Job Opportunity Dilemma: Love Location or Love Cash. WWYD?

I know it’s cliche, but a lot of times, we read in sports about how an athlete or a coach needs “a change in scenery.”

From what you are describing, it sounds like you need a change in scenery. Both for your professional satisfaction and, more importantly, for your health.

Think at this point: “What is the worst that can happen to you if you take the new job?” Then think about what is the worst that can happen to you if you stay at your current gig.

If nothing else, you’ll have more money. And hopefully, better health. Good luck.

 

I’ve often said news anchoring is like being a coach. You HAVE to take “the bag” when you get a crack at it because, even if it doesn’t work out, you’ll probably land at a better job than the initial job. That’s the case here.

It’s basketball. Let’s say I won a lot of games at Ball State. Made the tournament twice in 12 years. But I had maxed out on salary and the job wasn’t a challenge.

USC calls and hires me. Pays great. Love the beach. And it’s a disaster after two years. Too much incompetence.

Now a job on the level of… Tulsa or Colorado State calls. Not as glamorous as USC but likely less stress, lower expectations, more support and the same pay.

 

One small problem is that, if you leave a job you hate, you’ll have to replace it with another thing to hate. I think that’s one of the laws of emotional physics, perhaps The Conservation of Crap, which states that irritations can neither be created nor destroyed, only moved around.

So, I might suggest you but a ceramic omelette pan. They’re a pretty specialized piece of cooking equipment that don’t work all that well to begin with. The ceramic coating wears out fairly quickly and eggs will stick to the pan, making actually cooking a decent omelette almost impossible. They don’t take up all that much room, so you could just stick it way back in a kitchen cabinet. But, when you do come across it, you’ll remember you really hate that thing.

 

I’ll be moving back to a sports betting state and I’ll return to my hate of three-team parlays. And cookware.

 

Coaching USC hoops is akin to coaching Virginia Tech hoops ... dream job and if you flounder it's more on you than it is the systems.

I'll throw Long Beach State hoops in there as well. How they aren't top tier is beyond me.

 

Your outstanding posts on this thread show you have the writing chops, ambition and sense of humor to be an asset to any newsroom. And I say that having never seen you on camera.

Regarding the Boogie Nights/college coaching metaphors, you haven’t come close to a Bobby Petrino or Mel Tucker-level career low point yet!

 

Had to be on a Zoom call this morning — called with 20 minutes notice - from our regional overlords.

As I logged in, all I wanted was them to say we’re all fired.

Nope. Just a reminder that we need to do better work and change the culture.

Damn. Maybe next time!

 

Skipping ahead to offer congratulations and wish you luck. I don't think the theatre superstitions apply to broadcast journalism.

 

Isn't it obligatory to post this any time we mention Bobby Petrino?

 

I've heard a few different origin stories on that. That's as fun as any of them.

As for the points made here about "don't mess with happiness" and "ambition" on this thread, I'll tell a sort-of-related tale.

Not long ago I surprisingly found myself in a position when I had to decide between two job offers. One was very close to home and more money, and not an insignificant amount. But I hated the culture of the place, and the workload was an absolute meat-grinder.

The second was good, but less money, farther from home. But it was a group of people I immediately liked and wasn't a completely back-breaking workload.

I picked the second and couldn't happier with my choice. I spent the 25-plus years before this filled with pure ambition and getting the "most important" job I could. It's not that I've lost ambition, but my priorities have changed a lot. I want to work hard and do a good job. And step into a larger role if it presents itself. But work isn't 75 percent of my life anymore.

Anyway, go get 'em @exmediahack. Happiness is way underrated by too many people.