Broken--

I've been watching your posts over the last few months, and have read the frustration and anger in your posts. To me, this layoff thing is getting the best of you, and you need to do something about that. My advice to you regarding moving, starting a new job/career, and taking risks based on your knowledge of your abilities is based on probably 25+ moves, first as an Army brat and then as an Army officer, and three career changes coupled with moves. In general, nothing worthwhile is without risk, so don't let risks/problems concern you per se. Just estimate the risks/problems carefully. Suggest the following:

1. Get real with your wife. Tell her about your fears, listen to her about her fears. Tell her what you feal are the positive aspects of the new job/locataion, and listen to her version of the same. Often, my wife would suprise me in saying that what was a fear of mine about her well-being was in fact not a concern of hers at all. You need to be honest with each other, and listen to what she is saying and not saying. My guess is that, together, you make a much stronger team that you do as individuals. She balances your weaknesses, and you hers.

2. Your daughter will be a problem, but despite what she thinks, it won't be the end of the world. I certainly agree with the suggestion about not moving during the middle of the school year. Summer moves are the best by far. Talk to her the same way you talked with your wife. Listen to your daughter's concerns--they are very real to her. In the end, however, you have to do what is best for the entire family.

3. If the risks seem worthwhile (not necessarily minimal), go for the interview. Nothing is as bad or as good as it seems, so go back to paragraph one above. You seem to be the kind of guy that can make his own breaks. Good breaks come to those who prepare for them and then seize the opportunity.

4. You also appear to be a guy who has marketable skills, is good at what he does, and is not shy about saying what he thinks about his ability. Those are good traits to have at job hunting/interviewing time. IMHO, you also seem to get hotheaded/go on a toot at times. My advice would be to downplay that aspect of your personality at interview time.

4. Assuming you are inclined to take the offer if certain conditions are met and the interview results in a reasonble job offer (surely they won't meet all your wants), confirm the deal with your wife, and get on with it.

b

Reply

Quote Reply

Digg It

Del.icio.us