Day 348: Investments

Sometimes it's said you've got to spend money to make money.

I hope that's true. I've booked airfare, a hotel, and a car in CA for my upcoming interview, and the total is at about $670 thus far. Associated travel costs are surely going to push that total beyond $800 when all is said and done.

Spending $800 when you have no income is a risk, but it's a risk I've got to take.

Last night I thought of it the days leading up to this as my training period. I have to study the relevant topics, coach myself on the skills I've acquired and developed that fit the job, and make this my shot at the Olympics.

Strangely, I think, I will be much more prepared for this interview than I was for the interview that landed my other California job in 2000.

I've accepted that no matter what, sometimes the decision about who wins or loses something like this has a certain arbitrary quality to it. There's an alchemy that no one knows the precise mix about, so all you can do is give it your best shot, anticipate what might give you an edge, and then just kind of hope providence or divinity or just luck fills in any gaps.

Having finished second in (at least) four previous races leading up to this, it'd be nice to close the deal this time. In fact, if you'd told me a year ago that I would only get the offer for one of these five jobs, this is easily the one I would choose to win. EASILY.

I have always been in love with California. The last time, the timing just wasn't perfect. This time, it is.

I'm thinking about keeping a running total to the penny of what I spend to get this job. Then when it's time to negotiate, I'll add that number to the bottom line.

Or not. I just want the job.