Another day, another segue

So, I had a job interview today (hold all applause until the end, folks) and spent the rest of the day with a great old friend who is essentially a genius. She has directed some great television shows, is a gifted photographer, has an Ivy League education. She, too, is Out of Work. We did what Unemployed People do - cheap/free things. In this case, we sat in Bryant Park and watched the world go by, discussing exciting new ways to save money.

We talked at length (as good friends are known to do), and caught up on the important people in our lives. This gifted soul is out of work. This other gifted soul is miserable in her job...but is petrified to quit due to the sour market. This one just got let go. This one (oh my God, HIM?) has been out of work since last year. The stories, it seemed, were endless.

What is going on? In what country, on what planet, are some of the most incompetent schlubs (and you know who I'm talking about) sitting gainfully employed at their desks, playing computer card games, skating by whilst utilizing emoticons in business emails, and generally satisfied with status quo as long as it comes with a decent health care plan and a requisite two weeks of vacation? Meanwhile, on a seemingly epidemic level, some of the most gifted and talented folks languish in search of The Perfect Opportunity and a Greater Challenge.

I feel, at my core, there is a distinct similarity between choosing career paths and dating. (Sad but true.) There are options out there, sure. The interview I had today was one that I nailed - I almost felt bad doing so well. Like shooting fish in a barrel. It's a position at a big company with a big benefits package and, well, all the soul and interest of its bulk of male employees sporting pleated khakis and button down shirts from Gap. Available, bountiful, and flat-out boring. But there, available, and within grasp- in all of its/their instantaneous gratification glory. And as I winced while pulling out a few dollars from my wallet (THAT SHOULD GO INTO SAVINGS, DAMMIT) for a measly lemonade and salad, I had a fleeting thought:

"I could do that job. It would be *fine.* Growth opportunity, decent sized cubicle, sure. I could have a regular paycheck again within 4 short weeks. Why the hell not?"

I sat and laughed for a bit. My friend and I solved the world's problems, and came up with fabulous ideas that manifested over lemonade. A distinctly attractive gentleman walked through the park, stopping even my happily married friend in her tracks (extreme bonus points for the Ramones pin on your briefcase, sir.) Finally, I realized - you can date someone who is there, and you can take a job because they want you. And it will be fine for now. But perhaps there is something to be said for aiming at a higher rung on the ladder, something that doesn't force a sense of dread when the alarm goes off, or a date that understands that Chekov is not necessarily a Star Trek character. The search is painful, long, and tempting to abandon at almost any cost.

Just not yet. I may not be young, but apparently I'm a hopeless idealist for the time being.

Here's hoping the bounty at the end of the search pays off the expense.