A few weeks ago, I came in to work and everything seemed a bit strange. Work was getting shelved that was recently important and my urgent request emails weren't being returned. My director went in for a meeting with our manager and then when he came out, I was asked to come in. It hit me what this was on my way to the office.
I had been let go and so had my director. The company had been really trying to pull itself out of a quagmire of issues and with the economy doing a nose dive, it was the last straw. The investors were ordering downsizing and the people who were going to stay were going to have to make some sacrifices as well. In my manager's defense, it was an emotional thing for him to do, and we all liked working with each other. There was just no getting around it. I left the office, talked to my director a bit, grabbed a few things and headed home on the 4 train.
On the train was a usual mid day subway peddler. Usually they hold up a sandwich, tell you they are helping the needy and ask for some change. Sometimes it's some lame kid who obviously just needs to buy some smokes. This time it was a very soft spoken man with a drum. When the doors closed and we took off. He said something like "none of this is important, don't take life too serious" and then he played a nice version of "what a wonderful world this can be" with his drum. It helped. It helped me get over the shock of what just happened.
By the time I got off the train and walking to my apartment, I realized that I wasn't panicked as I thought I should be. Lots of people are getting the cold end of a business stick right now, this wasn't personal, I was liked by the people who I answered to (and worked with) and my work was valued.
For some reason, I have been keeping this slightly under wraps to the public at large. Not really sure why except that it sucks to be the "dead man walking" in every conversation about how I am doing. But, here I am. I'm unemployed and living in the most expensive city to live in, in the United States. Awesome.
I have a few months before things get desperate, I am debt free so, things could be a lot worse. I've scaled back my going out for now and things will be fine (for now). If things aren't fine later then I will deal with it then. The urge to travel and work abroad again is still there so my plan C isn't so bad. This is an opportunity to do something new and that's never a bad thing. Some days it can get to me but for the most part I have been facing this with a pretty decent attitude.
I've been a bit distant with most people lately, online and in the real world. I have just been trying to stay focused and getting a lot accomplished in a very short time. Hosting issues, updating my portfolio, some personal business in Oklahoma, and my son turning twelve last week. The regular Beau programming will be back soon.
Wish me luck.
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Thanks Dave, that means a lot.
Beau,
Don't fret brother! Someone with your qualifications can always find work in the fast food or house cleaning industries. Maybe the Airforce would take you back. There is still that don't ask don't tell policy you know.
Seriously. Keep your head up. You're the most creative person I know. Your situation will get better because you'll make it happen. It all boils down to that.