Whenever I visit a community I check out the local newspapers, at least if they are published in a language I understand. With a journalism background, I’m naturally curious. I don’t just read the news coverage but also check out the advertising.

Last month, while in Maine, I came across a job advertisement in the Maine Sunday Telegram that intrigued me. I was very tempted to apply, but the job would require moving to Augusta, Maine,. I’m not sure my wife would be happy if I did that.

The job was for a family/personal assistant. Not the sort of thing that would ordinarily appeal to me. It was the desired qualifications that intrigued me. When I think personal assistant for an elderly person, I think a nurses aide. That was definitely not what they were looking for.

The subhead read: “Newspaper and /or Executive experience appreciated for all-inclusive Assistant to an aging newspaper woman.”

If I was from Maine I might be able to put a name to the ad, figure out who I would be working with. I suspect the individual would be well-known in that community. Is she a writer? An editor? A publisher?

My first thought was be – there’s a book to be collaborated on here. Why else would you want someone with newspaper experience? Then later in teh ad I saw that part of teh job was to write a life history of the employer.

I will admit some of the tasks didn’t appeal: interior decorating and grandchildren party planning being at the top of the list. But research projects sounded appealing, as did the winters in Florida. Just looking t the ad again, I’m still tempted to apply. Though I imagine by now the position has been filled.

In the last year or so, a number of job opportunities have crossed my way that sounded really appealing. Or would if I was a few years younger. I’m happy with where I am in life – I don’t feel a need to prove myself, and starting something new seems like it would take a lot of energy.

I was so tempted though.