The Lucky Man

Wow!  What a week it's been!

As most readers will already be aware by now, I was absolutely blown away by a fabulous job offer last week.

Even as I write this passage, I'm still shaking my head in utter bemusement at just how well everything seems to have turned out for Team Taylor in the end!  ...In fact, I'm actually kind of waiting to be involved in an epic car crash any moment now, or maybe to fall down the stairs and break both my legs …just to even things up!  Surely some kind of equilibrium is due upon me! 

But I also believe in karma too, and perhaps after those stormy, dark days of unemployment, it was inevitable that the sun would eventually shine again after the rain? 

There's obviously a sizeable part of me that will be very sad to leave the BBC (and my lovely new colleagues) behind - especially with the exciting move to MediaCityUK just around the corner now.  After all, it was Harriet and her team that offered me a life-line back into the world of employment, when I really did need it the most.

I will of course always be very proud to have represented the BBC and will be sure to obtain a letter-headed reference from this world-famous British institution.  It’s been a pleasure to be a part of this beacon of Britishness and to have been an employee of the finest broadcaster in the world.

However, the above sentiments have been totally eclipsed by joy, happiness and a surreal sense of self-pride!  My faith in the force of nature has also been well and truly restored, as it really feels as though the decisions I made earlier in the year have been vindicated.

Indeed, the foundations to the 'happy ending' of this story were ultimately underpinned by the instigation of this very  blog!  If there was no blog ...there would be no job!!!  (What was that my Mum said about all this blogging being “a big waste of time")?  IN YOUR FACE MOM!!  (erm, …I love you really Mum!).

Following your heart...

Sometimes in life, you simply have to follow your heart ...but how often can we actually say that all the other bits agree!

Suddenly, everything seems to be 'just right' on the career front, and even though I am yet to start my new job, I've had the privilege of a sneaky-peek into the inner sanctum of the JD Williams world.  Thus, (and whisper it very quietly), I'm almost certain that everything is going to be Supergrass.

But how can I be so sure?  Well, the truth is, I can't.

As we all know, there are no guarantees in life.  But as creative writing is right up my street, the position is a permanent one, the role is as secure as it can be and as the commute will actually become easier and more straightforward, I can't really go too far wrong!  ...The improved financials on top of this, are of course - a very welcome bonus!

So, how about that for a surprise?   My head actually agrees with my blood-pumper for once, and I’m making a decision that will MAKE me some money for a change, instead of costing me the earth!

On the subject of queeny notelets, I should take a moment to mention the mean green.  I certainly waxed lyrical about the value of job security, job satisfaction and career development over the value of cash after all.

Perhaps it would be easy for 'an outsider' to conclude that I’ve simply 'sold out'; The truth is of course, that the position at JD Williams offers me the security, the job satisfaction and the career development opportunity I craved, so I feel truly lucky that the salary is just as attractive as all the other important elements of the offer.

So - along with all the other blessings in my life, I feel a very happy man indeed at the moment.  Blow me down with a feather ...even the sun has been shining!

And, just nine weeks after starting out 'Life at the BBC' - and saying an official goodbye to "Life After the Public Sector", I find myself signing off once again!  I finish my work with the BBC on the 28^th of April and commence my role as Lead Copywriter with JD on the 3rd of May, just after the Royal Wedding and May Day bank holiday breaks.

2011 really has been one hell of an adventure so far and once again, I'd like to thank all the readers of this blog for sharing this journey with me.  I've already summarised the ups and downs in my earlier epilogue, and I’ve already thanked people individually in my previous final edition …but nevertheless – thank you!!!  The advice, encouragement, reassurance and positivity that you have all shared has been priceless - and will never be forgotten.

This really is the end though ...it’s been emotional!!!

But do look out for my new “That’s-Life”-themed blog in the next few weeks!  I just need to think of a funky new title for it and, erm, some actual ‘things’ to continue philosophising about!

Whilst of course, a blog is primarily autobiographical, I make a promise that it will be a little less self-indulgent next time …and that the new editions will be a little less chunky, compared to some of my marathon-reads of the past!

Until next time ...thanks for your much-appreciated time and fabulous company.  Many blessings to you all! x x x

Career-Decision Death-Match – Continued

Defining Moments

We often talk about defining moments in our life, and how these pivotal moments affected us, changing our lives forever.  But when we look back on our life's journey and try to pick those definitive moments out, it's often common that we choose to recollect 'major events' instead.

Pick a year for example, and it's highly likely that the standout moment was a memorable holiday, a sunshine-drenched music festival or a special winter weekend where you snuggled up before the log-burner in a snow-surrounded log cabin.  All are fabulous events, granted: But not definitive moments.

Highlights of the past often spring to mind, but lowlights do too.  Select another bygone season for example, and it could be a car accident, a bereavement or the break-up from a long-term loved one that stands out?  As above though, these are actually events, and merely the final outcomes of a previous defining moment.

The definitive moment of that unfortunate car accident for example, may have been the decision to spend an extra few minutes in bed, or even that you chose to  have toast instead of cereal for breakfast that fateful morning.  Those definitive actions, then had an impact on the minutes and the crucial seconds that followed; The time 'lost' meant that the 'blind spot' wasn't de-iced as well as it should've been ...and as a direct result of this, the crash ensued.

Extreme?  ...Maybe.

But the result of that break-up, would actually have been as a result of definitive moments, decisions or choices that were made in weeks, months and perhaps even years long before the final outcome.  The "goodbye" isn't the definitive moment ...the reason(s) behind it, was.

What about that fabulous holiday you had?  Sure, the memories and smiles were created right there and then, but surely the definitive moment, was making the choice to book that trip, at that time, with that person ...to that wonderful place.  Perhaps even more acutely, it was actually changing the discussions of where you might like to go into a reality, by actually handing over the deposit:  A definitive moment.

All very deep, I'm sure you'll agree.  But nevertheless - proof in the proverbial pudding that every action has its consequences ...and that every definitive moment is simply yet another junction in life's endless choice of crossroads.

Take Natasha for example...

After a hugely successful career in recruitment, the world (quite literally), was her oyster.  Admiration and recognition in her work were followed by promotions, pay-rises and perks - in what is commonly known as a fast-paced and fiercely competitive industry.

Having a talent though is one thing.  What one chooses to do with that talent, is quite another.

Unbeknownst to your writer, there are probably a million and one reasons behind Natasha's 'defining moment' of emigrating to Australia to continue the cultivation of her career.  How brave of her to relocate though - all alone - to manufacture a brand new life, engineer new adventures and create a new home, with new friends...

...But was this brave re-mapping of Natasha's life actually a 're-definition', as opposed to a 'defining moment'?  In simple terms, did previous defining moments, simple help confirm a choice was that was always actually "meant to be"? ...

As I alluded to above, there were probably a million (and one!) reasons behind Natasha's ultimate decision to relocate to Australia.  These are all personal to the lady in question, but if asked, she'd surely be in no doubt at all about what the 'defining moments' were behind her career-changing (and life-changing!) decision.

Defining moments shape entire lives.  ...After all, the defining moments which shaped a move to the other side of the world could have a direct effect on all the where's, when's and who's for the rest of Natasha's life - and the generations of all the Mini-Natasha’s to come!

And all as a consequence of a defining moment.

*

Career-Decision Death-Match – Continued

So, what has all this got to do with me then?

Well...the long awaited news finally arrived today via a lunch-time phone call, and an official offer letter is set to drop on my doorstep by Thursday morning at the very latest.

No recruitment.  No application forms.  No interviews.  …I’ve actually been bloody head-hunted!

Upon receipt of the letter, I will be officially asked to consider the position of 'LEAD Copywriter'! …and with a requirement to commence the role "as soon as possible"! 

Now, without wishing to put too much drama on the subject, the next few days are absolutely crucial.  I've got a wedding to attend over the weekend, but in the interest of mental clarity (and my bedtime sanity!), I’d very much like to conclude my decision by the time night-falls this Sunday night.

Without further ado then, it’s time for seconds out and Round 4!  or in the immortal words of Harry Hill ...."Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggghhhhhht"!!!

Round 4 -Salary

Over the last few months and years, I've often said that "salary doesn't matter to me", and in the past, I really have been trying so hard to secure some long-term security, that it really has been low on my list of priorities.

Without wishing to renege on that statement, I should perhaps re-phrase it to "salary isn't the most important thing" ...which of course, I’m sure most of us would probably agree with.

However, whilst the money I earn isn't the most important motivator here, it is ultimately the primary reason why each of us go to work each day.  We all strive to reach the highest level of our respected professions for job satisfaction, but in return for our efforts, our dedication and our desire to succeed, we hope to be remunerated accordingly.

Whilst I still feel that job-security and job-satisfaction supersede salary in terms of their importance, the take-home cash that one earns surely affects the overall enjoyment and satisfaction that one gets from his or her job. 

In today's world, (and in my recent experience!) job security takes precedence over all the above but nevertheless, opening offer salary – as well as future earning potential - needs to be considered.

That letter with the all-important details is not likely to arrive for at least another 48 hours, but during today’s conversation, I was asked what I’d be looking for in terms of salary.  In response to my answer, the reply was that I was “likely to be more than happy with the offer”, which perhaps indicates that it’s more than I suggested, which is more than what I’m earning right now.

But money isn’t everything.  Is it?

Round 5 – The People

The people at the BBC are wonderful. My colleagues - and new friends - are all lovely guys, with intriguing past-times, interesting lives and great stories to tell.  All are very bright, well-educated professionals and my close colleague Phil, is actually 'Dr. Phil'!

My immediate team have been friendly, helpful, accommodating and understanding - whilst my nationwide colleagues have also been happy to offer their help at all times.

Everyone in the entire building seems to have a very laid-back, easy-going demeanour and an almost 'casual' attitude to going about their busy schedules.  As masters of creation, this is probably just as you'd expect from such a creative industry.

The high volume and fast-paced nature of the work ensure that discussions and decisions are decisive and straight-to-the-point, but there is always time for a great story, a bit of banter and a BBC canteen brew!

V

My short time at JD introduced to me to a working environment that I'd never quite witnessed before. (- which, for me, is quite surprising, given the huge amount of jobs I've had!)

It opened my eyes to a whole new ball game of working etiquette, where everybody worked at pace, whilst dressing in ways that are just as individual as they are!

As you'd imagine from a fashion house - very smart, high-heeled ladies were flanked by quirky indie chicks in Doc Martens, whilst gents in sharply-cut suits liaised with surfer-type dudes, adorned in their casual threads and sneakers.  I found this all quite surreal, but very cool.

Despite the 'unorthodox' dress code and the unfamiliar sight of head-phone wearing staff bopping along to the sound of an iPod, I was under no illusion at all about how busy everybody was; Creative industries require creative minds after all, and any obstacle to creativity would surely prove detrimental to success?  ...I liked this concept, but also learned it wasn't quite as unique as I initially thought, when I quickly discovered an equally relaxed culture at the BBC.

Whilst at JD, I thoroughly enjoyed my short time working with Simon and Alison - two driven, young, motivated and switched-on individuals whose enthusiasm for the industry and their brand excited me.

I also spoke to a number of staff during my trial period and consistently, the same observation came up: "The turnover of staff here at JD is extremely low".  To me, this speaks volumes and shows that if one works hard for the department, they'll be recognised and rewarded accordingly.

The other bonus of course, is that my brilliant retro buddy also works at the company too!  Whilst I wouldn't be working directly with Jonny, it's always nice to see a familiar face when you're the new kid on the block (and a bit like having a big brother at high school I guess!).

And then there's a certain Mr. RD ...a chap who I have a great admiration and respect for.

Two great organisations then ...with two great sets of people.  Certainly upon first impression.  If we were talking about choosing a wife here ... ...you'd be reading the Blog of a Bigamist!

*

The question is, should I consider being that job-pimp-whore-gypsy-jump-jockey with yet another notch on my career bed-post ...or do I just go ahead and "do the right thing"?

My head tells me that only a fool would walk away from the BBC, but my heart is naturally torn.

It's time for my defining moment.

Until next time, many blessings.

Jay x