The Closing Days

As my time here in the desert comes to a close I’m forced to decide on my next course of action. I’ve been asked a few times what I’m going to be doing after this. In my mind I have a couple options, try to find another job or not to try and redeploy sometime in the near future. Initially my intentions were to go out on 2 deployments, one land based (this one) and another ship based. I’ve heard the ship based ones can be a lot of fun, a lot more fun that then desert anyway.

I had a few goals for coming out here. First was to come out here and see first hand what our brave men and women are going through. Second was to see the country that has been so ravaged by war throughout its history. Third was to advance in the company and coming here seemed like a good way to pick up a couple new skills.

Of course nothing is for sure. I have pinged a few of my old managers and co-workers about job opportunities back home. That was my “try” to get another job and honestly if nothing works out, I’ll just redeploy. I’m fine with either direction. Life out here is pretty easy and fun. My only hesitation is the fact that I won’t be working with this team again and probably not even the same marines that I’ve been working with. I’ve been very fortunate with the situation I was put in.

So, what will I do after this deployment is over? Odds are if I find another job these blog posts will end. There just won’t be much interesting to talk about anymore, not while sitting behind a desk all day. But really, in order to fulfill my goal, I’d need to get a promotion with my next job move, which is unlikely. If I stay with this job I’ll probably get promoted with my next assignment, or at least fight as hard as I can to be promoted. Trouble is, if I stay in this job to long I’ll get pigeon-holed and be stuck for good and that’s just not good. I guess this is one of those, “know when to fold’em” situations. I've pretty much reached the peak of my ScanEagle career as the lead for a relatively successful hub.

I’ve never been someone to deny a door opened by opportunity. Who has two thumbs and likes opportunity? THIS GUY! Sorry, couldn’t help it. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if another program says “Hey Jeff, why don’t you come work for us?” I’d probably respond “Sure, just let me return my flak and Kevlar and I’ll be right there.” It would be tough, I enjoy this job more than any job I’ve ever had. I guess, like anything, I’ll just let fate decide for me and go with whatever happens.