Sean Haggai: Help Is Always Just Around The Corner

If you weren’t aware, ChevyHardcore was handed off to me in early January of this year. Officially, this is my second editorial piece as the Captain. If you missed the first one, be sure to check out my whole story with my short history, here.

Moving on, when I was given the opportunity of possibly taking over ChevyHardcore I jumped at the chance. I knew it was going to be a long road ahead of me though. Once it was handed off, I’ve been passionately fighting my way to the top. This means late nights in the office and answering emails at nearly any time of the night. It’s become a necessary evil. To be honest, it’s been tough and at times I’ve felt overwhelmed and stressed out. However, all is not lost.

So far it’s been an uphill battle learning this new gig. Situations come at me and making a decision at a moments notice isn’t something you really get trained for. There is no employee manual for being an editor. You’re either cut out for the job or you crash and burn. Let’s just hope I don’t become involved with the latter. With my time on the print side I feel like I’ve got a mountain of content and ideas to contribute. Thankfully though, here at powerTV, I’m surrounded by a bright group of editorial-minded individuals who are just (if not more) passionate about photography, writing and wrenching as I am.

Maintaining this position has become a daunting task but I’m up to the challenge. I’m not only responsible for myself but the magazines edit and writers as well. I’ve had a ton of help along the way and had it not been for the patience of my fellow coworkers, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here drafting up this editorial in the captains chair right now. I’m not only appreciative but have learned a lot about myself and respect for others.

I’ve learned help is just around the corner. It’s a quick phone call, instant message, text or email away. It’s the way it should be, right? With everyone striving for a common goal, lending a hand to help someone else becomes a natural instinct.

I’ve finally learned to just ask if I need assistance. I’ve pushed my pride aside, thrown my hands up and said, “help!” My fellow coworkers are slowly becoming my support group. When staring at my computer isn’t accomplishing anything, I can rely on these people to head out the offices for a walk to grab some fresh air.

Aside from the new gig, there have been some other issues to deal with during my short time here. For some, any new job requires a change of geography. In my case, this meant moving from the bustling city of Los Angeles, California. To some extent, I miss the concrete and graffiti for sure. Besides, you can’t beat Southern California Mexican food, especially Mariscos (Mexican Seafood), which happens to populate nearly every corner plaza. However, my transition about 120 miles South to Temecula, California has been quite the experience. Talk about a change of scenery, whoa.

Living solo has its benefits and drawbacks for sure. With so much distance between family and friends, it means wrenching on my own stuff is done alone and without the occasional commentary from the smartass friend questioning your abilities to install parts. In some instances, this can be a blessing for someone constantly being distracted. However, it can become a constant headache when you’re trying to bleed the brakes on your truck as was the case for me one night in my garage.

What’s more, I’ve been fighting a consistent pin-hole leak in my aluminum radiator for weeks now. After finally getting around to applying some “stop-leak” into the radiator, it eventually plugged itself up. I did exactly what it was supposed to do.

Much like those drivers out there who eventually rely on their spare tire as a full-time replacement, I too, succumbed to rely on a band-aid solution for a major mechanical issue. Eventually, my luck ran out. Recently, I took the truck camping and the washed out road to the campgrounds irritated the hole just enough to spring a leak in the original spot, ouch. I was lucky enough, however, to have my friends right there next to me to help. So, what’s this all mean?

Plain and simple, the radiator will have to be removed and repaired.While my first instinct would be to completely stress out about the radiator, I’ve finally learned that I can rely on not only myself to assure that the parts go in correctly but my support group of coworkers as well because this no-car-having-grease monkey is going to need a ride to work…

Sean Haggai  // Editor – ChevyHardCore.com