April 13, 2019

  • A Brave Coward Abroad

    A few weeks ago, I went to Mexico for a job interview. I do not speak Spanish, but I am trying to be more adventurous on this job search. Too often, instead, I've been safe in my career choices.

    My father worked the same job for 30+ years and then ended up taking early retirement from there. Growing up, I thought I could do the same, working in a factory as some kind of engineer or manager for decades on end, never leaving Ohio. Guess what, that hasn't happened. But I still somewhat dream of stasis, of becoming a fixture at some small university and teaching several generations of families.

    But I don't think that is the right way to live anymore. I think that I take more risks in my personal life precisely because I may be more bored than I realize at work. Perhaps I need a more varied job, a more frightening job. So there I was in Mexico, trying to use translating apps, trying not to just stay in my hotel room. I was trying to at least be a brave coward, ha. Sometimes I couldn't quite fulfill my dares, as when I tried to head to a local mall, and couldn't quite convince myself to go. But I at least have an idea of what life there would be like, and they'll send the job offer next week, and then I'll decide.

Comments (7)

  • OMG, Are you still here?!! :)

  • If you are, Im Reenie Mac on Facebook

  • I used a quote in my senior yearbook back in '03 and it said, "“When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught to fly.”

    Good luck, friend, in your decision.

  • Did you get the job? I haven't been on in nearly a year, but I'm trying to check back in with the people I used to follow. Good for you for at least trying to face your fears! It's not easy.

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