Professional Dilemma

“I can’t see it coming down my eyes, so I gotta make this note cry.”

So… I got my offer for a full-time job today. And the opportunity is in Ohio.

Those who have been around me the past few weeks have heard about this dilemma. The issue with the high possibility of me having to move out of my comfort zone, Houston. Houston, being the great city it is, has plenty of opportunity, so it’s a bit ironic that a home town boy has to go away. But I believe that I’ve been presented with this issue for a reason. Now trust me, the work up there. I mean, for real for real. They have a program up there meant to develop young engineers. And also, it’s temporary…like two years at least. The issue is just moving away from everything and everyone I know. Ya know…starting from Square 1 basically.

Backstory: Being an electrical engineer, field experience is essential to your professional development. Whether you want to go the technical route or the managerial route. Field experience is a period in which you work at a facility/plant/refinery where you are enthralled with working with the equipment on a “hands-on” basis. Versus being a facilities engineer, in which you manage projects with such equipment from a distance (from the office). With my internships, I’ve gotten a good idea of both experiences.

I’ve been the field…

…and in the office.

With both come two very different lifestyles and people.

Now let me just say that my work location will be in a rural environment. 40,000 people. The demographic is mostly conservative middle-class white Americans with children. Definitely different. And I say that my worst fear is that I’ll be miserable in Findlay with a bland lifestyle and that will effect my work.

Along with debating this issue within my own head, I’ve definitely heard a variety of Ohio tales.

“Justin, do not go to Ohio! Rural Ohio can be as prejudice as rural Texas.”

“Hey, just think! Ya know…you’re only an hour from Toledo and two hours from Detriot!”

“You’re going to freeze your ass off.”

“It’s a great environment for your to develop professionally.”

“There ain’t sh– to do up there!”

“If you really want to ‘do it big’ in Houston, you’re going to have to get away from Houston.”

“Field experience to an engineer is like ’street cred’ to a gansta rapper. Without it, you’re going to have alot to compensate for.”

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

But just to let you all know though, I’ve decided that Ohio may be the best thing for me right now.

And If I do end up being in the middle of Ohio, I got to be positive going in. I have to have that attitude that “I’m going to bloom wherever I’m planted.” Ya know…

All this talk I’ve been spittin’ about culture, I’m going to have to be open-minded to Ohio.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again.

“If I’m going to influence the world, then I’m going to have to experience the world.”

And also, if you will allow me to flatter myself… I’m Justin.

Unlike my coworkers that use to work in Findlay, I can make my own. I’m not the one to go somewhere and immediately start bitchin’ when things don’t go my way. I’ve been out my element before. I can keep it gully. Although this will be a new frontier for me to experience…

I suppose my whole life, I’ve imagined that I’d be close to home. Not only close to my family, but able to grow up with my family. It’s a shame that I even have that insecurity that the distance between me and my family will change our relationship. (humble pause) Furthermore, I’m going to have to move on. Houston, along with its good ‘engineering-hiring’ industry, will be here for a long time. With the program I’m entering, Ohio will definitely be only temporary.

Houston, you’ve been good. But Lord knows where I need to be to do what I need to do. (Play:Order My Steps).

~ by justinfication on August 27, 2008.