The Right Place

Last week-end  I made my annual trip to Montreal to have some fun with a group of guys. Several of these guys I only see once a year on this trip. As everyone knows, when you see someone once a year, you take a few minutes to catch up. I was chatting with one of the guys and he asked how things were going with the new job. I know it's been over a year but I had just started before last year year's trip. I told him how happy I was and he mentioned I look happier and better.

That was the validation that I am currently in the right place.

I have done a few different things in my life. When I see people doing those jobs I am so happy I'm not them.

Anytime I see a manager in a grocery store they always look tired, frustrated, and ready to quit. They don't seem to be excited to get up and go to work. If I stayed in that world too long I would have ended up like that. Every job has some aspect of being a grind but that one is really bad. The balance between enough inventory and food not spoiling is razor tight. The margins are tiny and overall, I'm happy I'm not there.

If I see a car salesman I just laugh. I was always curious what it would be like. The job could be quite good but the typical person in that business is not a team player and will stab you in the back. Some people thrive at it but I'm glad I tried it, learned from it, and moved on.

There is another office I used to work in that could be great. There were a lot of good people who want to do great things but the environment is draining. Everyone catches flack for things not getting done but nobody is given the authority to just make the decision. It has to go to a unreasonably high level for a relatively low level decision. I needed approval from my boss, who was making a six figure salary, to get the office to order file folders. Yes you read that right and yes, it is very silly.

Where I am now, I have responsibility, autonomy, and authority. I can decide where I should put my efforts, and use the necessary resources to get there. If I need something, I get it.

It's a great place to be.

Different people are suited to excel in different roles and right now I'm in a very good spot. I am fortunate and will do what it takes to be successful and stay there.