Friday, October 30, 2009

Chance Encounters

Do you believe in fate? I didn't used to, but I'm beginning to fancy myself a believer.

Remember Shadow, Chance and Sassy - the motley two-dog-one-cat trio who traveled the country in the Disney film Homeward Bound? It was the golden retriever who lead the crew home, but I always thought that Chance, the well-meaning but clumsy bulldog could have done it as well.

Years ago (when hopes were high and my hair was high-lighted) I toured the house I now find myself struggling to pay for. It was and is spacious, full of character and every so often I stumble across a toy buried in the yard or struggle against a carpet stain that reminds me I'm not the first to sleep here. Sometimes I wonder about the family who sold me this house - where they are now, if they've painted their new rooms the same colors I've painted over in MY new rooms and if they still have the tiny black and brown dog that greeted me the first time I visited. This week, at least one of those questions got answered.

I'm not sure what the mathematical probability is of a nine pound Chihuahua returning to its puppyhood home from an unknown location over a year after it last lived there, but that is indeed what happened a few nights ago. I now find myself with the task of tracking down the house's former family with a number that is disconnected and dog tags that still link the little guy to my address.

I also don't know the mathematical probability of a professional, hardworking college graduate being unable to maintain gainful employment. Or how many contracted positions with only a tangential connection to her chosen field she statistically must participate in before locating the elusive Calling. If it's not math, IS it fate? My family seems to think so. They tell me that I will not find success in any job until I move back to Seattle where I am "meant to be."

It seems at this point, I have quite a few opportunities, and very few certainties. For instance, I could give up the Calling and throw myself into the restaurant business - which has a 75% failure rate. I could rent out my house and move back in with my parents where I still may not get a job. I could take all my savings, start my own company and live or die by my own hand. At least I know I wouldn't get fired or laid off. Or I could go back to school for my Master's Degree. ASU does seem to have a superb program. Though tempting, when I hear of friends who leave that little accomplishment off their resumes lest they hear "you're overqualified for this position" any desire I had to chain myself to a textbook for the next few years goes right out the window.

So what's a girl to do? Head to Vegas, leaving my career to chance and my finances on the craps table? I think that plane has already left the tarmac. Should I stop the job search altogether and wait for God or the wind to bless me with my dream job or take away everything ala Richard LeMieux? Or take matters into my own hands with an off-the-wall job-seeking technique like The Resume Shirt? Do I really have any choice? As one of my all time favorite movie characters once said, "You can't interfere with destiny. That's why it's destiny. And if you try to interfere, the same thing's going to happen anyway, and you'll just suffer." Thank you and good luck in the Election, Tracy.

I have a lot to think about. Starting with this little dog who by fate or ingenuity landed where he thinks he belongs. There seems to be a message here somewhere. I'll let you know when I find it.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

I do believe in God and everything happening for a reason, but I'm the first to admit that trying to figure out what that reason is in the middle of stuff can be darn right impossible some times.

Ashley said...

It's the journey not the destination right? But like Sarah said, it's so hard to see when you're right in the thick of it. You'll get to where you want to be, I know that. And along the way you'll have collected all these stories, sometimes happy, sad, funny... but always colorful.

Vicky said...

MEG! Life is a mess. I feel you there. Wanna open a coffee shop?

Megan Michelle said...

Thanks for the encouragement ladies!

Kathy Brauner said...

Never give up, Megan. Some day you will be able to laugh at these trials that come your way. I have faith in you and your abilities and always will. Love you, Mom

Ashley Nichols said...

I really liked reading that!

Aaron Stiner said...

A practice which has helped me during times of uncertainty is to just "sit with it", either literally or figuratively. Just let the uncertainty be, don't try and fix it right away. When I sit with things without trying to hard to fix them right away I find sometimes the frustration or sadness or whatever I am experiencing releases, melts away. I have no idea of that's helpful...but, I try.

Also, I too am a non-Arizona native who spent five years of vascilating about whether or not Arizona would be our home. In the last two years we have decided this would be the place to stay, at least for a while. Since that decision I am on a personal quest to keep young, smart, energetic, professionals - especially nonprofit professionals - from leaving the valley. So, don't go!!!

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