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by Adam Dawson

Ok, this is a long shot.  But, it’s one of those crazy Keep Austin Weird moments that must be shared.

Emily found an ad for a small farm caretaker couple.  Apparently, an Austin family wanted to have a farm, but didn’t want to give up their other activities to actually be farmers.  So they bought a 20 acre farm about an hour from here, and they work on the farm as they are able.  To compensate they hired a caretaker family to live in the farm house and run the farm in exchange for free housing, utilities, a $400 monthly stipend, and the opportunity to develop extra income from the farm.

The position came open, and we are meeting with them this weekend.

I say it’s a long shot because it’s so far away.  We’d have to rent out the house we just bought (which is possible but not my favorite idea).  My commute would be crazy long (I may be able to work from home), and the farm work would be tough to keep up with (Emily would be the primary).

But there are some positives.  Free housing and utilities for a couple years while we pay off debt would be amazing.  Our house would probably generate a net positive rental income.  And, since small scale farming is something we’ve talked about as a future goal, this could give us the chance to try it out and see if we like it, and learn a lot about it without taking the risk of buying a farm.

So anyway, I know it sounds crazy.  I don’t think it’s a high probability.  But it’s a weird opportunity that might just be perfect if we can work through the obstacles.

Just another day in our crazy world!

by Adam Dawson

My new job (started in November, almost 3 months in now!) is going great.  I really like my team, my role, and my boss.  My projects are challenging but achievable, and the leadership in my division seems to have the right plan to succeed.

This has been such a relief and welcome change from my previous job.  It’s funny how you don’t always realize it in the moment, but looking back I can see how the stress of the situation affected my mood, my relationship with Emily, and my health.  I have been coming home much happier and feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

There is also one potential piece of good news.  I saw an internal memo for managers that said bonus targets will be going up “for most non-commission employees” in 2014, with a communication to go out to employees sometime in January.  I have no idea if I fall under the “most” category or not.  For the first time in this job I feel like my salary is competitive in the industry and for my experience and credentials.  My bonus target is competitive based on my knowledge of the industry.  So, if I’m lucky enough that it goes up a bit this year, perhaps another 5% or so, it will be, well, an unexpected bonus!  Fingers crossed!

There’s a lot Emily and I want to do with our lives, but so far, this is the best job I’ve had in my career and I could see myself at this company for several years to come.  It’s nice to feel that way for a change.  I’m extremely grateful for it.