Moving to Austin, Texas

I am no stranger to adventurous moves. In 2002, after finishing high school, I went to work in a ski resort in Austria. Later that year, I moved to London, England because of an American girl I met my first day in Austria. We simply packed our bags, took the bus to London from Amsterdam, and managed to find a place to live and jobs within a week.

After six months in London, we packed our bags again and moved to Chicago. Now, almost eight years later, after graduating from college, several jobs, marriage, and a lovely baby girl, we are once again packing our bags.

I am moving to Austin, Texas next week.

The big difference between the move in 2002 and the move in 2011 is the risk involved. In 2002, it was just me, without any responsibilities, trying to get a taste of life. In 2011, I have a wife and baby, car payments, student loans, and all the other adult stuff.

Moving without a job lined up is scary. But we’re closing on the condo this month, so we need to get moving. And at least I am interviewing.

But beyond the anxiety and fear, I am just so excited about the move. I have been visiting Austin for the past eight years and have seen it grow tremendously. I am thrilled to be in the middle of an environment with booming high-tech companies; to have the opportunity to bike year round and enjoy the Hill Country; and to be closer to family. Not to mention the barbeque.

The coming month or two will be frantic. But I have no doubt we’ll be right at home in Austin.

I am scouring the Interwebs for marketing, social media, communications and public relations jobs and I am encouraged by all the great opportunities. If you read this post, or better yet, if you’re an avid reader of this blog, and you think you might know of an opportunity in Austin, do let me know. I’ll take you out for some brisket.

If you’re an employer in Austin looking for a marketing communications guy, you can find out all about me on my Web site and on LinkedIn. As you can see, I’m a self-starter. If you hire me, I’ll take you out for some brisket. Or I can bring some deep dish pizza from Chicago. Your choice.

So, see you in Austin? Maybe you’ll pass me as I stumble through the Barton Creek Greenbelt on a shoddy mountain bike.