Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

I have been blessed throughout my career because the jobs sought me rather than the other way around. Times are different now and I have created my own dilemma. Our photography business is running well and now staffed by wonderfully creative photographers, digital artists, framers and customer service managers. It is self sustaining and thus the desire to challenge myself in other non photography areas and hopefully find work with health care benefits.

On Tuesday I had a job interview; the first since 1974!! It was exciting and intimidating at the same time. After filling out the standard employment application and attaching my resume, I waited briefly for my interview. As the minutes ticked by I could sense my heart rate increase and I worked at keeping my breathing near normal. Once my interview started I felt relaxed and the conversation flowed freely between the interviewer and me.

Then with a flick of a wrist, the interviewer took a prepared set of questions and fired away.

What accomplishments are you most proud of? I thought briefly and replied climbing Mt. Kilamanjaro in Africa and running a marathon in Texas.

What are your passions? I easily replied that service in the fire department is my current passion.

What excites you? Photographing a newborn child and crying right along with the parents when they view the images for the first time.

What one word describes you? 'Excessive' I replied because I put my heart and soul into everything I do. Renee says I have one speed-full open.

The questions continued and when the interview was over I felt drained and wondered if this old dog was really up to the challenge of learning new tricks? After reflecting on the whole interview process, I decided learning new tricks would be a blast. I remembered the first time I had outfield practice in Little League and the coach just started ripping high fly balls. As it came my turn I felt like I would vomit and then I heard the crack of the bat. All my senses were instantly on alert and, springing into action, I took off after the elusive white speck in the air. What an exhilarating feeling came over me when I realized I had actually caught the ball. After a few more high flys, I thought I could turn pro and actually was a star player for the Guilderland Central Dutchman.

Well this old dog is ready for new tricks whether in the form of a new employment opportunity, a seat on city council or another unknown challenge.