I've never been a frequent poster on this forum, generally preferring to read other people's posts, but have made a few in the last year talking about job dissatisfaction and searching for my next move. A few months ago, I finally felt like I had found a good place. The office is located right where I want to be, the culture is very focused on producing value rather than solely getting paid, the culture is flexible and friendly, etc. I've even been to a few happy hours with the entire company and had several conversations about ways we could collaborate. And I've really enjoyed the vibe at these times; primarily highly enthusiastic, engaged, friendly people*.
When I started to feel really intrigued by this company, I reached out to the president telling her that I was interested. She very enthusiastically scheduled a time for us to talk on the phone, and see what we could make happen. It was a great conversation, talking about interesting potential projects and opportunities. The current challenge, and reason I haven't moved yet, is that I'm a researcher and the company doesn't have an existing research division. I'd be starting one, and we have to take some time to lay the groundwork for success. Great, fine, yeah, I'm in. This is both an exciting opportunity for me, and a sign that she will engage to help make sure things go smoothly for other people there**.
Here's where things get really fun for me. Since the company doesn't have a research division, and the president doesn't have a research background, she doesn't really know what researchers do or what to ask for. She didn't know how to write a job description for me, and asked me to do her a "favor" and write one myself (Favor for her, or opportunity for me? Both!). I loved it! I couldn't believe that I had the chance to tell a company what I want to do for a living, instead of the other way around. I have the chance to lay the groundwork for doing a job that I find deeply satisfying every day. Hell, yes.
Oh, and of course I wrote two job descriptions. One for where things stand now (Me acting as a fairly independent researcher), and another for when we've brought in more research work than I can do and somebody needs to take the role of director for the division.
*Primarily because, well, no place is 100% and this is no exception.
**This has been one of my major complaints at my current job. Nobody engages with anybody else on anything. Hence I'm really, really looking for it in my job search.