The Interviewer briefly explained the rules
The Interviewer briefly explained the rules
July 26, 2024
This was a game of musical chairs. The stakes were the position and all associated amenities. Losers were to exit gracefully back to the bullpen. The winner was to build their management team from any to all of the runner-ups.
All decisions were final. Check all feelings at the door.
The music began.
It was Beethoven.
It was Für Elise.
Then the music stopped.
Off went the Ivy Leaguer.
Then the two Barbie Dolls.
The woman in the tight hound’s tooth skirt fell prey when she couldn’t bend fast enough to even sit down.
The elderly gentleman gave it his best before he succumbed.
The large man with a farming pedigree decided not to use his muscle. He would not push another aside simply because he had the ability to do so. We watched him gather his belongings, wish us well, and exit the contest.
I gave him a small applause before deciding to follow him.
When I caught up with him in the long hallway, I introduced myself as Anne. I was being forward and invited him to a coffee house around the corner. After telling me his name, Jonathan, he told me he would be happy to spend some time together.
Over the next hour, we turned off our cell phones, told each other our story, and explained why we did what we did.
Jonathan became more fascinating with each passing minute. His was a life I wanted; simple, yet ambitious. I told him so. He asked me why it was not so. I blushed, took another sip, and said, maybe I was scared to take the leap, maybe, I never would.
Then Jonathan made me a proposition. He revealed that the game of musical chairs was indeed a game. The real interview was right here, right now. He was a majority partner in the firm and was responsible for hiring.
“Anne, would you like to begin the first day of the rest of your life today?”
Games are for gamers. I dispensed with the former an hour ago.
I took the leap.