Moment of thought...
Moment of thought...
Laid off
On April 1st 2009 I was called into my bosses office, while this happened many times before, I thought this was just a bit different. As I entered the room he closed the door behind me. Normally this means that someone is being fired, or I pissed someone off (like the time I asked a co worker if he was looking at porn because the internet was slow, that warranted a closed door conversation.) ** he probably was looking at porn** As the conversation went on my boss said at this time we are going to have to lay you off. I was just a bit shocked but at the same time understanding this economy has shown us that no one is immune anymore.
5 years
You see a couple of weeks ago I was in Austin, Texas attending a conference called South by Southwest (SXSW). Somewhere during the conference I made a comment under my breath, saying to myself “I could do so much more if I wasn’t working this job.” Well forward to April 1st as I’m told “your being laid off” this resonated with me. It’s been almost 5 years of me working for this company. Starting in one position as a contractor and then being in the right place at the right time when the previous Network Administrator quit right after getting his Christmas bonus check.
Small Company
This job was my first working for a small company smaller than 50 people. I usually have worked for companies that employ 2000 or more people. While working for a small or large company has its up and downs I won’t bore you with that debate, and Yes it would be a debate.
Where am I now?
So the question is where am I at this time? I’ve got a couple of weeks pay coming. Another drawback of a small company is no hefty severance packages. The last time I was laid off I walked away with $20K, and one time before that I walked away with $96K. That is the difference in small and large companies. “See I told you a debate” I digress.
What’s my next plan?
Well I have a technology blog which has been around for almost 2 years TheBlackTechReport. During this down time it’s critical that I get some direction and push forward. I don’t make any money with the blog but I love teaching people about technology. This idea was milled over for 1 year, and then I launched it to try and bring relevant technical information to people of color in a non technical way. Over time I realized that it didn’t matter if I was talking to African American’s or American Indians so the premise has been changed to people of any color needing to learn more about technology.
Conclusion
So my outlook is pretty good and upbeat, I have some fear, but I’m hoping to work through that. I look at what I was doing as a Network Administrator and I now look at the possibilities which are endless. I’m currently in the middle of planning for my tech blog, then redesign. After that I have a new site I’m going to be working on. If you’re a blackberry user you will love this new site. Stay Tuned…
Thanks for taking the time,
Jayson Flint
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
WOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Wow, great update Jayson – thanks for filling us in on whats been going on and your future plans. I’m pretty interested in what Blackberry goodies you have coming our way. In the mean time, I know you are going to be doing great at anything you put your hands on.
Jayson,
Thanks for sharing your Laid off story. I had the same thing happen to me but over the phone since I’m a remote consultant. I’m watching my company (BearingPoint) get carved to pieces and along with that, a lot of good people are left on the street as collateral damage.
Like you said, I’ve been down this road before. So I started a blog to chronicle every day of the “job hunt” in hopes to help others that perhaps are not as prepared for the shocking news.
You know you have me by your side to pick you up…no worries cause all will work out for you…you told me that by the end of the year you wanted your own business and you would leave the company you were with…well things happened sooner than later and this may be a sign for you to get your grind on so you can start working for yourself. You are truly an awesome man and will get thru this with flyin colors…you need me you know where to find me….
Losing a job in this way is so hard, but you sound upbeat and ready for the next level. I’m excited to see what you will do with your web projects!
It’s going to work out. You have lots of talent. I am not worried! xoxo
One door closes in order for us to finally consider the door that was always open and God-given. Your attendance at SXSW was your flight school:)
Now fly like the JayMoney you are!
Jayson… thanks for the update. I love that you have it all in perspective. Times have changed and losing your job means something different than it used to. Perspective is key. You have put the situation in perspective and you’re quickly moving to take a different approach to your future. Kudos and good luck. SXSW was right on time for you.
First Barack Obama becomes President and then you get laid off. 2009 – a year of change.
Peace,
Leatrice