Is Six Flags Hiring?

I have mentioned this in jest before, but now I think I'm finished joking. If there were such a thing as talent scouts for rollercoaster designers, and there should be, they would be beating down my door. While some shun predictability and routine as boring and unbearable, and I usually count myself among them, I can't handle chronic instability in certain key areas. For example, I would not tolerate a fickle landlord. If he responded to each rent check with a "maybe we'll do this again next month," sure my bed would always be made and my neighbor wouldn't have to grudgingly (and half-heartedly at best, I might add) cut my lawn, but I'd live in constant fear of becoming homeless, which trumps tidy bed linens as a priority, in my opinion. Another example? I would not tolerate a noncommittal significant other. I have never given any indication toward the contrary: Boys looking for a good time, or at least a way to pass it, never needed apply here. I think dear ol' Dad put it best when he said, "She's very committed. To the point where she's terrifying to anyone less committed than she is." (Granted, sometimes that commitment is focused on being non-committal, but regardless, I give it all I've got even when that's nothing.)

What am I getting at? If I wouldn't put up with non-negotiables like those above being so negotiable, why is it that I am still with an employer that can't make up its mind? That wasn't rhetorical, really, WHY? Contrary to public opinion, I don't read some combination of Bill Simmons and three different advice columnists and Paul Shirley's blog every day just because I love the artform. I don't enjoy receiving a "free" paycheck. It's like the girl who is so far removed from remembering or understanding what a healthy relationship looks like that she gets really excited about things that shouldn't seem remarkable. I have heard these words, verbatim, "I mean, we're really good together. He doesn't hit me or yell at me. Just yesterday he called and he hadn't even told me he would!" Except, of course, in my case it's not a romantic relationship, it's a job. I walk out of there breathing a sigh of relief that they asked me to come back tomorrow. Except today they asked me to come back tomorrow, but as an HR Generalist. Sure, no problem! Just let me run home and get my hat. All of this after a horrendous trip to Alexandria (by the way, a word on Alexandria. If you happen to find yourself there by accident, rent a kayak, have a great time, it's pretty. But certainly not worth the potholes on 295 the other-kind-of-holes on 495 or the trip across the bridge to get there on purpose.) and a pointless interview and half-a-day off work to find out my big-shot opportunity was just a big shot in the dark. I can't handle this, honestly. There are activities and mental exercises that it would behoove us all to practice every day. Worrying about the near future and re-organizing these types of priorities shouldn't have to happen every day.

PS-- The new Foo Fighters cd-- In Your Honor-- dropped today. And it's really good.