My episode from last Friday prompted some Frequently Asked Questions, both in this blog and during conversations over the weekend. Here are the A's to FAQ:
Q1: Was the woman who was hit by the SUV seriously injured or killed?
A1: Yes, she was injured, but I don't think too seriously. Firetruck, ambulance, and police car were there within five minutes, and she was stabilized, backboarded, and taken to hospital. From what I could tell from my across-the-street pov, she may have hit her head off the ground. She was moving and coherent when the professional arrived so that's a good sign. My real amazement stemmed from the reaction of the woman driving. She didn't believe the woman was really hurt and thought the woman was exaggerating. She was incredulous toward the fact that the woman needed an ambulance and was convinced that she was making a big deal out of nothing (out of getting knocked over by a truck?!) I know all of this because she was chatting it up / pleading her case to the cop right in front of me. In general, the driver didn't appear to be upset, more annoyed than anything. The whole scenario was quite bizarre. Massive injury or minor injury, the woman was surely hit by an SUV and knocked to the ground. Who knows what happened at the hospital...
Q2: How was it that you ended up giving a 25y.o. ex-con a meal and a hotel?
A2: Timing. Pure and simple. I left work in a bad mood, asking myself, "Is it all worth it? There must be much more to life than working..." Just then, as I crossed the Thompson Center Plaza, this gentleman asked me if I knew the area, and, after I said "Yes" and he shot off some rapid-fire details, he then asked if I wanted to hear the whole story. I said, "Sure, what's your story? Why don't you have a place to stay or any money for a bus trip to Iowa?" And it went on from there... Because I was in the right mood (and my wife was out Friday night with her friends), I decided to try to help him solve his problem.
Q3: Why him and not someone else?
A3: Again, timing. At that point in the evening, whoever approached me would have received the same treatment. I never agreed to give him any money, but said that I would help him get a place to stay and have a meal.
Q4: What kind of life changes?
A4: I'm thinking about getting another job outside of consulting, seriously, this time. I'm tired of the lack of balance in my life and the gut-wrenching, endless stress. At this point in my career, everything's going so well that the sky's the limit regarding my future with the company. To some, this may not seem like a bad thing. However, in my company, being identified as a "fast-track" person and a future leader only means one array of things: more work, more hours, more travel, more lack of balance, and more stress. I just don't think I'm up for it anymore. As I look around and talk to people about other opportunities, I learn that I can have a similar career, but with more balance and more appreciation from my employer.
Q1: Was the woman who was hit by the SUV seriously injured or killed?
A1: Yes, she was injured, but I don't think too seriously. Firetruck, ambulance, and police car were there within five minutes, and she was stabilized, backboarded, and taken to hospital. From what I could tell from my across-the-street pov, she may have hit her head off the ground. She was moving and coherent when the professional arrived so that's a good sign. My real amazement stemmed from the reaction of the woman driving. She didn't believe the woman was really hurt and thought the woman was exaggerating. She was incredulous toward the fact that the woman needed an ambulance and was convinced that she was making a big deal out of nothing (out of getting knocked over by a truck?!) I know all of this because she was chatting it up / pleading her case to the cop right in front of me. In general, the driver didn't appear to be upset, more annoyed than anything. The whole scenario was quite bizarre. Massive injury or minor injury, the woman was surely hit by an SUV and knocked to the ground. Who knows what happened at the hospital...
Q2: How was it that you ended up giving a 25y.o. ex-con a meal and a hotel?
A2: Timing. Pure and simple. I left work in a bad mood, asking myself, "Is it all worth it? There must be much more to life than working..." Just then, as I crossed the Thompson Center Plaza, this gentleman asked me if I knew the area, and, after I said "Yes" and he shot off some rapid-fire details, he then asked if I wanted to hear the whole story. I said, "Sure, what's your story? Why don't you have a place to stay or any money for a bus trip to Iowa?" And it went on from there... Because I was in the right mood (and my wife was out Friday night with her friends), I decided to try to help him solve his problem.
Q3: Why him and not someone else?
A3: Again, timing. At that point in the evening, whoever approached me would have received the same treatment. I never agreed to give him any money, but said that I would help him get a place to stay and have a meal.
Q4: What kind of life changes?
A4: I'm thinking about getting another job outside of consulting, seriously, this time. I'm tired of the lack of balance in my life and the gut-wrenching, endless stress. At this point in my career, everything's going so well that the sky's the limit regarding my future with the company. To some, this may not seem like a bad thing. However, in my company, being identified as a "fast-track" person and a future leader only means one array of things: more work, more hours, more travel, more lack of balance, and more stress. I just don't think I'm up for it anymore. As I look around and talk to people about other opportunities, I learn that I can have a similar career, but with more balance and more appreciation from my employer.
posted by Brian at 5:24 PM
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