on Target

[susandennis]

kjaz just reminded me of another splendid Target memory.

It was 1985, I think.  My friend, Heather, lived in Tucson and they had a Target store.  When visiting her once, we made a quick Target run for something.  I'd never heard of a Target store before and I thought it was amazing.  I was living in Norwalk, CT (working for IBM) at the time and was asked to interview for a job in Rochester, MN.  Everyone thought I was nuts even considering that kind of job (considered a step down from an HQ job) plus moving to Minnes-freakin-sota.  But, I was really tired of HQ.  I'd seen enough wingtips to last a lifetime.  I was young and I'd never been to Minnes-freakin-sota and I loved snow.  So I went to the interview.

I flew in on Sunday afternoon with a plane load of Mayo Clinic patients.  Everyone flew in on Sundays for Monday morning appointments.  You could tell they were patients - if no visible unhealthy symptoms were present, the giant manila x-ray envelopes that everyone carried were a dead giveaway. It was very creepy.

I found my hotel and then decided to drive out to the plant where the interview would be - scope it out, in other words.  I pulled off the interstate at the correct exit. I could see IBM on my left and there... on my right... was a giant Target sign!!!! 

My interest in that job went instantly from 'this might be something to consider' to 'hire me or I'll hurt you!'.

I got the job.  I divided my salary between the mortgage company and Target.  I lived there two winters and never got enough snow.  It turned out to be a brilliant career move that led to a lot of other wonderful opportunities and pretty much set my path.

And... I pretty much owe it all to Target!!