Going, going, GONE!
For the first time in my adult working life, I am not in the book business. From modest beginnings as a part-time salesperson for the world's largest book wholesaler, I followed jobs that eventually led me to New York City. I made mistakes along the way. But I don't regret the steps I took because they led me to where I am today.
Now I am 6 working days into a different career path. Because my new job has pages and pages of documents I signed regarding confidentiality and because it also is closely tied to governmental regulatory agencies, I am reluctant to divulge details in this forum. But, I am delighted with the new situation.
My biggest disappointment with my history in the book business is my exposure to so many people whose egos outweighed their abilities. (That's part of the reason bookstores are now so full of shit and it takes a strong effort to find a good read.) I pointedly make exceptions for the wonderful bosses and mentors throughout my book business tenure. All but a couple of my past supervisors genuinely cared about themselves, others and the how they conducted business. The very few who didn't care have already suffered from their selfish ways. I never wish misfortune on anyone and I hope that some day, in some way, they learn to care. For the record, here are a few of the best leaders I have ever met: Carol M., Lisa R., John B., Roger R., Doug M. and Lynn B. Now, I confess that sometimes their personalities pissed me off, but I commend them because they REALLY cared about success and excellence and wanted to share both attributes.
Now that I am in a new industry full of opportunities and new challenges and great people, I can excitedly say that I am "just as happy as a puppy with two peters." The new job requires extensive travel, at least in the beginning. But then, who doesn't need a break from the city from time to time?
My enjoyment of books has not eroded one iota. Only now I must be more diligent in selecting what I want to read, because bookstores are a buffet...full of stuff acquired and edited by tasteless sons of bitches. (Footnote: the new Patricia Cornwell paperback is actually a re-issue of an old book, that wasn't really good itself. I "accidentally" left it on an airplane last week.)
Now I am 6 working days into a different career path. Because my new job has pages and pages of documents I signed regarding confidentiality and because it also is closely tied to governmental regulatory agencies, I am reluctant to divulge details in this forum. But, I am delighted with the new situation.
My biggest disappointment with my history in the book business is my exposure to so many people whose egos outweighed their abilities. (That's part of the reason bookstores are now so full of shit and it takes a strong effort to find a good read.) I pointedly make exceptions for the wonderful bosses and mentors throughout my book business tenure. All but a couple of my past supervisors genuinely cared about themselves, others and the how they conducted business. The very few who didn't care have already suffered from their selfish ways. I never wish misfortune on anyone and I hope that some day, in some way, they learn to care. For the record, here are a few of the best leaders I have ever met: Carol M., Lisa R., John B., Roger R., Doug M. and Lynn B. Now, I confess that sometimes their personalities pissed me off, but I commend them because they REALLY cared about success and excellence and wanted to share both attributes.
Now that I am in a new industry full of opportunities and new challenges and great people, I can excitedly say that I am "just as happy as a puppy with two peters." The new job requires extensive travel, at least in the beginning. But then, who doesn't need a break from the city from time to time?
My enjoyment of books has not eroded one iota. Only now I must be more diligent in selecting what I want to read, because bookstores are a buffet...full of stuff acquired and edited by tasteless sons of bitches. (Footnote: the new Patricia Cornwell paperback is actually a re-issue of an old book, that wasn't really good itself. I "accidentally" left it on an airplane last week.)
posted by Michael Vernon at Monday, August 04, 2008
4 Comments:
Congratulations!!! Mwah.
Ditto! Congrats! Just for that, we want to have you out to our place next week for a celebration! ;)
Congratulations! This sounds great. Can't wait to hear all about it in person one day.
You deserve all the good things that are coming your way. I am so glad we are getting back in touch after quite a long time.
Living in Portland, one tends to develop an isolationist frontiersman mentality, I think. I mean, we are not the center of the universe in Oregon, and we know it. We are a bunch of weirdos and nobodies and we like it that way! I would be lying to you if I said I didn't envy the scene in NYC and wish I could be part of your entourage, but I am happy and consider myself lucky to be, at the very least, your far-away friend.
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