Sometimes life is unfair

I will preface this with – I am an EXTREMELY LUCKY individual. I’ve had opportunities that many people dream about. That being said, I’m currently mourning a missed opportunity.

[Whine]

For a few years I’ve been restless. I have a great job at HCC with great people, and yet it was not fulfilling my career “dreams”. I really wanted to be in a school like the one I got my Bachelor’s degree from – a small, private, liberal arts, four-year school. I know, I sound like a snotty, educational erudite, elitist, but THAT was my dream.

In searching for the elusive brass ring, I stumbled upon an unbelievable, temporary position in Cairo, Egypt! How cool would THAT be??!! The job description was nearly tailor made! My luck (and a little hard work) brought me to an amazing adventure, which I am still in the middle of. So, you ask, how can I possibly be lamenting a lost opportunity?

The small, private university position has been posted. It is in my specialty, neuroscience. It incorporates many of my strengths – teaching, involving undergraduates, working with graduates. It allows me to return to my love – working with the nervous system. It is located less than 10 miles from my house in Seattle. What could be better than this?

Much to my dismay – I’d heard rumor of this job, but could not find any listings for it, until today. Today, one of my closest friends (and evil twin), who is applying for this position (and is probably WAY better qualified for it than I am) posted some of the details of the job. The deadline for applications is tomorrow. Even if I stayed up all night to get the paperwork done, I couldn’t get all the necessary documents together, let alone to Seattle, in time.

[/Whine]

Seems like a small disappointment, considering that I’m living in Cairo, teaching at a prestigious international university, and yet I mourn my loss. Doesn’t make much sense, does it?