Tampico Trauma

Do not fret people, I am back ready to blog, fresh off 3 days of skiing up North. I have really been lucking out weather wise, as Friday and Saturday were epic days, as they are called in the industry. Epic enough that I have actually developed a nice tan on my bearded face. A sure sign of Spring. The weekend was filled with plenty of skiing, sun, sake and many many laughs. Also another successful merging of some of my college friends with my ManchVegas friends. It's always nice to see different groups of people bond and/or getting along.

Friday was going smoothly, basking in the sun and ripping down runs, when I arrived at the bottom of the mountain to hear some interesting news...my buddy visiting from Peru had just wiped out and was taken down the mountain in the "sled." Ski Patrol sled that is. Never a good sign. After a few moments of concern, we noticed mi amigo de Peru sitting up on the outside porch of the slopeside bar drinking a beer. If he's healthy enough to drink a beer, he can't be too seriously injured. Carry on.

After another hour or so of skiing, my whole crew, (rolling about 4 deep at the time) met up on said outside porch for some libation and laughs. An extended crew of probably 10-20 people joined in the fun. Many of these folks were part of the ski industry, ones that I spoke of in a blog last week. I begun to tell my story to various people: ski reps, shop owners, shop employees, ski bums, etc; Responses were fairly similar. With the ski reps, now is not a great time to "break into the industry", as shops do their buying for next season now, and of course, there is apparently a recession going on. That's funny, nobody told me. I think they were all just jealous I'd take there jobs, but anyway...

And speaking with some older ski bum, shop employee types...they all do it for the skiing. Its by no means a lucrative career, but often one that comes with free equipment, free passes, and of course, many great times. So, at that point I think I decided that while I love skiing and would love to be a part of it and ski as much as possible, I don't think its quite the proper career choice for me...I need some type of happy medium. A nice career that I enjoy and pays; pays enough to support my lifestyle, one that includes a lot of skiing and travelling. And also one that allows me to save some money, because God know after this Sabbatical I will probably need to administer some type of financial stimulus package for myself. But thats neither here nor there.

So as I was driving back down I-93 Sunday evening, I realized its time to attempt to get serious about this whole thing. Not that I haven't been serious about being "On Sabbatical," but perhaps its time to figure out how I will make the move to "Not Being on Sabbatical." This week marks about 2 months, for those keeping track at home.

So what I decided, which I have been thinking about for a while, and may have mentioned last week, is that I am going to attempt to find opportunities within the fields of healthcare/medical and/or insurance. I have identified 6 people I am going to or already have contacted that may or may not be able to assist me in my journey or at least point me in some kind of direction. I will also use the Career Assessment findings I received a few weeks ago to identify companies that may be a fit for me. Because, as a friend mentioned to me last week, "If you're just going to go out get some stupid job, your whole sabbatical will be for nothing." Ouch. However, very true.

So that's a mini game plan for myself over this next week. I did throw a couple feelers out there last week, a couple feelers that, thus far, have come back with big "F U's." The consultant I met with contacted the owner of an Insurance/Healthcare Benefits Company he knew and asked if he'd be willing to meet with me. Not even specifically for a job, but just for an informational interview, persay. This gentleman said, "Thanks, but no thanks," as he is only willing to meet with people with experience selling heatlthcare. OK buddy, worst decision you ever made! Ha, ha just kidding, I probably should get used to a little rejection. But that is exactly why I haven't posted resumes on every job site there is or applied for every job out there. I must attempt, as I have mentioned many times, to remain positive, for that is the most important thing. F the economy, F the recession, F the housing market, F the credit crunch, F Bernie Madoff, F Alan Stanford, F the Police! Whoah, sorry about that last one, that's my inner hip-hop voice breaking through. I love the Police, I do. American Heroes. How's that for positive thinking.

On that note I must stop typing. Maybe go for a walk or something. Maybe have a sandwich. Oh, yeah, and then there's this mystery plan which I'm working on. It's a mystery plan so grand, that you all will be filled with awe and amazement upon its inception. But it will remain a mystery until when or IF it comes to fruition...

Just another of many reasons to continue to tune in to "On Sabbatical"...