Stillwater knows this is good luck that just seems bad right now
I sent an email out to many of you at the end of the day yesterday, for those I missed … I was fired from my job. The only regret I have is that I should have remained at my previous job. Although there was frustration on my part with lack of upward mobility at the bank, it was a perfectly fine job with a manager that respected and appreciated my efforts.
In many ways, the firing is a huge relief, my job did a complete 180 suddenly a couple months ago and really left me with a horrible situation – a manager with no one to manage suddenly becomes a developer coding in an effectively dead language (it’s like Latin, but no one speaks in Visual Fox Pro in church) that he’s never used 3 months ago. Ergo, an effectively junior level developer making manager salary… guess how it ended up.
I’ve had a slew of small jobs come into my inbox from the friends and family I sent my “hey, I don’t want to tell this story a million times” email. Once again, I’m reminded of how great my friends really are. But one friend whom I wrote about not too long ago, Kate reminded me of a part of Zen Shorts, a great little book she recommended for me and my kids…
“There was once an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day, his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. ‘Such bad luck,’ they said sympathetically. ‘Maybe,’ the farmer replied. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it tow other wild horses. ‘Such good luck!’ the neighbors exclaimed. ‘Maybe,’ replied the farmer.”
My Mom did something hilarious/infuriating last night. I called her while she was driving the kids back to my place and I told her I was fired and mom repeated out loud in front of the kids “YOU GOT FIRED?!!!”
Awesome. Haha. Well, I talked to Van and Viv when they got in and explained to them that this is a good thing and I actually mentioned the farmer story from Zen Shorts and how this is good luck that just seems bad right now.
So I am looking towards doing more of what I love and teaching my children that this change is a GOOD change for their Daddy who had been having trouble sleeping and just generally unhappy. And if you know of someone looking for a bad ass web/database developer that is on a mission, here’s my resume and here’s my email address.
- My Little Dildo Pony – thanks Mel
- Daily BJ – thanks Mel
- Dan & naD – a palindromatic sketch
- Sneezing in SloMo – thanks Justin
- Getting High with the God of Thunder
April 21st, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I strongly believe that leaving or losing a job is never a bad thing. As someone very wise once told me (a life coach, shut up), if you will just open your fist, you never know what will be placed in your palm. Here’s to all that is ahead.
(And yes, that sounds dirty but I swear that this one time I meant it to be spiritual and Zen and whatnot).
Jessica Ashley (Sassafrass) last blog post..37
April 21st, 2009 at 12:11 pm
No matter how this may change your professional life, I’m glad to notice you feel relieved an unacceptable situation came to an end Van.
You’re a pro with lots of connections: let’s hope you will soon find a job that won’t stop you from sleeping, but will provide a real opportunity to feel good about your professional achievements.
Peter last blog post..Shocker: Belgium to block sites listing sex offenders
April 21st, 2009 at 12:15 pm
This has happened to me. I think you know that.
And, it was the best thing that ever happened.
I have to have lunch with a woman who’s psychopathic ex-husband sued me and her son (also a psychopath) manipulated me in some cruel ways. I told D that, even though irrational, I resented her for their actions.
He said, “you should thank her.”
HEY!! You have time to read my books now!! (dancing) Wanna host me during my blog tour next month?
On a limb with Claudia last blog post..Simply Kind Tuesdays : Week 25 : What you give out, comes back to you.
April 21st, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Doh! Sorry to hear, bro. I’ll keep my fingers crossed and my ears open for you.
Kelley last blog post..I Hate You, Nordstrom.
April 21st, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Oh gosh I don’t even know what a ‘web/database developer ‘ is, bad ass or otherwise. It sounds as if you have a great handle on the situation, there are few things worse than being chained to a job that you loathe, it can be completely soul destroying. Seems as if the door is wide open for you. I’ll speak to Mike tonight and see if he can tell me what that job title means in little layperson terms.
Best wishes
Maddy last blog post..Try tackling it Tuesday
April 21st, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Dude that SUCKS.
I know it will turn out for the better but having to go through the crap of finding another job when it isn’t on your own terms is a load.
Hang in there and if I hear of anything where you could remote or whatever I will be sure to send it your way.
H
Houston last blog post..Warning! Geeky Cartoon Stuff Ahead
April 21st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I know that something good will come out of this. Everyone I’ve ever known who has been laid-off or fired (including me) has found something better in the end.
Geeky Tai-Tai last blog post..Hall and Oates
April 21st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
As a fellow unemployed cubicle dweller, I raise a glass to you, sir. You have the right attitude: it may not seem like a good thing, but the world is still wide open… And I’m enjoying a little extra time with my loved ones until I return to the rat race; I hope you get to enjoy some time with yours
April 21st, 2009 at 12:55 pm
i’m still sorry for the frustration and difficulty you’ve had to weather. but i am so encouraged to see the attitude you are taking into this next chapter. have i mentioned lately that you rock?
April 21st, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I don’t know what to say, except I am honored that I helped in some small way. In this world timing of things certainly is strange, right? (I’ll never forget reading your words when I really needed them “Life grades on a curve.”) Serendipity, maybe, or not exactly, but I’ll take it as it comes – you would too, I’d imagine. I can’t wait to hear the end of this part of your story and the beginning of the new chapter. peace, patience, hope, my friend. Baltimore is always here, hahaha
By the way – I f@#%ing hated Latin. – K
April 21st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
It would be awesome if this was the push that started your own venture under your own terms.
I never thought there’d be a day when I would utter, “Thank god they used midgets.”
Franki last blog post..Cat Got Ur Tongue?
April 21st, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Hopefully a bigger better opportunity is awaiting!
April 21st, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Sorry to hear the news. I will keep an ear out. Quick question in reference to the resume – any relation to Ogie?
April 21st, 2009 at 2:55 pm
That’s a good story – I hope that the wild horses come your way, my friend.
Marty last blog post..A bit of creativity
April 21st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
That farmer story is my FAVORITE story ever!
I am thinking good thoughts for you!
tori last blog post..Maya
April 21st, 2009 at 4:01 pm
You’re in my thoughts man… and I’m totally pimping you out to anyone I hear who says they need a website.
Tink last blog post..Weekly Words Challenge 81!
April 21st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I’m sorry. the day I need a website, you’re my man.
Jazz last blog post..The Mind Boggles
April 21st, 2009 at 6:35 pm
damn.
I think you’re the smartiest
I can barely turn a computer on
April 21st, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Wow, sorry to hear that. Will it make being neighbors awkward? Wish I had some wise words for you, but it seems you have a good attitude…something will come your way. Keep looking for the horses…
Carolyn last blog post..Greetings from Providence
April 21st, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Wow Van, that’s some news. I feel confident that you will find a better situation. Because really, fuck those assholes.
i sent the My Little Dildo Pony to my daughter to traumatize her for life. Thanks for that.
meno last blog post..Time Travel
April 21st, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Damn, my thoughts will be with you but you seem to have a good handle on this situation. I have a feeling something even better is coming your way.
April 21st, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Ooh, Punky, for crap.
Your Zen is showing through, though–having the effect of calming down all of us who want to be angry and defensive on your part.
This ending must lead to something better.
Jocelyn last blog post..
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
sounds like it might be a good thing — if you were miserable, still kind of scary, but i bet you totally kick ass and come out on top of this whole thing….
Madge last blog post..This Scares Me
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:03 am
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April 23rd, 2009 at 2:15 am
I hit rock-bottom a few years back and somehow, when you have nothing left to lose, you find the courage to do what you were too safe to do before. I know you’ll get there Van but in the meanwhile, much love from Belgium.
April 29th, 2009 at 2:02 am
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