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Sat, 19 Dec '09 15:50
I was recently approached by a director to participate in a reality TV series charged with producing the definitive answer on the existence of the American Big Foot. As a presales engineer for a video game company, I feel it may safely be said that I've "moved on" from these sorts of endeavors, and am no longer in the cryptozoology-world. I thought it was a bit odd that they would reach out to me, since I don't really think of myself as a great animal tracker, or an expert on Big Foot. On the other hand, a friend pointed out, not many people have experience running a multi-year search for a cryptid bipedal ape in the backwaters of Indonesia, either. In addition to this, I'm not sure I find the idea of appearing as a character on a reality TV show very appealing. The ones I've seen tend to make the characters look shallow, self-centered, and overly dramatic. I have no interest in appearing as any of those things, nor do I relish the idea of being in the extended company of people cast for those qualities. But after further reflection, that usually only happens in competitive TV shows, where someone wins a prize at the end. I imagine this show would be much more like one of the many ghost hunter-type TV shows. Although their mission may be a bit silly, the individual people seem normal enough. They aren't competitive, don't form alliances, and don't incite drama amongst the other team members. So maybe it would be OK to appear on a reality TV show. Then there's the enthusiasm problem. I went to Indonesia to search for orang pendek because, while I didn't think its existence was by any means certain, I did think there was enough of a chance to warrant a serious search. So did National Geographic. Plus it was a freaking cool thing to do with a couple of years during my mid-twenties. On the other hand, I put Big Foot's chances of existence somewhere in the 0.00001% range. So I guess this would just be another "cool thing to do". Then, of course, there's my job. I get 15 vacation days a year, and this TV project would be at least 3 months. I'm not quitting the best job I've ever had to go searching through the Pacific Northwest for a non-existent beast. I mentioned it to a couple of my work-mates, and they couldn't believe I'd said no so easily. One even suggested I look into extended non-paid leave (a sabbatical, basically). It hadn't occurred to me this was possible. It may not be possible, and I may not be guaranteed a position on my return. But let's say it is. What do you think? I want both my readers' opinions on this. CommentsLeave a comment
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If the pay is better than at havok and the director has a good reputation, it could be a neat way to spend a few months. on the other hand, i wouldn't blame you if you decided not to bother
Tim I've already encountered you on late night TV a couple of times and while that was a novel experience were you to do this you would no longer be an engineer. You would have firmly become one of those TV cryptozoolgist guys (or whatever he is). I typically think that asking oneself whether or not something will be edifying is a good test (note I often fail to do this myself before acting, but still good advice). However this is of course your decision, and you did publish this on a blog and ask for general feedback. So perhaps being one of those TV cryptozoologist guys is right for you. Still, reality TV!?!?.
Well, first off, what's three months? If it is above board, you can get your job back after a sabatical (and even if they "sure, your job will always be here", don't count on it), then why not? Seems like you like a good adventure. On the otherhand, don't you think if "Big Foot" really existed in the USA, it would have been found? I know there are thousands of animals in remote parts of the world, but hard to believe they exist in the USA...But, it could be fun. Just do some more research...
I meant to say that there are thousands that haven't been discovered, of course. I, on the otherhand, would never take such a risk. I like to live vicariously through others...
Wow, that's impressive. If you become confident that you'd get your job back afterward, and that they would be casting you more or less as yourself and not as some clownish character, I say take it seriously. At least let the director know that you're open to negotiations, and see what more you learn and where it leads. I'd say don't do it if it would require lying about your beliefs regarding the existence of bigfoot -- that's one thing for career actors, but you're someone who might plausibly want to be taken seriously as a scientist one day.
We're still technically in our twenties, y'know...
Hey Tim! Wow, that sounds like a great opportunity! Your reasoning is sound, re: competitive reality vs. "scientific" reality TV, and if these folks are serious then I would be inclined to do it. I took 3 months off from work a couple of years ago to go to NZ for, essentially, vacation and had no issues about returning to my job. Besides, if your current job doesn't work out, I still have the empty table in my office! ;)
Also, despite the bleak odds of finding American Big Foot, per se, there is still a lot of unknown stuff out there that you won't have a chance to find working as a pre-sales engineer for a video game company. My $0.02...
If your company says no problem, I think you should look into it. Three months is not a lot of time to devote to something like this, especially if the pay is good. You should ask yourself, do I just want to be an engineer with a sordid past who likes photography, or do I want to keep pursuing the quirkier parts of my existence.
Well, Tim, the scales do tip this way and that, don't they? What a tantalizing offer!
There's "You'll never get to Second with one foot on First," and there's "A bird in the hand..."
So, it boils down to: What is your GOAL? I would advise actually writing "Havoc" at the top of one column and "Bigfoot" at the top of another, then listing the + and - for each.
When I think "real reality" or "scientific reality" (as opposed to the competitive, "Survivor" type) my associations went straight to Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.
First, he had an Aussie accent, a real plus.
Second, there actually were known crocodiles to be found.
And Third, things didn't end so well for him.
Now, you have the engaging personality and good looks that TV craves, certainly more handsome than the late Steve Irwin.
Re: Havoc - It is entirely possible that you would achieve genuine "celebrity" status, and the $$$ that Hollywood enjoys lavishing upon celebrities. You could BUY Havoc.
My final thought has to do with the satisfaction that comes from work, and the way that a great job - I'm thinking Havoc - brings intangible joy.
So, don't just be smart (ie. work out a sabbatical). Be sure that you are being wise.
Sadly, a lot of wisdom can be known only in retrospect.
Let us know what you decide. and Good Luck!
If my limited experience is any indicator, you may find that three months can stretch to five or six or more. The impact could be significant so plan for the unexpected. The project could be a crossroad event in your life.
Hey Tim,
This is a exciting choice to have in front of you. I agree with Karen in that you need to focus your self reflection on the root question, “What would you, Tim, like to get out of this activity?” Do you want to use it as a stepping stone to another experience (e.g. Write a book about your Indonesian experiences)? Are you feeling that your job with Havok is leading you in your desired career direction?
I agree with the opinion that you would want to plan on this activity extending past the duration that is stated. I also agree with the opinion that when taking a sabbatical, it is sensible to have a plan for the scenario of the job not being available when you return.
Taking chances in one’s life can lead to some very wonderful life experiences, but it also carries the risk. You have clearly enjoyed some great experiences through your expeditions for National Geographic and travels. If you still having the core need for more of that type of experience, than this reality TV opportunity presents an interesting option. If you feel that your software development career is heading in the right direction, this opportunity could very well be a distraction.
I look forward to hearing more about your decision process and your final choice. Happy holidays!
I know this comes as a late response, I guess I have been giving it a lot of thought. We have discussed this briefly in person, but I thought it would be nice to also post it on your blog site as well (something to reference back to if you ever feel like it).
In my opinion, although this opportunity may open some doors, my question would be -- are they doors you would consider walking through? I have pursed paths in the past that have been really exciting, but after they were over, I really did not know what direction I was going to head next and it was unclear how it would help me in my overall career.
It is really exciting and rare for an offer on a TV reality show to come about. So, that is something to be proud of. BUT, do not follow something because it intrigues you, give it thought and try to figure out if it is intriguing because it is something you see yourself doing, or is it intriguing because it is something unique that you feel like you need to pursue.
I know that you will be successful in anything you put your mind to -- I have seen that within all the projects you have been taking care of and all of the work functions you are leading. Take a moment to see what you would like to do in the whole scheme of things, and then compare it to this opportunity. If going on this show puts you one step closer to your future goal -- then I say go for it. If you do not see space for it -- then let it go and just smile and remember you are someone that was offered something many people dream of.