#21 Deciding...

Dear diary,

I'm at a crossroads right now. I've practically finished my uni degree, just have to get my results back. I wanted to set myself up for some work in the software engineering field, so a few months ago I applied for a whole batch of jobs in the field, including a microtechnology company in Adelaide. This morning I got an e-mail back from them saying I'd got the position, if I was still interested.

This company is incredible. They're revolutionising microchip manufacturing and development, with new pieces of technology which can only be seen under a microscope. They have mobile phones which are so compact the buttons can only be pressed using a delicate needle. They invented the ultimate bathroom accessory, which can alternate between a hair straightener, blowdryer, nasal hair remover, exfoliator, zit-buster and about thirty other functions. Just make sure you don't confuse the automated hairbrush with the electronic toothbrush, or vice versa.

I would love the chance to work for them, but it would mean a big change for me. For one I would have to leave Melbourne and move to a foreign city. I don't have the accent quite down-pat yet, and knowing that drinking water straight from the tap could put me in hospital is a bit daunting. But it would also mean I'd have to leave the library. Over the past couple of months I've really grown to like that place. It's a weird, whacky workplace with wild whimsy and wonderful writings, ambling adventures and authentic authorial articulation (and alliteration), absent of actual arduous activity.

I wondered as I wandered the shelves today, which path should I follow: start my career at one of the most innovative and internationally software engineering companies, or take some time off after uni and just enjoy working in the relatively relaxed environment of the library? Push myself to climb the corporate ladder or enjoy a simpler life? Whichever choice I make I'm going to regret not doing the other.

Today didn't help to distract me from my dilemma. A man came asking fr books on decision-making (his wife had sent him to the library). I couldn't work out which section to send him to (658 for business management, or 158 for psychology?), so I told him to pick whichever he liked best. I was then approached by two people at the same time, vying for my attention. One was a sheer businesswoman dressed in corporate grey, the other a cheerful old man wearing faded, homely grey. Didn't realise grey was that popular. I tried to help them simultaneously, but I think I just confused them both with my vague answers to their questions. Then as I was shelving in Junior, a mother-of-two asked for my opinion on which of two picture books would be better for her kids. I couldn't take it so I threw my hands up and ran away.

I couldn't wait for the shift to end so I could go home. But we had to wait an extra ten for the indecisive man to leave - he was still choosing which book to borrow.

(The indecisive man incident really did happen to me. It was hilarious, though not so much for him. -The author)