Without a Net
It’s funny how even positive developments can stress you out. I’ve had a run of good fortune lately, and consequently I’m more anxious than I’ve been in quite a while.
For example, I just received an offer on a new job, which combines all of the elements that I was looking for: sufficient salary, a short commute, and challenging work. But that challenge is a two-edged sword. On one hand, I’m eager to work on projects that are a bit more rewarding than at my current job, where I’ve kind of been coasting for the last couple years. On the other hand, I’m faced with the possibility of failure, which hasn’t been a concern for a while. My current job may not be very exciting, but at least it’s comfortable. Now I have to prove myself for the first time in years, and that’s a bit scary.
(There’s also a background check and drug screening to go through before the new job begins and although I don’t really have any reason to fear, there’s a tiny and irrational part of me that worries that there’s some other Shawn Gustafson out there who’s wanted for armed robbery, or that I’ve inhaled too deeply while making a purchase from the breakfast burrito guy who reeks of pot smoke. But like I said, that’s a tiny and irrational party of me. I can keep it in check for the most part.)
Another recent positive development is the success of this site. We’re getting a few hundred readers a week now. Not setting the Internet on fire or anything, but we’re pretty happy with those figures, considering we only started a few months ago. And let me make it clear that I am so grateful for every single reader. I’m honored that anyone would want to read our story. But the difference between Al and I doing our earliest character sketches and having a few hundred regular readers is like the difference between singing in the shower and performing live on stage. It’s a bit intimidating.
I hope I don’t sound like a whiner. I’m certainly not complaining that good things have been happening to me (and I am definitely not complaining about a job in this economy). But these neuroses have to go somewhere. Thanks for listening.
And thanks for reading. Really.
you deserve the good things that are happening.
Thanks!
Being nervous about a new job offer is normal. As long as you do not let that paralyze you into inaction then you will be fine. Walk in there with your head held high, shoulders back, look them in the eye, give them a firm hand shake and you will be good to go.
Thanks for the encouragement, Rico! I’m actually much more excited than scared. I’m glad to be challenged again after so long, and forced out of my comfort zone. It’s just, you know, uncomfortable!