ometimes, the unbelievable
really does happen.
I flew out of San Diego on Sunday night, on another exhausting cross-country
journey to be grilled by a bunch of people who would then decide if I were
worthy to join their circle – in other words, I had another interview.
This time, though, things were going to be different – I was already familiar
with the company, since I had been there before; it was a nonstop flight
this time, eliminating the added exhaustion of trying to negotiate a crowded
airport; and the interview itself didn’t start until 11 AM, meaning I had
time to catch up on my beauty sleep. I didn’t even have to drive myself
to the hotel, either; they had a limo guy pick me up. I even fell asleep
a little after 1 AM – everything was looking good.
I woke up at 8, had a leisurely breakfast, and checked out of the hotel.
Limo Guy drove me over to the company. Strangely, I wasn’t even nervous.
Usually, I would get over my jitters by the time I actually started talking
to someone, but this time, I didn’t have them at all.
The first interview was with the guy who would be my boss. I handled
his questions pretty well, going into explicit detail about the hardware
designs I had worked on – until he finally told me that he was a software
guy, and pretty much had no idea what I was talking about. He did seem
impressed, though. The second guy was a recent transferee, who wasn’t as
impressed with my knowledge – probably since he actually was a hardware
guy – but we got along well, and I think I convinced him that I would be
able to quickly learn whatever I didn’t already know.
The third guy was hilarious. He had no idea why I was even interviewing
with him, since he was in a different division – he said something to the
effect of, "If you’ve gotten this far, you probably have the job, and I
guess it’s my job to convince you to actually work here once you’ve received
the offer." We then talked for almost an hour, not like interviewer and
interviewee, but almost like old friends. I’ve never before had that experience
at an interview – and maybe never will again….
The fourth guy was probably the most important one. His job was exactly
like the one I was interviewing for, so we would be working together a
lot. I think it was actually more important that we got along than how
much I knew. Since he was a quiet guy like me, there were a few awkward
pauses, but I think I showed him that I wanted the chance to help him out.
After running the gauntlet, I was sent back to the HR guy, who went
through the benefits and everything for me, as if I definitely had the
job. He then sent me on my way, saying he’d get back to me within 48 hours.
That night, back home with my wife, I told her that I expected to receive
a phone call at 7:30 the next morning. Imagine that – me, with confidence!
Needless to say, I didn't sleep much.
was sitting here at
work this morning, trying desperately to concentrate on something,
when my wife calls me -- the HR guy wanted to talk to me. She told him
I would be home for lunch, and he said he might be at a meeting then, so
I wasn't sure if I'd be able to reach him from home.
I called him immediately.
To put it bluntly, they made me an offer I couldn't refuse. They gave
me a raise, even in a place where the cost of living is a lot lower. I
got a signing bonus, full relocation benefits, and stock options that could
make me a wealthy man. I told him I'd give him official word tomorrow on
whether I'd accept, but I also said that I couldn't find anything wrong
with their offer.
All this time, my head feels like it's about six feet thick -- all the
jet lag, and I think I'm coming down with a cold or something too. And
all of a sudden, it's like Christmas around here -- instead of having to
deal with our stupid apartment landlord, we'll be able to buy a nice house.
Instead of dealing with the constant cycle of stress and boredom at my
current job, I'll be starting at an exciting new place where they actually
want me, and where I'm already certain that they take good care of their
employees. And instead of having to buy plane tickets for the three of
us for Christmas,…
…we'll already be there.
I'm giving my notice tomorrow -- then it's official.
Goodbye, San Diego.
Hello, Pittsburgh.
Hello, again.
