Read this whenever you need a reminder that every hiring decision involves many factors you cannot see.
A highly successful Professional was tragically knocked down by a bus and killed. Her soul arrived at the Pearly Gates, where St. Peter welcomed her.
“Before you get settled in,” he said, “this is a new age and we're all about choice...”
“Oh, I see,” said the woman. “Can’t you just let me in?”
“Well, I’d like to,” said St Peter, “but I have higher orders. We’re instructed to let you have a day in Hell and a day in Heaven, and then you are to choose where you’d like to go for all eternity.”
“Actually, I think I’d prefer Heaven,” said the woman.
“Sorry, we have rules...” at which St. Peter put the Pro into the downward-bound elevator.
As the doors opened in Hell she stepped out onto a beautiful resort. In the distance was a laguna-style pool, while around her were many friends and thought leaders, all happy and cheering for her. They ran up and kissed her on both cheeks, and they welcomed her and talked about old times. They all lounged in the shade under a gentle Sun and afterwards went to a fine restaurant where she enjoyed a superb cuisine.
She met the Devil, who was rather nice despite his reputation, and she had a wonderful night telling jokes and dancing. Before she knew it, it was time to leave; everyone shook her hand and waved goodbye as she stepped into the elevator. The elevator went back up to Heaven where St. Peter was waiting for her.
“Now it’s time to spend a day in Heaven,” he said.
So she spent the next day lounging around on clouds and playing the harp and singing, which was nice but there didn’t seem to be much else going on, unlike her fun day in Hell. At the day’s end St. Peter returned.
“So,” he said, “you’ve spent a day in Hell and you’ve spent a day in Heaven. Now you choose between the two.”
The woman thought for a second and replied, “Well, Heaven is certainly lovely, but I actually had a better time in Hell. I'm surprised, but I choose Hell.”
Accordingly, St. Peter took her to the elevator again and she went back down to Hell.
When the doors of the elevator opened she found herself standing in a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth. Everyone she saw was dressed in rags, picking up rubbish and putting it in old sacks. The Devil approached, wrapping his arm around her.
“I don’t understand,” stuttered the Professional, “yesterday I was here and there was lavish pool with cabanas and a Michelin Star restaurant. We dined and danced and had a wonderfully happy time. Now all there’s just a dirty wasteland of garbage and everyone looks miserable.”
The Devil looked at her and said smiling, “yesterday we were recruiting you, today you’re staff.”
Shared here with special thanks to Robert Birdsall, the multi-year organizer of the monthly SouthWest Security Professionals Forum.