5ksandcabernets: Noah vs. the Star-Telegram

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Noah vs. the Star-Telegram

So, what I didn't say the other day, what I didn't detail about the Star-Telegram layoffs was this: Yeah, I survived, but I have the option of taking a voluntary buyout.

And so how that plays out for me is this way: I can stay at the Star-Telegram, where I've been employed since 1994; I can stay in my comfort zone in Fort Worth, where I've made tons of friends on the running trails.

Or I can take the voluntary buyout and go move to Austin to begin raising my son, Noah. If I take the voluntary buyout, I'll get six months pay (which means I'd have six months to find a job) and the company will pay 65 percent of my COBRA insurance for three months (and maybe up to 9 months depending on how President Obama's stimulus plan applies to insurance).

But let me repeat the first part of the Pro of the Pro/Con of taking the buyout: I get to be around my son. Everyday. Not every two weeks. Everyday. Noah is 19 months old. As much as I don't get along with his mother, it is very painful to leave Noah when it's time for me to go back to Fort Worth. I can easily get my own place and then see him as much as I want to see him.

And so yeah, unemployment in this country is at the highest level in years. And yeah, I don't know many people in Austin. But what can be more important than raising your kid? What? Making a few more dollars at the Star-Telegram? I'm not so sure. I could wait until the next round of layoffs at the Star-Telegram, but there is no guarantee that the severance package would be the same. And more importantly, everyday I'm not around my kid, that's a day I'll never get back.

I've got until Thursday at 10 a.m. to make a decision about what I want to do. Do I stay at the Star-Telegram? Or do I leave the only profession I've ever known to be a much bigger factor in the life of my only son in Austin, Texas?

It's Noah vs. the Star-Telegram.

Noah has a two-touchdown lead with 2 minutes to go.

Labels: fatherhood, Noah, Star-Telegram

20 Comments:

Sara said...: That is definitely a big decision and a personal one, but I will say, I have a 20 month old son and he changes so much everyday, being closer to Noah would be a great experience for you.

Best of luck on whatever you decide.

Sara
www.newsfromnola.blogspot.com; March 8, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Tri-James said...: A move WILL change your life!; March 8, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Derek said...: A job is a job, family IS the most important thing in my life; and like you said "everyday I'm not around my kid, that's a day I'll never get back". I would move in a heartbeat if it meant being closer to my family.; March 8, 2009 at 12:22 PM
DawnB said...: go with whats in your heart. You'll be happier for it.; March 8, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Victoria said...: Well, no one can make decisions for you but if you were in Austin, you wouldn't have to worry about where you were spending the night. I would guess that making connections isn't overly difficult for you (look at all the people you're connected to via your blog!) and I'm sure there's some great running in Austin too. Plus, being able to be there for all of Noah's school stuff, etc., when he gets older? Pretty much priceless.; March 8, 2009 at 1:15 PM
Anonymous said...: Be a dad, Kevin. It's a ton more rewarding than working for the local rag . . . and it's Austin! Not like you'd be moving to Odessa!; March 8, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Marci said...: What a tough decision to make. Both seem like great decisions. Looking forward to finding out which way your life is headed. BTW Noah is absolutely adorable :); March 9, 2009 at 12:25 AM
Lindsay said...: i know it'd be really hard for me to leave my job and the comforts of my routine here, but family definitely comes first. (not that you haven't been doing that of course)

do what you feel, of course, but will you really have comfort and security in your job a few more months down the road? who knows if there will be more layoffs without the buyout option, you know? hopefully you'll be able to find something in austin even with the unemployment rates everywhere.; March 9, 2009 at 5:52 AM
Anonymous said...: I'd go. As a mother, I'm saying this. You can and will find another job. In the long run, I think being there for him will pay off way more. You're a GREAT dad, and this will give Noah even more time with you! Sounds like your gut and heart are telling you to move, so follow your instincts.; March 9, 2009 at 9:33 AM
Anonymous said...: That's such a tough decision. Personally, I feel like I've had more of a life after journalism. Before, working at the paper was my life.
Good luck and keep me posted!; March 9, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Billy said...: I think you know the right answer here. Based on the trend of the newspapers these days, there's no guarantee that you'll get anything close to this during round 2.

It's a tough decision, no doubt. But unless the Star-Telegram has a Brady to lead them back, looks like Noah wins.

Godspeed and good luck.; March 9, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Ulyana said...: Sounds like Noah wins! Good luck! I don't know if you'd get such a great opportunity to move to Austin in the future... and your son will thank you A LOT when he grows up.; March 9, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Anonymous said...: Holy crap, what a scary decision. Best of luck in making it. Austin is a wonderful place.; March 9, 2009 at 5:29 PM
DawnB said...: Keven miles is not that much and if you run like me your legs would never fall off :); March 9, 2009 at 8:00 PM
rodney said...: It would be hard to leave a job I had been with for so long. Having said that, I bet you can get a decent deal on a U-Haul truck if you shop it. Always opt for the BIG truck. You won't believe how much crap you own until you try to stuff it into a truck.
Noah rules!; March 9, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Kimberly LaFontaine said...: The way you write about the situation makes it sound like you already made up your mind and just need a good push. You talk about comfort zones and making a few dollars. Come on... Noah needs you, buddy. And you're a great guy -- you'll make tons of friends down there. I'm sure everybody will support you, whichever way you choose.; March 10, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Kevin said...: Gang
I've decided to leave the Star-Telegram. Thanks for all your support. All of you hit at the major point: What can take the place of raising a kid? Nothing. So now, it looks like I'll have another running buddy. I think when I get to Austin, I'm gonna take Noah to Run-Tex and fit him for shoes. Kidding. But seriously, you guys are great.; March 10, 2009 at 4:47 PM
A Plain Observer said...: Kevin,
this is quite a decision you are making and I admire you for it. The time we lose away from our kids, can never be recreated. But losing your comfort zone into the unknown is a scary thing for me. You are good at what you do and that should give you the confidence to find another job soon.; March 10, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Anonymous said...: Kevin,

You've made the right decision and I really admire that. You have so much going for you and the possibilites are endless. Now you have the opportunity to do some freelance writing, writing a book, or several booklets for runners and probably more than that. I will be following your story and applauding you along the way. All the best and much success!; March 11, 2009 at 8:20 AM
Linden said...: Wow, Kevin, what an important decision. And one I'm sure Noah will thank you for making in his favor one day. I just read an article (prepping for the upcoming semester) whose thesis was this: You have to do the things that make you anxious, for those are the things that will improve you, push you. It is very likely that this move and job search might be difficult, but it should make your life with your son so much more full of love and joy! Best of luck, and I hope you can find some running shoes in Noah's size that match his gait! :); March 12, 2009 at 11:08 AM

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Sunday, March 8, 2009

Noah vs. the Star-Telegram

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