As most of you know, if you have followed my blogs for a while, I am a Texan. A proud Texan. I have lived in Austin my whole life. No, I don’t have cattle or horses at my house, but I can easily make a 4 hour drive down to south Texas and get my my fill of country living.

My whole life I have always worn boots. Not cheap ones either. My preferences are alligator and ostrich. Today, I am wearing my Red Wings. Now Red Wings aren’t expensive, but they do define me. I can’t remember the last time it was 75 degrees in the Summer in Austin, but it is today, and that is my choice.

Now people reading this will be from all over the globe and the United States. Some people may call a soft drink a Coke, others may call it a soda, and others might call it a “pop”. Different strokes for different folks, but that is what makes us who we are. Unique. Different.

The one thing I have learned over the years is not to compromise who you are and what you believe. You should also not apologize.

When looking for a job, it is important to know yourself. You need to know what you need. What a company has to offer may not be the right fit for you, but the right fit for another.

Learn from your mistakes. Take a close look at what defines you.

Are you a Red Wing guy or not? Know your limits and know what you can and can not do. Know what you want to do, and what you don’t want to do.

Even though I am a Red Wing guy, I thrive on stress, chaos, and challenges. I will gladly and willingly dress the part for the right opportunity. That is okay with me. It may not be okay with you. What are you willing to do? Are you going to compromise or apologize?

If you see me in Seattle or Michigan though, don’t be surprised if I have my Alligator Boots on at night. I’m not going to apologize.