Epilogue to the Major Life Decision
I’m done debating and going 10 rounds on my latest Major Life Decision. But I have one last thing to say on the topic …
When we sold my company to another company, they interviewed each of us and came up with a shortlist of who would be hired. Out of 50 people eligible, they only took five.
I learned this week that there was actually a sixth name on every iteration of that list.
Mine.
I was wondering. I used to work there. My interviews went well. There was really no reason why they wouldn’t scoop me up. I knew which division I wanted to go to (back to D.C., if you can believe it) and there was really no reason why they didn’t make me a formal offer.
I figured it was because LVP was badmouthing me. But I got it on good authority that getting a good reference from that one might have been more harmful than a bad one.
Then it dawned on me that the other company’s rejection came at the same time I was invited to stay where I am.
Coincidence? Not a chance.
My boss had the power to set everyone’s start dates at the new gig. I’m sure he had the power to make sure I never got offered one at all.
Pretty tricky. I like it.
Look, I’ll never stop having a lot to say about all the decision-making I’ve felt the brunt of, this past year. But I am going to stop saying it, starting today. This is it.
Yesterday would have been my last day there. I consider Tuesday to be my start date. Which, technically, it is.
I wouldn’t say everything changes. But I’m officially a big boss now. And I have a whole lot of people looking toward me for inspiration. Not the least of which is the big boss himself.
There’s a rumor going around that I never had another opportunity — that this was all some sort of stunt. Whether it was on his part to sell me as a leader, or on my part to get power. No one knows. But they sure do like to talk.
My guess is the boss never believed I would walk. And maybe the others with an opinion are jealous. But as a fellow director said to me, thank God you stayed. You care. They figure only good can come from that.
Now I start my new career and life. I celebrated with a new iPhone for me and a new Samsung for Mom. And I’ll celebrate further by moving us away from the ignorant cunt upstairs. And, if I can hang around long enough, look out Paris — I’m coming for you.
I hope it will all be worth it. At the very least, I am finally at peace with it.