Are You Sirius?

When I bought my Kona, it came with a free three-month subscription to SiriusXM. The same happened with my Mazda years ago; the satellite radio company clearly has some kind of deal worked out with automobile manufacturers. I didn’t listen to it much in the Mazda, but I’ve really gotten into it with my Hyundai. Because I have such a short commute, it’s really not worth listening to Spotify, and podcasts would have to be consumed in eight-minute chunks. I like the variety of Sirius stations and especially the fact that they’re all commercial-free. Plus, the DJs (are they still called that?) are personable and really know their music.

I didn’t like it quite enough to justify subscribing for $15/month, but they are now offering me one year for $5/month, prepaid in advance. That’s worth it to me, so I took the plunge.

I’m curious if any of you are Sirius subscribers?

I didn’t come here to talk about SiriusXM, though. I have something far more interesting to share. And not to be all dramatical or anything, but this kinda feels like dropping a bombshell of sorts.

Y’all know I’m a professional writer, of course. And for the past year and a half, I have waxed eloquently about this dream job I’ve got in the publishing industry. It truly is a great position, one that has allowed me to flex my creativity and write about many topics I am passionate about (and to be fair, a few that I’m not…but as with all things, you take the good, you take the bad.)

Right, Tootie?

Today, I turned in a letter of resignation. It’s not quite the two weeks I’d hoped to provide; because of scheduling conflicts and the time it took to get pre-employment screening results back, a week and a half will have to suffice.

And annoying as he was, my decision has nothing to do with the pesky lawyer guy from New Jersey who was fathomed over our website.

I love the job and think the company is great. My coworkers are awesome. But there comes a time in your life when you must take stock of your career and decide if you are where you need to be. Personally, I was not, and that’s a revelation I partly owe to my parents, who helped me realize during a visit last summer that I really wasn’t living up to my full potential.

These are the prime earning years of my career. I could have stayed where I was and been happy enough, but there are challenges in working for a small company that have nothing to do with the company itself or the people who work there. I won’t say anything negative about my employer because I really do love the company: the variety of work was amazing, and I had a lot of freedom to write about topics of my choice. I was fortunate enough to meet some great people in the community. Hell, I got paid to go hiking. This job helped open a lot of doors for me, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunity.

What it boils down to more than anything else is the fact that I was offered a job opportunity impossible to resist. I would have been insane to turn it down. I could have been shoveling manure for these guys and I’d have still been thrilled about it. Luckily, it’s a shit-free position: I’ll be a Writer/Communications Specialist for a local telecommunications firm that has been in business for over 100 years, providing telephone, cable, and internet service to rural customers across the Midwest. They are a member-owned co-op and, as such, able to offer fantastic benefits. To wit:

  • Significantly higher annual salary
  • PTO + sick time + personal leave
  • 401(k) with an employer match and a generous pension plan
  • Health insurance that is 99% employer-covered

That’s not to mention the private office, life insurance, annual clothing allowance, interest-free computer loans, and probably a dozen more I can’t even think of at the moment.

So really, taking the job was a no-brainer. And to his credit, my boss accepted the news gracefully. He didn’t get mad and start throwing objects or sic his dogs on me, so hey, that’s a win. I told him I would be willing to help out with any freelance needs moving forward and he was appreciative of that. Sounds like he might take me up on some proofing/editing, something for which I am definitely well-suited. I walked out of his office immensely relieved this morning, because let’s face it, that’s never a fun conversation to have.

Onward and upward!

Finally, this is for parentingisfunny, who says I should end every blog post with a cat pic.

I’m not actually going to end every blog post with a cat pic, but I may end some blog posts with a cat pic.

You have been warned.

42 thoughts on “Are You Sirius?”

  1. Gosh, Mark, a Hyundai? Ours is 2009 and knock on wood, we love it. I have not tried Sirius. I am podcasts or quiet time. Another, wow, on the resignation. You obviously gave a lot of thought to this. Like you say, a job you could not refuse. Congratulations!

    Yes, Betsy always puts a smile on my face. Cute cat pic.

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  3. No Mark, I’ve never subscribed to Sirius, but I should look into it because I pretty much use my phone for streaming music so it would be something I’d definitely use.

    And bravo to you for making a change in your career. The new job sounds AWESOME! You and I are similar in that we take chances and are willing to embrace change. To me, that’s how you grow. As you know, I’ve made many career changes since you and I have been blogging, and I don’t for one second regret any of them because they have all led me to the next job. You have to be willing to take a chance in life, or you just stand still.

    Wishing you the VERY BEST, my friend! I know you’ll be a smashing success!

    P.S. LOVE the picture of Sidney!

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    1. I look back on the 10 years we’ve been reading one another, Ron, and can’t help but be amazed over how different both our lives look. And, I might add, how BETTER they are! It’s been a great journey, one made possible by change.

      Enjoy the rest of your week, my friend!

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  4. I also got a 3 month trial of Sirius XM when I bought my car 2 years ago and LOVE it! I never listen to plain radio, I love the whole “no commercials” thing as well. I have even downloaded the app so I can listen at work if I want.

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    1. Same! I’ve begun enjoying it on my wifi speaker in the backyard. Or “did” enjoy it back there…now that the weather has finally turned seasonal, those days are probably just about over for the year.

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  8. Congratulations on the new job Mark! We have had Sirius for many years and love it. My husband hates dealing with the company but we pay the $5 per month, every 6 months (on 2 cars & our truck). If you don’t mark your calendar to call them the day it expires, it will jump up to the regular price. Once he called a week early to tell them to renew when it runs out and they had to cancel, then restart it that day for the next 6 months, instead of just renewing in a week. That kind of stuff drives my husband crazy. I’m an old lady and I enjoy the Sinatra station, the 50’s, 60s, and several talk shows. It’s especially great when we drive to TX or take our travel trailer out for a trip.

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  9. Wow, the new position sounds great. Congrats! As for Sirius, yes… I’ve had it since I bought my new Subaru in 2014 and I live it. Specific music genres to choose from, never losing a channel when you travel, no commercials. It’s perfect!

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  11. Wow! A new job, a great decision, and a lot to look forward to professionally. And, an adult decision … sounds like great advice from your parents. RC was the move that made it all come together for you guys. Sirius, absolutely for all the above reasons. Sydney charms us all with pictures, so keep them coming. We will, no doubt, be back in SD at some point. See you then! Carol

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    1. Thank you, Carol! We have never once regretted our move to Rapid City. It’s kind of become the gift that keeps on giving, ha. Give my regards to Bruce. We look forward to eventually seeing you guys again!

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  13. Wow. Talk about sudden U-Turn. I had to read that a second time to be sure I got it right. I can hardly BELIEVE you’re leaving your beloved job. I’m intrigued by this new one, however, and look forward to hearing more about what you’ll be doing there. Also, congratulations. That’s awesome. And I feel your relief that the “exit interview” of sorts, went so well. Whew!
    And OF COURSE, I’m LOVIN’ the Sydney pic and the personal shout-out. I’d better get myself some Chex Mix stat.

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    1. Thank you! I figured at least a few people would be pretty surprised. You can only say so much in a public blog, especially one that your boss reads, ha.

      Maybe we can make it interesting and switch places once in a while? I’ll post Chex Mix pics and you do cat pics. Gotta keep ’em guessing, after all!

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      1. Cool that your boss reads this. I wonder if he still will–then you’ll know if he does so to keep tabs on you or if he’s genuinely interested in your life. 😉

        Going all Freaky Friday with our blogs sounds like fun. The neighbor’s cat will do. She pretty much lives here anyway.

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  14. Most important things first: what a great cat picture! Feline Queen of Fall!

    Seriously, though, congrats on your new job. Sounds fantastic. Health care and clothing allowances? Wow.

    Though being paid to hike is also kind of amazing.

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    1. Thank you! This was truly a no-brainer. Co-op associations have a ton of bargaining power, I have learned. Hence, irresistible benefits.

      The best part about that pic is, it was all Sydney. She climbed up there on her own, tight squeeze be damned. And she does this pretty much every day. That’s some determination!

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  15. So let me get this straight. Some guy comes on to you, and makes an offer you can’t refuse. Was he Italian? Kinda jowly? Expensive suit? Hmm…

    Just kidding. Congratulations, sounds like a good career move. But I think you should have held out for heavily discounted, extra high speed internet. (From your home, not your office space.) 😉

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    1. Yes…but the weirdest part of all was the cat perched on his lap.

      Discounted high-speed internet actually would be a perk if we lived in their service area. They only serve rural communities, so I’d have to move from Rapid City to some podunk town on the prairie. Too bad!

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  16. We have Sirius and love it. No commercials and it can be in the car, via Alexa, or on your phone. It’s a deal.

    I’m happy to read how well things are going for you this year. I feel hopeful knowing that at least someone is rising above the negativity which seems to be 2020. Carry on, my friend. Show us the way

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  17. Congratulations on your new job, Mark. It sounds like it’s the right job at the right time. And being a parent of a son who is not living up to his potential career-wise, it’s nice to hear that some sons really do listen to their parents. LOL!

    Yes, I have Sirius and posted about it a year ago when I got my new car. If you call, they will always give you a deal when your current one expires. I might have given them sob story about lockdown and us not driving our cars as much! My fave station is 1st Wave, but their Alternative station is great, too.

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