Well, I got the job at Union Pacific.

UPRR was having the hiring session at the Rocklin Park Hotel, so last night I drove down and got a room upstairs. This way I could sleep as late as possible. I could get dressed and walk downstairs, and not get stuck in traffic or anything lame like that.

While ironing my clothes I watched Cartoon Network! We don’t get that channel (my all time favorite) in Chico so I was VERY happy. I took care of all my stuff, laid out all my clothes, organized all my gear, and got in bed. I watched cartoons until 12:30am and finally felt sleepy enough to turn out the lights.

I slept great! The alarm went off at 6:30am. The radio was playing Return of the Mack. “This is a sign!” I thought. I sang in the shower and whistled a little tune as I put on my suit. I felt rested. I felt sharp. I looked great.

Time to kill.

So I walked downstairs and checked out. The girl working at the desk was the same one who checked me in the night before. She did a double take when she saw me in my fresh, clean suit. (The night before I checked in wearing shorts, tshirt, and sandals). I smiled and flirted with her as she finished up my paperwork. I felt like the King of Town.

I walked outside and it was a beautiful day. Sun shining, about 65 degrees, no wind, just perfect. I was very comfortable in my monkey suit and not too hot at all. After dropping off my bag in my truck, I made for the banquet hall where the hiring session was to be held.

OK, I’m starting to feel a little nervous. Cell phone rings, it’s Scott.

“Hey Tom, I thought you might want to know… The manager doing the hiring is a friend of mine, and I talked to him yesterday. He knows you’re going to be there, he knows who you are. You’re in dude, don’t worry.”

Deep breathe and a sigh of relief. Think happy thoughts. I walked in the room and…

I’m the only guy wearing a suit. There are about 80 people in the room. One guy is wearing black jeans, scuffed up cowboy boots, and a Harley Davidson tshirt. One guy is wearing shorts and sandals. This is what they wore to an interview? ONE guy is wearing a tie. I feel like the black sheep that I am.

Blah blah blah, paperwork and presentations.

Then it happens.

“Tom, we want you to start on Monday.”

Monday? I can’t start on Monday. I’ve only got five weeks of school left. I’m graduating.

“I don’t understand sir. I put on my application that I won’t be available to work until after I graduate from Chico State, which is May 23rd.” Oh shit.

“Well, we have trains sitting in the yard because we don’t have the crews to work them. We’re in an emergency situation here. We absolutely need you to start on Monday.”

Fuck.

Time slows and my heartbeat quickens. The blood is rushing to my face. I can hear my heart pounding in my ears. My stomach churns. What do I do?

I hold my future in my two hands. In one hand I have something I’ve worked at for ten years now, my education. I’ve had my ups and downs since 1994 and now, finally, I’m graduating. In the other hand I have a career that I REALLY want. I can’t say that about too many jobs I’ve worked, and there have been a lot of them. What do I do?

I shift uncomfortably in my seat. I’m starting to sweat. I reach back with my right hand and feel the back of my head, and massage my skull.

“I can’t. I’m sorry.”

“Excuse me? Mr. Bissell, we really want you for this job. We need you.”

I’m agonizing over this decision. This is a high paying job (some engineers made $100,000 last year on the railroad) and a great lifestyle for the adventurous Tom Bissell. I’m wringing my hands. My palms are soaking wet. This moment feels like a lifetime. Ah hell, I can always go back to college can’t I? Wait, what am I thinking, NO!

“I’m sorry sir, I truly am, but I just can’t do it right now. I’ve worked very hard for a very long time, and now I’m finally graduating. I’m only five weeks away. I have to stick with it. I’m sorry.”

Stand up, shake hands, feel free to reapply after graduating, thank you.

I’m shaking as I walk out of the room. I had the job. I had it. It was mine.

But the price to pay was too great. I’m just too close to graduating. I couldn’t take it.

I drove home in silence that morning. Window down, radio off, stuck behind a semi going 50 miles an hour. Brain going 600 miles an hour.

I did the right thing, didn’t I?

Time for plan B.