darin3 Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 So I've been detailing my desire to move to Texas for some time now, and I was going to drop the bomb on my co-worker/buddy who is essentially the #2 guy here at the consulting firm that I work for. We're headed out to Dallas/Austin early next week, and I was going to discuss my intentions with him over cold beers. He is a friend first and foremost, which gets tricky 'cuz he's essentially my boss. Anyways, I won't get a chance to drop the bomb on him, 'cuz he pulled a pre-emptive strike on me and proceeded to tell me that he and another project manager here are putting the wheels in motion to start up their own company, and they want me as the third partner. Problem is, it needs a good 2-3 months of "feeling out" and another 4-5 to really get it off the ground... and he confirmed that there's little chance of it working if I lived in Texas. He did say, however, that once it did get moving (and it would), that it would be prudent to expand and the Texas market is perfect, so I would be able to pack up and go and represent that area of the country and beyond. So now I just have to figure out a way to sell it to the significant other, who is sick and tired (and has been for some time) of California. She wants out of here by summer's end, and that is what we were targeting. This could be HUGH for my career and me and my future wife's income/happiness (not saying money = happiness, but face it... when you aren't stressed out by money issues, life is good). Plus it would set us up for a great situation to have kids, etc. (working for yourself is stressful, but flexible). So, anyone ever face a situation like this? I'm very excited but kinda bummed all at the same time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiegie Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 any chance at all that they can get it up and running without you then you could move to Texas now** and assume control of their Texas operations if and when they are reading to expand **taking a job in Texas in the meantime to tide you over Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted July 6, 2006 Author Share Posted July 6, 2006 any chance at all that they can get it up and running without you then you could move to Texas now** and assume control of their Texas operations if and when they are reading to expand **taking a job in Texas in the meantime to tide you over Yeah that's probably what is going have to happen. I asked them if they'd be willing to get a fourth, but he said they'd be able to do it just the two of them. They want me along for the ride though; my book of business is admittedly pretty solid given the fact I have worked for some big-time companies like Bank of America, Starbucks, Shell, Chevron... Tough call. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonorator Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 well, it all depends on the prospects of the new company. if the other guys are competent and you think the market is ripe, then you are sitting on a hugh opportunity that i don't see how you can pass up, especially if texas is still a possibility for the future. you need to know, however, just how much staying will threaten the relationship, and you can only find this out by having a good discussion with your lady. hopefully you will not have to make a choice between one or the other. remind her that compared to the long life you will be spending together, these few months to check out this maybe-once-in-a-lifetime chance are just a drop in the bucket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskey Pimp Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 Any chance that you could move to Texas at the end of summer as was planned and find something to tide you over and help in a consulting role as a 3rd party in the new venture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 So, you really want to move next door to Sarge, dontcha? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 One word of advice. The future is very uncertain, especially when it comes to business plans. I would be very leary of being able to re-locate to Texas any time soon, so I'd be careful with how you pitch that to the girlfriend, because if the business takes off, but requires you to stay in California for a longer period of time, she'll be really p*ssed if you promised her Texas in 6 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pope Flick Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 My advice: stick to your guns darin. Don't adjust your life based on business promises and innuendos, otherwise a few months becomes a year before you know it. Sometimes unavailability is a plus: prospective employers like that you are working and turning them down with a 'get ahold of me in Texas when you're ready and I'll bring more weight to your table for having been there a few months' should make you an even MORE attractive hire. If they're serious it will work out for you if you go to Texas IMO. if they're not serious they might say they'll take a pass in which case that would probably have happened anyways even if you were available in Cali. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H8tank Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 I would move, that guy could be dead in 2 days. Make life happen, don't wait on somebody else. If you're as valuable as you say, then they'll bring you onboard from texas down the line... or you are expendable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted July 6, 2006 Author Share Posted July 6, 2006 well, it all depends on the prospects of the new company. if the other guys are competent and you think the market is ripe, then you are sitting on a hugh opportunity that i don't see how you can pass up, especially if texas is still a possibility for the future. you need to know, however, just how much staying will threaten the relationship, and you can only find this out by having a good discussion with your lady. hopefully you will not have to make a choice between one or the other. remind her that compared to the long life you will be spending together, these few months to check out this maybe-once-in-a-lifetime chance are just a drop in the bucket. Its prospects are very, very good. And an interesting side note, I had mentioned that this guy was #2 here... he's basically 2-3 years away from taking this company over, but wants no part of it! Our boss is a tight-wad who would never relinquish any REAL control. Much thinking to do. I appreciate all the responses... definitely getting my motors goin' in my noggin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caveman_Nick Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 Yeah that's probably what is going have to happen. I asked them if they'd be willing to get a fourth, but he said they'd be able to do it just the two of them. They want me along for the ride though; my book of business is admittedly pretty solid given the fact I have worked for some big-time companies like Bank of America, Starbucks, Shell, Chevron... Tough call. The only thing is that if you don't jump right in you might lose your chance to be a partner. Obviously you need to make the decision that's best for you and your SO. I would just tell her about it. She might be swayed by the circumstance, and make it worth the talk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pope Flick Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 I would move, that guy could be dead in 2 days. Make life happen, don't wait on somebody else. If you're as valuable as you say, then they'll bring you onboard from texas down the line... or you are expendable. I can't believe I'm saying this: what he said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Controller Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 (edited) I spoke to several of my fellow Californians, and it is unanimous: We want you to get the f*#k out NOW. Edited July 6, 2006 by Controller Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted July 6, 2006 Author Share Posted July 6, 2006 I spoke to several of my fellow Californians, and it is unanimous: We want you to get the f*#k out NOW. I think I've been here longer than you, bucko. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 I spoke to several of my fellow Californians, and it is unanimous: We want you to get the f*#k out NOW. I think I've been here longer than you, bucko. You can both go...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Controller Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 I think I've been here longer than you, bucko. I duuno - been here 47+ years now. You? PS - I'm curious, what is it that you & the Mrs. don't like about CA? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted July 6, 2006 Author Share Posted July 6, 2006 I duuno - been here 47+ years now. You? PS - I'm curious, what is it that you & the Mrs. don't like about CA? OK so I thought you were a younger fella. I'm a few weeks short of 33 and have lived here my entire life. Don't like the mass amounts of traffic/people at every turn. Sure, there's hoards of people and associated traffic where ever you go - unless you're in rural Montana - but in Orange County, CA... you just can't escape. Not too into the smog and lack of "seasons". The sunny weather is great, but admittedly boring. I've always wanted to own land in excess of, say, an acre. This is next to impossible here, unless you're loaded. Which I am not. Yet. Lastly, just time for a change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatman Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 No real advice, D, other than to say go with your gut - it's often right. Lame, I know. Sounds like you've got some great options, which is more than a lot of people. Congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildcat2334 Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 Dude- I think it is a no-brainer. If this partnership looks promising biz-wise, and being a partner, being your own boss is what you eventually want to do. You owe it to yourself to take a hard look at it- You kidding me?? Timing ie everything, I would seriously talk it over with them, and if it looks to be an excellent career move- DO IT. Sounds like you have some solid connections established. Moving to Texas by end of summer? what is the rush? why a timetable? Especially would not move just bc old lady wants to, and you heart would be in this venture- he11 no- you will regret it, and frankly a cool chick should understand IMO. The idea of expanding into Texas eventually sounds good as well- sounds alot better to expand into Texas down the road with a nice biz plan, then moving in 2 months b/c the old lady is sick of Cali- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darin3 Posted July 6, 2006 Author Share Posted July 6, 2006 Dude- I think it is a no-brainer. If this partnership looks promising biz-wise, and being a partner, being your own boss is what you eventually want to do. You owe it to yourself to take a hard look at it- You kidding me?? Timing ie everything, I would seriously talk it over with them, and if it looks to be an excellent career move- DO IT. Sounds like you have some solid connections established. Moving to Texas by end of summer? what is the rush? why a timetable? Especially would not move just bc old lady wants to, and you heart would be in this venture- he11 no- you will regret it, and frankly a cool chick should understand IMO. The idea of expanding into Texas eventually sounds good as well- sounds alot better to expand into Texas down the road with a nice biz plan, then moving in 2 months b/c the old lady is sick of Cali- Very good points, wildcat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muck Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 Very good points, wildcat. Wildcat said pretty much what I was thinking. If she's a woman worth your time, she'll stand by you while you figure out whether or not this is something that is good for BOTH of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDFFFreak Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 I haven't read all of the responses so forgive me if I repeat anything. Your significant other should understand that what you are doing is a great opportunity for your future. On top of that, your prospects in Austin on last look weren't quite as rosy as you might hope. Time for her to "suck it up", as you are doing by taking on this opportunity, and realize that you are doing this all for a happy future. Unless there is another issue from what you have told us before, a good spouse would understand this and support you. When you speak with her you obviously don't want to become accusatory or put her on the offensive, but you need to communicate that you want to do this. If she doesn't or at least cannot see it your way, you have a lot bigger problems then where you want to live. I am guessing she'll understand no matter how disappointed she may be. Oh, and congrats! This sounds like it could be a great thing for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDFFFreak Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 (edited) One word of advice. The future is very uncertain, especially when it comes to business plans. I would be very leary of being able to re-locate to Texas any time soon, so I'd be careful with how you pitch that to the girlfriend, because if the business takes off, but requires you to stay in California for a longer period of time, she'll be really p*ssed if you promised her Texas in 6 months. Excellent advice that I didn't touch upon in my post above. Make your intent known that you want to move to Texas as soon as possible, but make no promises. Life has a funny way of changing plans. You and her need to be flexible. Edited July 6, 2006 by TDFFFreak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoJoTheWebToedBoy Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 Dude- I think it is a no-brainer. If this partnership looks promising biz-wise, and being a partner, being your own boss is what you eventually want to do. You owe it to yourself to take a hard look at it- You kidding me?? Timing ie everything, I would seriously talk it over with them, and if it looks to be an excellent career move- DO IT. Sounds like you have some solid connections established. Moving to Texas by end of summer? what is the rush? why a timetable? Especially would not move just bc old lady wants to, and you heart would be in this venture- he11 no- you will regret it, and frankly a cool chick should understand IMO. The idea of expanding into Texas eventually sounds good as well- sounds alot better to expand into Texas down the road with a nice biz plan, then moving in 2 months b/c the old lady is sick of Cali- I couldn't of said it any better. This is your chance to become a partner. Not a lot of folks get this type of opportunity. Texas can wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDFFFreak Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 How'd the conversation with the woman go darin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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