It was at the international division of a big Japanese advertising agency. I was called in for the interview. The bureau was a whole floor of an office building in Tamachi. One one side were the creatives and on the other side were the production staff. The interview consisted on myself and ten Japanese business men - all smoking their lungs out. I showed them my portfolio and a video on animation I had done (with buddy, Ray Van Stenwyk) for the opening titles of Simon Townsend's Wonder World. They seemed to like the stuff and my sense of humour as well as the fact that I could speak fluent Japanese.
A week later - after I had pretty much given up on it - they rand me at work and said that I had got the job. What would I be doing exactly, I asked. Mostly translating and helping with production, they said. I was talking to the no. 3 boss. Hmmm... I was hoping for something creative, I said. That is what I am good at. Well, he replied, the job is for a co-ordinator. I thought about it for a moment and said, Nah, it's OK, I pass.
Silence. He stuttered a bit and said just a minute.
Number two boss. Ah, Mr Lewie san. You have the job. Is there a problem? It's just doesn't seem right for me I said, now that I have been told the details of what you expect.
Ahhh... but you don't understand. It's been decided. You have been chosen. You must accept. We had a meeting and it was unanimous.
I admit I was a little flattered. It's always nice to be wanted.
Thank-you, Sakai san, but I don't think it's right for me.
What do you want? More money?
No, that's not it. I just don't want to leave one job I don't like for another.
But you will like this. We will make it work. How much more money will it take for you to accept.
This was a first! I was being lured. What should I do? If I'm going to go to a different job that I don't like at least if it pays better than the old one - I should give it a try, I thought.
But I wanted some assurances. There will be creative assigments, right? Yes! he said. And I can work on the creative side of the office? Of course! And you are willing to pay me and extra 25%. Yes! Please just come in. I cannot tell boss number one that you have declined. It is not an option.
I felt sorry for the guy. Plus two five percento. plus... OK! I will see you on Monday morning...
(to be continued)