Yesterday I notified my employer that my last day of employment will be in two weeks. The picture above is a lousy photoshop to add a cheesy dramatic effect as I haven’t moved anything out of my cube as of yet.
As a child I fell in love with Southwest Airlines because of their commercials and Herb Kellerher and I took pride that they were a local company that made things simple by applying the golden rule. As a college student I actually enjoyed writing papers and performing case studies over this great company learning how they place their employees over their customers. And as an adult, I finally got to be a part of Southwest and even write for their blog. It may not have been in the form of an actual employee of the company, but I really enjoyed my time working as a consultant and even consider it a dream come true.
I took the consulting gig a little over two years ago with hopes that with enough hard work and initiative they would convert me to a permanent employee, but due to factors not related to my performance, that dream was never going to happen. I’m really going to miss wearing shorts, t-shirts, and sandals to work.
One of the greatest pieces of professional advice I’ve ever received was that the best time to look for a new job is when you don’t need a new job. So I started my job search and job searching can be a total beating with hopes going to the highest highs and the lowest lows. Most of you have been there, and I’m sure you can relate to this torturous game. I have to admit I thought of my blogging friend Barry during this process and how lucky he must be to be in business for himself as a lawyer. But since I was not in a place where I had to settle for a less desirable job and make amends, I really only applied for positions that really interest me. But once you post your resume online, recruiters can be like vultures.
I was motivated to start looking because WifeGeeding’s job as a full time mother is a non-paying position, and the health care benefits of my consulting firm started to become worst and worst. Not to mention, I was starting to feel a little complacent, and a mentor once told me that when you no longer feel challenged, it’s time to move on.
Yesterday was the proudest day of my professional career as I accepted a position for a major aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company. What I’m most proud about is that every time I accepted a new position it was when I was hired along with a group of other people to fill numerous positions at one time. This time I beat out people for one single position and there is a huge sense of pride and accomplishment in doing so, especially for this highly regarded company.
Things moved fast. I had a phone interview last Thursday, and after that interview I was asked to come in for a face-to-face on Friday. I was offered the position first thing yesterday morning.
Negotiating a salary was interesting, it was like a Bugs Bunny moment. My salary demand was about five grand more than what I’m make now, they countered offered by adding to that amount by about ten grand, which makes my career move a 20% increase in salary. They literally made me an offer I could not refuse. Yes, BabyGeeding, Daddy is now starting a college fund.
It’s interesting how everything in terms of signing documents is now done electronically.
When I gave my Southwest manager my two weeks notice, he was nice enough to say he wish he could bring me on as a permanent employee but because of certain restraints he couldn’t do so.
When I gave my consulting firm my two weeks notice they asked several questions and said they will present me with a counter-offer by end of day today. I don’t plan on accepting it, but I’m curious to know what they come up with. This is the second time when leaving a job I will be presented with a counter-offer.
My new commute will be cut just about in half and even though I no longer can wear shorts, jeans are acceptable. Thankfully I have more vacation time and better health insurance. Who knows, a ZygoteGeeding may be here sooner than you think.
I have to take a drug test, so I’m avoiding all poppy seeds. Yes, this was encouraged by a Seinfeld episode.
WifeGeeding and I were lucky enough to have a friend baby sit for a few hours as we went to III Forks to celebrate. As you know, I’m not much of a drinker at all, but I ordered my father’s favorite drink, a seven seven, and drank it in honor of him. It’s a weird part in life not to be able to share great news with your parents, so you end up doing goofy stuff like this from time to time. I couldn’t finish it, but I tried my best. Most of the evening wasn’t spent talking, just me soaking in the moment and accomplishment. I’m usually hard on myself and feel I could have done better, but not yesterday, I allowed myself to rejoice. It was great being able to spend it with my wife, and it’s great to have comfortable silence.
Because of all our celebrating, I really ain’t got no time to blog anymore than what I got here.
Stef, I promise I tried to tell you in person, but you were never in your cube.
Wow! Now isn't this some news to wake up to??? I am so proud and happy for you. I'm also eager to hear more about this new position and …………if this is ANOTHER one of your BON jokes, I fell for it!!
So happy for you Keith. You have much more talent than you give yourself credit for. So now would be the appropriate time to say to you " to infinity and beyond". I know you will be great in the new position. I think you should give yourself a big pat on the back, I would do it for you if I was closer… Kiss baby Micah for me. and give Kelsey a little squeeze.
Sounds like you have ambition, motivation, and marketable skills. Go for it! What a good feeling it must be for you and your wife to be making positive steps. Great to hear positive job news instead of another downsizing. Congrats!
Congrats… it's funny how sometimes it is hard to ask for what you think you are worth. Southwest is a great company, but its not without its "warts", too. Good for you!
Keith I think it is you who are a mentor!! The accomplishments and way you live your life are the true testament to your parents and the value system the imbued you with!!
Great news. That high priced education is paying off. I hope it turns out better than you expect and that you can climb the ladder and have more success. Congratulations.
Wow! Now isn't this some news to wake up to??? I am so proud and happy for you. I'm also eager to hear more about this new position and …………if this is ANOTHER one of your BON jokes, I fell for it!!
Congratulations!
Fantastic.
So happy for you Keith. You have much more talent than you give yourself credit for. So now would be the appropriate time to say to you " to infinity and beyond". I know you will be great in the new position. I think you should give yourself a big pat on the back, I would do it for you if I was closer… Kiss baby Micah for me. and give Kelsey a little squeeze.
Congrats Keith! I wish lived close enough to treat you to a celebratory dinner.
I love happy news! Congratulations!
Sounds like you have ambition, motivation, and marketable skills. Go for it! What a good feeling it must be for you and your wife to be making positive steps. Great to hear positive job news instead of another downsizing. Congrats!
What a wonderful thing to see in this era, let alone to you.
It couldn't have gone to a more genuine, deserving person. Congratulations!
That is amazing news!!! Congrats to you and your beautiful family!!!!
Congrats… it's funny how sometimes it is hard to ask for what you think you are worth. Southwest is a great company, but its not without its "warts", too. Good for you!
Congratulations!
Congrats on the gig! Now hurry up and buy a radio station so I can work for you. lol
Congrats Keith. You're having such a great year maybe you should invest in a lottery ticket.
Congrats my blogger friend. I hope the best for you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers as you make this change!
Most excellent news, Keith. Always better to change jobs on your terms than on theirs. Well done!
Keith I think it is you who are a mentor!! The accomplishments and way you live your life are the true testament to your parents and the value system the imbued you with!!
CONGRATS!!
Good for you!
Congrats, takes someone really special to get that kind of a raise in this economy, very happy for you and best of luck!
Great news. That high priced education is paying off. I hope it turns out better than you expect and that you can climb the ladder and have more success. Congratulations.
Congrats!! That is wonderful news!!!
So nice to hear good news! Congratulations!
Congrats! And here's to a ZygoteGeeding 😀
Many congratulations! From what I've read about you I believe you are very deserving and will do a great job. Good luck and keep up the blogging!