OK, I've realized that not having office assistants saves a lot of money - but I can't do much real work because I'm buried in paper, and probably the loss of income is greater than the expense.

So I took the advice of my largest (and most wealthy) client to do what he does and put an ad on Craig's List (cost US $25 for 30 days).

So I did - for a part time office assistant (say 16 hours a week at $11 or higher depending on qualifications (most similar positions on the list were running between $8.90 and $12 with a few very high end jobs (media folks) at $15 to $20)).

50 applicants in the first hour after posting - many looking reasonably qualified.

I've answered one. In her cover letter she asked me to please, when reading her resumé, to disregard the fact that she's overqualified.

Overqualified - Hell!

If I was advertising for a partner she'd look overqualified! If I can land this lady I'm sure she'll fix things up without breaking a sweat.

So why would she be looking for a job like what I'm offering? That sounds insane - but then, connect the dots between "freelance" , , , and . . . "current economy".

I've replied that I want to set up a meeting to discuss.

I'm presuming she's either way too young, married, or otherwise occupied to fill the open girlfriend slot - but what I'm looking for right now is what I really need right now - business competence.

And yeah, there's that "singles of a certain age" thing I wrote about some months back. Dabbled in that a bit, but had to recognize that right now, while I'd love to have a woman around - I just don't have time to chase them.

Later.

Met her at a coffee shop today. She starts Wednesday.

She did have another interview this afternoon, and said it was for a job she'd really like, but it was Downtown and she wasn't sure she'd want to commute Downtown every day. The freeways were horrid today with about 5 Sigalerts (most days have none) - and that probably convinced her.