I miss him

I really miss having A show up here at the house. Just having him come in really helped out. He's super talented and I really appreciated having him stay on top of everything. His professionalism is top notch. I'm glad to get the occasional phone calls asking for references for A. I'm hoping he is enjoying some of the time off that he's getting.

What I really hate is that he's completely severed all contact from me. I know from a business standpoint I "did the right thing," but it still hurts. I am human, after all.

He's just too talented to be wasted in a dead end job. Unfortunately, he doesn't have his degree. But I'm the first to say that he is top notch and really knows his profession. I hate that the possibility exists that he won't be reimbursed at the right rate - he's that good, honestly.

On a personal note, I've received one job offer, but I turned it down. I'm still waiting on a local city job. Business has been fairly good in that I've been very busy, so I'm on the fence regarding jumping ship to go work for a competing consulting engineering firm. Let's face it, even at a part time basis, I can make more money working for myself than for a consultant.

But here's the deal. . . I'm getting burned out on drafting. I've been drafting since 1988 - 18 years with the same software.

Going to work for the consultants that I've been interviewing with has a lot of professional potential. I feel like I could easily fit into two of the three firms I've interviewed with. It's going to be a difficult decision. One group I'm really worried about is that they aren't really seeing the right person they need to break into the public works market. I feel that I am a "one trick pony" and couldn't really deliver the goods. The opportunity is really great - I could conceivable be making over $100,000 a year in one years time -of course that's *if* I can deliver. My contacts are in Tarrant County. The consulting firm I'm interviewing with is in Dallas. I really like these guys, but I just feel like I'm potentially setting myself and the firm up for failure. They also want 50+ hours a week. I have a four year old. I don't want to miss out on her childhood because of work.

The other group is located in Tarrant County, so my contacts would still be good. I get along VERY well with the Department head and feel that the office is on the ground floor of something that could grow fairly rapidly. I have a lot in common with the guy in charge and have an ease with talking to him that I really like. I just feel that the previous firm is more together regarding the business end of consulting. They have goals and an open accounting policy that I really like. I don't see myself being with the first firm on a long term basis. I'd basically take the knowledge and run because I don't wish to miss my child's childhood.

Finally, there is a city job that is currently being advertised. I'm a little under qualified for this job, but I'd love to get it because the city has a great pension plan (and they pay for health insurance at a reduced rate during retirement). The other thing that attracts me is the fact that I don't really like how the development community runs over the engineering department right now. There will need to be some updating to the current city ordinances - mainly to the drainage and development portion of the code.

The city just hired a new Engineering Director and extended the date on interviewing prospective candidates till the beginning of April - SUCK. So, I'm waiting till I know what's happening on the city front prior to entertaining other offers. I've never lived 3 miles from my job, with the exception of working out of the home.

I also interviewed with Brinker (the Chili's guys). A, BTW, if you're reading this, there are three positions open for Project Manager and I KNOW you are eminently qualified for these positions. I've applied, too, but I have a feeling that they're going to skip me and say that I'm overqualified.