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January 05, 2006
Time to Choose
Only five days into the new year, and already I'm faced with a moral dilemma.
As you may recall, dear reader, my #1 New Year's Resolution was to throw myself wholeheartedly into the Big Idea. The goal was to take all the energy I had been expending in the job hunt and focus it on developing my own business. No more pouring over the daily Idealist.org job listing, no more tailoring resumes to fit obscure positions, no more writing follow-up emails after the interviews. And most of all, no more stressing over how to make myself sound like the perfect candidate for each and every one.
It seemed like a brilliant plan, until I got the following email today:
We received your application and would like to invite you to come by to meet the XXXX staff and talk about the position in more depth. Are you available to come by for an interview next week?
Do you see the dilemma, dear reader? I had sent my resume weeks ago, and--not hearing anything--had mentally written it off as a no-go. To be perfectly truthful, I think the job sounds fascinating, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't meet my needs in the long-term: 1) it's with an NGO, so the pay is going to be marginal, and 2) it would be a VERY different job than any I've had before, and I don't really see myself starting over.
On the other hand, what's one more interview?
If I do the interview, however, it's basically admitting that I'm not fully committed to the Big Idea, and even that mental admission makes it too easy to start doubting myself.
But why would I turn down something that might be fabulous and lead to a whole new life (including one where I'm guaranteed an income!)?
Well, dear readers, what do YOU think?
Comments
I am of two minds here. On one hand I think the BIG IDEA is wothy of your whole hearted attention. On the other hand will you wonder in several months when funds are running low if you passed up a different kind of adventure. So what to do? I say skip it. Don't break your focus. I rarely quote W, but I will now: "Stay the course."
Posted by: La at January 5, 2006 06:42 PM
I'm conflicted, especially since I don't know much about the job in question.
My mother would say things always happen for a reason, in which case you were offered the interview for some purpose -- maybe you should play it out.
However, I also understand your point that to give even a hair less than 100% to the Big Idea leaves room for self-doubt. In that case, it would make sense to remove yourself from the interview process.
On the other hand, if you think the job may be fascinating, does it really matter that it may not be the one you stay in for years and years? I don't think so. I think if it's work you'd find exciting, work you'd find fulfilling,work you'd be passionate about, you should go for it. Attending an interview in no way requires you to accept an offer -- and there's always the possibility you won't get an offer, though I know as the Ruler of the World you may find that hard to believe?!?
Besides, while committed to the Big Idea, you've already realized it may not take the shape you originally anticipated. Maybe learning new skills, expanding your network in new ways, and alleviating a little of the pressure will, in the end, direct you to a stronger framework for the Big Idea. It's not like you have to completely sacrifice one for the other. You can still have a fulltime job and take the time to think through next steps for your own journey.
Okay, I don't think I'm conflicted any longer. I think you should go to the interview and see where it leads. You can always put the kibbosh on it at any time...
Peace,
A
Posted by: Anonymous at January 6, 2006 08:59 AM
Take the fucking interview. You never know.
Posted by: KT at January 6, 2006 10:02 AM
I'm going to have to say take the interview too, although I don't think I can give a great reason. It might just be my approach. As some know, I have three possible jobs stewing right now, all questionably better than my current in some ways, but not in others. But I'm giving myself options.
At the very least, I think there should be no self-questioning by going to the interview, knowing it was right or wrong, and then passing on the job. Let's only close doors we know for sure should be closed!
Now, to quote another member of the administration, in hopes that it become a top google hit: "You go to war with the army you have, not the army you want."
-BA
Posted by: Mr. Bad Apologies at January 6, 2006 11:25 AM
yeah. take the interview. it needn't symbolize a lack of focus on the 'big idea'. in the end, it may result in better focus and increased confidence in the 'big idea. ...not that you're lacking confidence. good luck!
Posted by: amy at January 6, 2006 11:33 AM
