Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost... Just Supercommuting: A Wizard's Tale of Two Cities

A Journey Begins Not Unlike a Hobbit Leaving the Shire

Hmph! A 7 a.m. flight? From Los Angeles to San Francisco every Wednesday? And back on a Friday night? This is not the way to Mordor I assure you. But it seems young Janet Lee has embarked on a journey of her own a 'supercommute' they call it. A curious term. One does not simply fly into San Francisco but she does! This is a tale of ambition a touch of madness and perhaps a bit of wizardry in balancing two lives. Like Bilbo Baggins leaving the comforts of his hobbit hole she left the predictable shores of her previous job and set off on a quest to find a golden acorn.

The Allure of the Room: Why Face to Face Trumps the Palantír (Er Zoom)

Ah yes the power of proximity! I have seen it myself in the Great Halls of Kings. It is like the One Ring – it exerts a certain influence though hopefully less corrupting. The fair city of San Francisco a hive of AI minds drew her in much like the Ring called to Isildur. She speaks of off the record conversations the serendipitous coffee meetings... doors that do not open over Zoom. It is a fair point. Even my own council meetings in Rivendell benefited from being face to face though I admit Elrond did have a tendency to drone on. 'I connected with someone over SEO,' she says. SEO eh? Sounds like elvish runes to me. But she found a new role and a new path!

Ambition vs. Roots: A Balancing Act Worthy of a Balrog Fight

San Francisco offered a glittering prize a chance to lead the charge at Daydream (a curious name for an AI startup reminds me of the Ents a bit). But Los Angeles...ah Los Angeles her Shire. Family friends a personal finance business called 'Doing Well.' She splits herself between these two realms a feat of endurance worthy of a Balrog fight! It is a noble endeavor to not forsake one's roots for the lure of ambition or to 'have your cake and eat it too' as they say in the West. Though I must warn her such juggling can lead to weariness. Even wizards need their rest! It is no light matter to live out of a suitcase.

Short Term Discomfort Long Term Growth: 'Fly You Fools!'... and Then Fly Again

The early days were fraught with peril much like the Mines of Moria. Crying in Ubers? Solo dinners at the office? Living in less than savory neighborhoods to save coin? She weathered these storms this Janet Lee. A true Gryffindor. She even foots the bill for these flights a cost of around $450 per week. It is a steep price but as I have often said 'All that is gold does not glitter not all those who wander are lost.' She embraced the discomfort saw it as a sign of growth. That is the spirit of a true adventurer! I would be careful about saying "prove" I'm building my skills as I see it as a way to continuously add to them rather than a means to prove them.

From Chaos to Momentum: A Wizard's Guide to Juggling Multiple Projects (and Cities)

Affirmations she says. Reminding herself why she endures this madness. A wise move. Even I Gandalf have muttered a few spells to keep my spirits up during long journeys. A year in and the pieces fall into place. Deeper relationships forged success in her role connection to her Los Angeles life. It is not merely chaos but momentum! A feeling akin to riding Shadowfax into battle. It requires discipline to stay on the correct path. She mentions 'showing up again and again' even if it means flying five hours. Indeed perseverance is key just as it was in our quest to destroy the One Ring. Even an Istari can learn from this young woman.

The Journey's End? Nay Just a New Beginning!

And so the tale of Janet Lee the supercommuter continues. From the Shire to Mordor this quest has only just begun. It is a reminder that the greatest adventures often lie beyond our comfort zones between two cities and perhaps in the skies above. May her journey be filled with light laughter and perhaps a good cup of tea. For as I always say 'Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.'