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
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