I was in a job interview this afternoon for a prominent Alabama tech company, and they asked me "If you could describe your life with a song title, what would it be and why?" Before I could stop myself, honesty struck; deep heartfelt honesty. My answer was Marooned by Pink Floyd. Immediately, I regretted my answer as it was inappropriate for the interview. My gut told me I'm all instrumental and no vocals in the south, all thunder and no fury, going through the motions. Marooned and imprisoned in the south.
I've had six face-to-face interviews this week, all of which have gone well. I've got an offer to start on Monday in a great job, for a great company, making over 50% more than my last job. Yet everything feels wrong. I desperately want to live in the mountains where I can hunt, fish, hike, ski, and work like a madman. I've applied to over 100 jobs, mostly in Colorado, Alaska and a few in Montana. I've talked with over twenty headhunters across three states. I've searched religiously for jobs every day in over thirty cities in five states. I check Monster, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, JobHunter, ZipRecruiter, Craigslist, local school district websites in every city, every day, and more. But for all of my effort, all of twenty interviews over the last month, all I can reel in are jobs in Birmingham.
Am I doing something wrong?
Am I being punished?
Who the fug under 50 listens to pink floyd?
Leap and the net will appear.
Sack up, move where you want to live. Bartend, pound nails, live in your car, whatever you have to do to get roots down, while networking and beating the bushes. You'll find the job. Hopefully one without the idiot HR drones.
If your domestic situation (single or wife/kids willing to move) allows go the place first and worry about the job later. You will be happier. My domestic situation led me away from where I want to be. While the job is fine and life is relatively good, I am not a happy person. I also like the 5 year plan. Another option, is to take the job with the pay raise for a few years and sock away the money to make the move easier financially. But if you feel trapped and you can get out! Trust me.
I had to make the choice of decent job or quality of recreation about 13 years ago ... I chose the job and have regretted that decision every day since. Nothing gets your head right better than stepping out your door to unlimited outdoor adventures.
Dave Sticks and stones may break my bones ... but hollow-points expand on impact.
life's experiences prepare us for what awaits us in the future, I'm thinking next interview you'll be better prepared. This should help, no need to thank me.
I'm pretty certain when we sing our anthem and mention the land of the free, the original intent didn't mean cell phones, food stamps and birth control.
At George's age, I'd not take a job in an area that I couldn't save and invest at least 25k a year. Follow the money, get ahead, and reap the rewards when you are in your 40-60s. Delay gratification.
I'll throw in my two cents and a way to address strange questions at future interviews.
Have a plan.
When all else fails speak the truth and then come up with a measured thought out response. Buy time by saying "That's an off the wall (or unusual) question." Then repeat the question "I've never thought about what song I'd use to describe my life. Hmmm. Let me think about that."
You could choose a different response but the object is to avoid blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. Be prepared with a generic answer to strange questions and you won't be caught off guard.
At George's age, I'd not take a job in an area that I couldn't save and invest at least 25k a year. Follow the money, get ahead, and reap the rewards when you are in your 40-60s. Delay gratification.
Take it from an old man. Don't delay gratification.
Life is the journey and not a destination. Goals are important but the life you live in getting there is far more important.
Deathbed questions ...
I wished I would have worked harder and had more things.
Or ...
I wish I would would done more hunting and fishing instead of chasing money.
I'm pretty certain when we sing our anthem and mention the land of the free, the original intent didn't mean cell phones, food stamps and birth control.
At George's age, I'd not take a job in an area that I couldn't save and invest at least 25k a year. Follow the money, get ahead, and reap the rewards when you are in your 40-60s. Delay gratification.
Take it from an old man. Don't delay gratification.
Life is the journey and not a destination. Goals are important but the life you live in getting there is far more important.
Deathbed questions ...
I wished I would have worked harder and had more things.
Or ...
I wish I would would done more hunting and fishing instead of chasing money.
There is a balance.
Last I checked, there are vacation days, cheap OTC tags, and a pile of public land to hunt and fish on. You can have it all.
