Flattered

Some NEC execs were in the office on Friday. They're working on some initial issues for the transition to NEC. Speaking of transition, that's right... the Active Voice website will probably have to go bye-bye. That means they're gonna get rid of the pretty picture of me on the website. I'm really gonna miss that lookin-to-the-side-like-a-moron-and-all-messed-up picture. I remember being told I was making a big deal out of nothing back when that was posted. C'mon... I'm looking to my side like I'm up to no good. Very shifty, that Rodney guy.

Anyhoo, around three o'clock on Friday, my boss, Amy, brings Chiung, the Director of Finance for NEC Infrontia, to our department to introduce her to the crew. They stop by my office first. Chiung knows my name from all the reports I've provided her in the past and the support I gave when Amy was on maternity leave. Being ever so kind, Amy starts talkin about how awesome of an employee I am. With a huge smile on her face, Chiung looks at me and asks, "Do you want to work for us? We need another accountant..."

Not taking her seriously, I'm like, "Really?" Giving me the "hell ya" look, she starts talking briefly about the position and how beautiful it is in Shelton, CT. That's right. Connecticut. I humor Chiung by "OOOooo"-ing and "Awwwww"-ing at the right moments. She eventually moves on to my other coworkers.

After the tour's complete, Chiung pops back in my office and closes the door.

Oh no. What the ?

She asks me if I'm really interested. I tell her, "Maaaaaybeeeee..." and she continues on. Oh, man. She was pushing hard! She repeats how great it is in Connecticut. The distinct four seasons are awesome. New York City is 90 minutes away. It's only two hours to Boston. The job would give me so many opportunities for growth. Especially since she's thinking of retiring in the next few years.

For the next half hour, she's back & forth between my office and the conference room where her and the other execs are. She also mentions that they'd pay all relocation fees and help me find a new place. On her final visit, she writes down a number on a small piece of paper. The number I see represents a salary offer. 25% more than I make now.

Jaw drops.

But what do you know? She needed to know by Monday. For a job that starts in April. Only a month away. She leaves saying, "So... what do you think? You're about 80% sure?"

I tell her, "No... 50/50." I thank her and tell her I'll get back to her after the weekend.

The feeling was so awesome. The thought of a new place and a huge jump in salary felt great. I really did think it through. But, in the end, the answer was easy. I couldn't take the risk. What happens if I move there and NEC decides to move their office to Dallas? My boss said that this was certainly a possibility since they offered her the same job... in Texas.

I'd also have to make the change very quickly. G would love the idea of living so close to NYC. But we were always thinking of moving next year... not now. We'd probably have to live apart for a little bit. Which we wouldn't mind. But still. It was just so much, so fast.

'Twas nice but I wrote Chiung this morning declining her offer. I'm gonna take advantage of the six-months severance coming to me at the end of July. How often does something like this get offered? Cali is definitely in the future and I want to stick to that plan. I'm so looking forward to finding something in the Bay area in 2010. Patience, Rodney. Patience...