Will We Stay or Will We Go?

Background

Some of you already know this, but Andrew applied for some branch positions in California. Currently he is working at a phone site for Fidelity Investments in downtown Salt Lake City, but he has always wanted to progress to be a face-to-face financial consultant at a Fidelity branch. There are only 2 small branches in all of Utah (one in Provo and one in Salt Lake), so getting hired into one of those branches is not probable. California, however, has tons of branches all over the Las Angeles area, Orange County, and near/in San Diego. 

Why only California or Utah, you ask? Why not go to other states that have Fidelity branches, such as Texas, Florida, or many of the small states on the East Coast?  Well, while all those states may have job opportunities, we discussed long ago at the beginning of our marriage that family was really important to us. So we want to live close to family, and that means we will live in either Utah or California. 

So my question these past few months has been: Will we stay in Utah, or will we be moving to California?

I will admit, I have cried and cried over the thought of moving to California. It was always in our plans, but I thought I had another 3 or 4 years to enjoy growing relationships with Andrew's family and working at the school I have come to love.   But in the end, I know that Andrew's job satisfaction is really important, and I support him in his goals to progress in his career.

The Interviews

Andrew and I drove to California last week so that Andrew could meet with some of the managers in the California branches. Specifically, there were openings in the branches in San Diego, Brea, and Torrence. He was able to have some face-to-face interviews and get to know some of the managers. He was really impressed by the managers he met with, and he felt pretty good with the way he presented himself in the interviews.

The Outcome

Even with good interviews, Andrew did not get the jobs. When he asked for feedback from the managers on how he could prepare better for the next time, they all said basically the same thing:

"You had a great interview. Honestly, I don't have any suggestions; you are definitely qualified and confident enough for this position. However, we want someone who has their CFP (a big test/certification), and since you haven't finished your bachelor's yet, it will still be a while before you are able to get that. Come talk to us again once you have finished school."

So... we are staying in Utah

And there you have it. I am really proud of Andrew. It takes guts to put yourself out their to get a promotion. He did a great job at networking and presenting a strong first impression with these managers. Now he knows exactly what he needs to do to eventually get that job (aka: study hard and finish his college degree). 

And, I get to enjoy Utah for at least a few more years.   Woo hoo!!!