fairly personal entry about a friend, so I'm taking off comments. Feel free to skip this one by folks. I'll be back to regular Darren tomorrow.

I have a friend who's in a very difficult spot right now. On the one hand, he has a job offer here in Edmonton, with a very good company who would not only treat him well, but help him grow out his potential. On the other, he has a number of things and people holding him back to his home. On the Edmonton side, an end to somewhat of a tech-sector employment drought. On the home side, family, friends and loved one's interests.

I've tried to not-so-subtly imply that it would be a very good thing for him to move up here, without pushing him to make a decision (honest... I've been holding back) -- and not just so that I can have a good friend nearby. I truly, honestly know that working with the company he's been offered a position at, he can really grow professionally; and moving to a new home can really help him grow personally - if I didn't, I never would have suggested he apply for the position.

I understand fully that it's not an easy decision to make. I made the same decision two years ago when I moved back to Abbotsford to work with the company there. It's not an easy decision to pull up your roots, and move to somewhere you're not altogether familiar with.

I also realize there are more than a couple people pulling him to stay where he is - and that the people that want him to stay are people he's created a long-standing bond with.

But, at the same time, sometimes you just have to sit down and really think about what's best for yourself, and your own well being. Sometimes that means picking your shit up, and moving to another province because there's an opportunity there.

Hell, I'm stressed out enough for him. I know he must be even more stressed out by the decision he has to make. I won't say something as trite as "I hope he makes the right choice". But I do hope he decides to take a risk and make the move up here - I honestly think the rewards are more than worth it. You don't climb because it's easy.... you climb because it's difficult.