Next morning super early have to fly to the other coast (yes, I tried to go straight from one interview to the other but it was very complicated to get that to work). Feels like deja vu... I had an eerily similar interview schedule about a month ago (except that I was flying out of different airports for the two interviews and thus didn't have the hotel option). I think it was pure adrenaline that got me through, or maybe it was using every opportunity possible to catch up on sleep. It also helped that the second school anticipated my jetlag and designed an interview schedule that provided downtimes that were actually useful - I had a full 10 hours from when I arrived until I had to do anything interview-related, and they made sure the dinners were relatively low-key and ended early enough for me to get full nights sleep (even though I was waking up at like 5 AM because of the time zone change) while I was there. |
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starfleet_grad
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« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2007, 08:24:53 PM » |
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Just keep in mind that you have two interviews while many, many people on these fora have zip. That should be enough to keep you going.
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I'm a teacher, Jim, not a customer service representative.
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dagny
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« Reply #8 on: January 05, 2007, 09:01:22 PM » |
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I had a similar experience a couple of years ago. You will be surprised by how well the adrenaline kicks in, really. It will carry you through the days--but still, drink plenty of water, and do not drink any alcohol! I made the mistake of joining my colleagues in a glass of wine on one interview, and I almost fell asleep in my dinner. By that evening, the long haul was almost over, and I was so relieved that I wanted to indulge a little. But it hit me hard--and I really had to concentrate to keep up with the conversation, look perky and engaged, and not nod off.
Good luck! Two interviews is excellent!
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cactus
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« Reply #9 on: January 06, 2007, 02:32:56 AM » |
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I also had to deal with something similar the last time I was on the market. Adrenaline helps, but you can help it help you. I agree with what people have said so far about this and have a few additions:
Ambien -- Yes, yes, yes . . . but only take half a pill. Half a pill will calm your mind (allowing you to fall asleep easily), but still allow you to wake fully w/o sleeping the full 8 hours.
Liquids -- You'll need more water than the SC may realize. Be sure to carry a water bottle with you. (You can re-fill at water fountains.) Stay away from sugared drinks. If you like coffee or tea, drink with abandon but don't over-sugar it. The Ambien will get you to sleep at night. ;-)
Food -- if you go with the bars, make sure to choose one that is low sugar and high protein. Nuts are also a good option. Trailmix not so good . . . sugar problems. I also second the advice to nix the bad carbs. What you don't want is a spike of energy and then a crash.
Alcohol -- yes, stay away. If it doesn't put you to sleep it will relax you more quickly than usual and you might say or do something that you wish you hadn't.
Citrus Body Wash -- I find the scent really perks me up in the morning.
A well-edited bag -- when you are tired, a heavy bag is more of a curse than usual.
B-Complex vitamins for stress. You can start taking those now.
Good luck with your interviews!! I hope you are able to sleep on planes.
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lucilla
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« Reply #10 on: January 06, 2007, 03:49:05 PM » |
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Yes to all they said, and also zinc lozenges to boost your immune system. They're best at the first scratchy tickle of a cold, but I think they help later as well. Good luck!!!!
Also pack something good to read, soothing and pleasurable, for while you wait for the Ambien to kick in.
Remember not to take the water to the airport--but I noticed that some travellers carried EMPTY bottles with them that they could fill up at fountains. This may be ok--not positive.
Also, little containers of Purell, toothpaste, neosporin, and hand cream (to put in your 1-quart ziplock bag that you can carry on); a little shaker of baby powder; ibuprofen for sore head and muscles from travel; your toothbrush; chapstick or equivalent; eyeshade and earplugs; and a silk scarf in a flattering color that will make you look great even if you haven't slept much--this is my "omigod, flight came in late and I have no time to freshen up at my hotel room" airplane kit.
I also carry good teabags and a cardboard sleeve for carrying hot coffee from places that don't give you one, but whose cups are scalding, but then I am weird!
Congratulations! Some of this is going to be really fun, so leave yourself open to that likelihood.
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losemygrip
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« Reply #11 on: January 07, 2007, 05:18:24 AM » |
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Oh god, not Ambien. I've just been reading all kinds of stories about people driving their cars asleep and getting arrested while on Ambien. But do try to sleep on the plane. The airport hotel is a good idea. Even if you get in at 10 or 11 and have to leave at 6, if you're right at the airport you should still be able to get 5-6 hours sleep, plus nap on the plane. I think you'll be OK.
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camchiga
Junior member
Posts: 90
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« Reply #12 on: January 07, 2007, 05:20:36 PM » |
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I second the "lorazepam" idea. I tried Ambien once and it made me sick as a dog -- if you've never taken it, I do not reccomend it. A good night sleep will be enough to get you in shape for your second interview.
Good luck!!!!
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histgeek
New member
Posts: 36
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« Reply #13 on: January 07, 2007, 09:15:43 PM » |
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Quick word on the matter of alcohol: Unless you have trouble handling your liquor, when you are at dinner with your (hopefully) new colleagues, if they are drinking and you would normally drink, order normally. The above advice is correct in the sense that you should not drink much (to avoid social faux pas at the moment and unpleasantness later). But they want to see that you will be a good colleague and that means that you should be able to relax and have fun with them.
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smurfette
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« Reply #14 on: January 07, 2007, 10:42:40 PM » |
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Thanks guys! I have already begun my looooong journey. No worries on the Ambien-- it has worked for me in the past with no residual effects. I'll keep you posted.
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