Aquisitioner’s Entry 1: How I Got The Job

Posted March 15th, 2008 by V

I don’t know why I took the job. I was desperate I guess…desperate for a change, desperate for adventure, desperate to put some miles between me and the last few months.

While I’m not a believer in destiny, I happened to glance at this classified ad as I sipped the soupy chocolate shake that was washing down a cold trans-fat enriched burger.

“Looking for adventure? Growing firm has a field position for someone that can make good decisions under pressure. Lots of travel and outdoor activity. Must be in good physical condition and willing to sign liability release form. Respond to ad 1327 and take your career to places you’ve never dreamed of.”

I finished the burger and shake and made the call. Two days later I had completed my physical, signed the release form and was on my way.

They gave me a pre-packed duffle bag, several hundred dollars in cash, a company credit card, a plane ticket to Port Elizabeth, South Africa and instructions to meet Karl at the airport. So far the ad could not have been more accurate with one exception.

My job, as I understood it, was to acquire stuffed animals for an online boutique company called the StuffedZoo that specializes in providing a unique stuffed animal experience. How hard could this be?

I must admit, I almost quit when they explained the job to me. Adventure? It seemed unlikely when the objective is to acquire stuffed animals. But Finn, my boss, convinced me that I should give it a try. If the first assignment didn’t live up to my expectations, they would pay me a full month’s salary and I could leave…no hard feelings.

The plane ride from LA to Port Elizabeth is a long one and it’s giving me plenty of time to second-guess my decision. It’s time for a snooze. Hopefully I’ll feel differently after I meet Karl.

Stuffed Animals
Aquisitioner’s Entry 1: How I Got The Job