As I now touch on the topic again, it is to tell you that the last re-hire did not work out. Not for me, nor for the company who hired me.
Wrong timing, we all agreed. Time to move on. It’s ok.
Hindsight has 20/20 vision. I probably shouldn’t have jumped headfirst into another relationship within the same month that I got out of an old one. On the other hand, we didn’t marry and we didn’t have any kids – thus the breakup was quite clean and amicable. So you know, it won’t be awkward seeing us together again at that cocktail party. On the contrary; it will be good sporting fun. Shift happens. We’re both mature enough to deal with that. Just don’t let us share the cab home – who knows what could happen. ;)
I am really greatful that I got to know a bunch of very talented and brilliant people during my short stint. I’d say that alone made it worth the experience.
Alas, as of now I am a free agent, taking time to enjoy life and to enjoy the good conversation with new and old friends.
As always, I’m looking for great new conversations – so do not hesitate to get in touch. I know you have some great stories to share!
Friends, from the first of March I have a new job (in the inner city of Cologne, and all). Due to acutely fortunate circumstances I have been hired, effective immediately.
I’ve been fortunate to join people interactive GmbH and I’m very appreciative and thankful for the outreach and concern they gratiously showed immediately after me being downsized. This new found opportunity will enable the customers that I was previously working closely with to remain in contact (yes, you guys – this means you won’t get rid of me! I will still be there for you) and I will be able to continue with global strategy development and previous long term commitments. I am thrilled to share my experience with – and learn a lot more from – this highly accomplished and award winning company.
I’d like to take this moment offer my heartfelt thanks to everybody showing your love and support in the interim. I’m very humbled. Many thanks to the other companies showing their sincere interest in my soul skills, knowledge and experience – you all know who you are. I’m very grateful and humbled by your attention and most generous offers. You guys all rock my world!
I’m pretty stoked about my new colleagues and the new opportunities. The future’s so bright I need a second pair of shades.
Friends, from now on there will be no head of digital at the medieval castle (dungeon, moat and all). Due to acute financial circumstances I have been let go, effective immediately.
Hey – Shift happens!
It came as no surprise to me that my [now former] employer, facing the current situation, had to take immediate drastic measures. I may not agree on the measures taken, but that is not of importance and it is not my problem anymore.
I understand. It’s just business. In their position I would more than likely have had to make the same desicions myself. Like Scott McNealy I consider myself a capitalist, and I think he said it better than I could in his recent mail departing from Sun;
[…]I love the market economy and capitalism more than I love my company[..]
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my former employer for believing in me all these years, for the vast experience I was allowed to gain in their employment, for being given a free hand to develop new business and being fortunate to get to know so many interesting and wonderful people in the course of my service. I wish them all the best for the future and I know they have the potential to come out on top.
To my former customers, I have to say I’m really going to miss you guys. (Albeit, there’s much truth to the old saying that you meet everybody at least twice in life. So stay tuned. Who knows – Maybe we’ll meet again sooner than later.) So long and thanks for all the good times and amazing projects we were able to pull off together. I wish you guys great success – I know you truly deserve it.
Perhaps the guys I’m going to miss the most are my colleagues; the team. Heck, we’ve seen each other more than our families through the years. No matter the challenge, you always came through. I humbly salute you for it; You guys are rock stars! The company needs you more than ever so hang in there. Give’em hell, boys!
I’m incredibly grateful for all the supportive mails and calls from friends, ex-colleagues, former customers, former partners and peers I have been receiving. I truly appreciate your kindness and sincerity. You guys rock my world!
I’d also like to thank the companies that have already expressed an interest – You know who you are. You guys are like magically super-connected to the grapevine. Wow. Thanks! Much appreciated and very humbling. Let’s talk soon. :)
For now, I guess I’m a free agent taking some time to take stock and re-assess my professional life. Like someone much greater than myself that I truly respect and admire was recently quoted (to again paraphrase coarsely), I’m now taking some time to visit old friends, taste the snow and listen to the grass grow (if the darn snow would just go away) for a while.
If you’d like to get in touch, you’ll find a large number of ways to interface on the ‘about’ page. Don’t hesitate to send me a mail, call or connect. I’m accessible.
What’s your take? Have you ever been let go? How did you cope with it? How did it feel? Please do share – As always, I really appreciate your story.
