Opportunity Knocked Today

I met with the third prospect today.

For starters, he's someone I respect and admire. We've known each other for almost 9 years, and though we didn't work together all nine of them, I've always held him in a high regard.

Our meeting today was good. Relaxed. Easy. It wasn't really an interview. He told me what the project was: a new product line. As we talked and shot questions and answers back and forth, something inside me told me that this is the opportunity I was waiting for. In fact, it would all be easy for me-- training, clients, etc. It wasn't even about money, though it seems that it might be even more than I could expect to make my first year at my other prospects.

"I want you to work for me," he said flatly. Yes, I accept, I said in my head. But there was no offer. No contract. I can't move just yet. He thinks I've got the talent he needs for his venture. I want to be a part of this. But I don't have an offer. Yet. And it behooves me to be wise in this matter, especially with an unknown venture like this one.

We talked some more. I noticed that I was mirroring his movements and gestures, down to the nervous shake in my hands. I started saying "We," as if I had already accepted the position and was on-board.

I checked the time. I decided to meet him before work, so that I would avoid suspicion and not have to use a "doctor's appointment" excuse. But I had also run 15 minutes over and was now running late. So I thanked him, and we walked to the elevator. "You know," he said just as the doors were opening, "I wish I could choke you right now, telling you that this is the job you need to take." He mimed a little "choke" around my neck as we nervously laughed. I thanked him again, shook his hand, and hurried off to work.

I was tittering with excitement in the cab ride over. I've been in this situation before. I've opened quite a few new businesses and am familiar with the prospective ups and downs. This was very exciting to me. But even more so was the realization that things have worked out in this way. That, in spite of me seeking work elsewhere, was the one opportunity that sought me.

The more I think about it in this perspective, the more it seems clear what I should do. And it also gives me hope for the other areas of my life where things seems darker. I wonder how things will unfold in the next few weeks?