It was a cold, gray Monday outside as I sat listlessly at the computer researching web sites and business publications for job opportunities. I had been out of work for almost six months, living off my severance package, a victim of the latest, greatest merger at MacroHuge Limited. Coming on the heels of my divorce a year earlier, it was quite a shock. Thankfully my employment contact provided for just such an occurrence; I would have little to worry about for quite some time to come.
In some ways the last six months had been quite beneficial and relaxing. Exercising every day had me in the best shape of my life; I had dropped 25 pounds and cut 3 inches from my waist line. Now my shoulders were wider than my waist again, and my stomach was as flat as a twenty year old kid. My sister, who was a stylist, cut my hair short -- to hide the fact I was slowly losing it -- and she had convinced me to dye my goatee to get rid of the gray. I know I must be looking better because last week I ran into a young woman I knew from MicroHuge and she invited me back to her place for some extracurricular activities. Not bad for an unemployed, 42 year old, 5'9" office jockey.
None the less, I was getting bored. Looking for work is a full time job, and very time consuming. I followed the same routine most days; wake up early, work out for a while, make cold calls to businesses on my target list, reach out to contacts and colleagues looking for advice and leads, then spend the rest of the day browsing the web and trade pubs for opportunities.
I was just about to shut down for the day and head out to the local pub when the shrill ring of the telephone jarred me back to consciousness. Startled, I hit the speaker phone button on the third ring.
"Hello, this is Paul Baker." I said, probably sounding as bored as I felt.
"Mr. Baker? This is Nina Mendez. I believe Jerry Robinson told you I would be calling?" The voice was feminine -- warm and friendly but also slightly husky and deep -- with just a trace of an exotic accent. It was a voice that was dripping with sexual intrigue and erotic imagery. "Down boy," I thought. "Just keep this strictly business."
I instantly snapped back into the present. "Yes, of course. XMZ Products... Jerry mentioned it last weekend."
Nina asked, "Is this a good time? I hope I am not calling too late?"
I thought I detected a trace of salsa in her accent. "No, don't give it another thought."
"OK, great! I assume Jerry told you about the role?"
"Yes, you are looking for a new CIO."