job interviews – The Hermits' Rest

It was a different kind of day, all around. I’m at a campground and I didn’t even go for a walk. Too busy working and thinking. I did go out to dinner at the scenic Bush’s Fried Chicken in Brenham, Texas. When we celebrate, we go all out.

That is supposed to be 8 fried chicken livers but I think it was more. So good with okra. My gall bladder would not approve, if I still had one.

I did something I never thought I’d do today. I turned down a job offer that would pay more than I’ve ever made and last more than a few months. I finally made it to the point where I chose my mental health over my fear of poverty.

I’ve been heavily recruited for a job at a very large corporation doing pretty much what I do now, but with a staff. I wanted to know more about it, especially when they kept raising my potential income. I did let them know I was happy where I am, especially with the new opportunity that came up.

I agreed to interview, and that happened yesterday. The funny thing about it was that three of the four of us in the meeting had similar Teams backgrounds and were wearing nice quality zipped hoodies. It’s like we had a uniform. The other woman had a pink top, giant trendy glasses, enhanced pink lips, and very yellow hair. Her fancy lighting system kept showing up in her background. Her name was Barbi. I kept my sexist prejudices to myself.

Just thought I’d slip in a picture of my bedroom window with a crow curtain I made.

They all asked good questions and didn’t make me repeat my résumé. I gave good answers, because in my advanced years I no longer get nervous. I figure I’m interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing me. And I have so many stories of success and failure implementing this software. A good time was had by all. Much nodding and laughter occurred. That’s good. I hate a dour interview panel.

The job offer came a couple of hours later, which surprised me. I was flattered to think I did so well. I’ve certainly flopped enough times to feel like I deserve to feel proud.

So Lee and I talked about it. There was much of interest at the big corporation, but I got hints of a lot of bureaucracy. And I vowed never to be anyone’s boss again after my time at Planview. Plus, I really don’t want to still be sitting at a desk when I’m 70.

So yeah, I said no. The reasonable corporate culture where I am now, combined with the great group of smart and collaborative people I work with means more to me than money. I can see a good path towards winding down my career where I am. So I’m staying. That’s worth celebrating.