RIF Reading is NOT fundamental…
Well folks, in the old days, RIF meant Reading Is Fundamental. Now RIF means Reduction In Force, otherwise known as a layoff. Today I was RIF’d, and am now unemployed.
It’s very strange to me. This is the very first time I’ve ever been laid off, and the first time I’ll have ever collected unemployment. Not a fun feeling, but I’m going to look at it as a new beginning.
So, to all of you readers and such out there, I would appreciate a hand in any job leads you can send my way. I’ve been working with Notes and Domino for 8 years now, and I’m certified (CLP) in both Admin and Development on R4 and R5. I hadn’t gotten around to updating the certs to R6 yet, but I should have that out of the way in the next couple of weeks.
I’m looking for a job in either Downtown Chicago (the loop area) or in the South/Southwest suburbs of Chicago (i.e. Naperville, Lisle, Oakbrook etc.) I won’t be looking to relocate as I love the Chicago area too much, and I have a house that’s been in the family for over 50 years. I’m staying here, but I would gladly telecommute anywhere!
I’m really going to miss the people at my old job. They are some of the most talented, fun and wonderful overall people I have ever met. It brings me back to the old Lotusphere theme of The Essential Human Element. I will miss my friends and colleagues dearly.
Unfortunately the economy got the better of the company, and this was fairly inevitable. I’ve survived a ton of these RIF’s in the past 5 years working there, so I consider myself lucky. Add to that the gradual moving away from Lotus technologies at the company, and it really makes this seem like a blessing.
Anyway, if you have any need for an 8 year Lotus pro, with tech and management experience, who also writes occasional articles for Domino publications, and is a board member of the Chicago Lotus Notes User Group (Granite) then leave me a comment with your email. We need to talk 🙂
Lastly, when I went in and did the paperwork, it was dark and gloomy outside. I finished up, ran around the building to say my goodbyes, and headed outside. The sun was shining brightly, and I realized that this is the first day of a great new life.
March 31, 2004 @ 6:11 pm
wow! this is one of those times, you don’t know whether to say bummer or congrats! cuz its both, in my experience. i’ve been laid off, um, at least three times. it always sucked, but then it always led to something better than where i was before.
if i was in chicago i’d be glad to try and help out, but me knows nothing about that fair city.
jedi goodness in your general direction.
March 31, 2004 @ 6:33 pm
Thanks man. Much appreciated. I’m glad it’s always worked out for you, and I’m sure it will for me too. Never a fun feeling though. Thanks for the words of encouragement and the jedi goodness
March 31, 2004 @ 8:37 pm
I know we talked about this last night, but I’ll echo the sentiments of jonvon. Although the Enron layoff was tough, it took me in directions that in hindsight were the best things I could have been doing.
I’ll keep my ears open.
April 1, 2004 @ 4:32 pm
Thanks tom. I got the info you sent, and I appreciate you keeping an eye out. Thanks.
April 1, 2004 @ 4:43 pm
Dude, sorry to hear that. Hopefully, it will work out well for you in the end.
Having switched jobs recently, I can tell you the job market still sucks, but it’s orders of magnitude better than it was a year or two ago.
Ultimately, good people succeed. But don’t forget – it never hurts to sacrifice a small, furry rodent to The Gods!
April 1, 2004 @ 9:41 pm
Hmmmm, Tom Duff is small and furry, but he’s not a rodent, he’s a stand up guy, although at his height you can’t really tell that he’s standing…
April 1, 2004 @ 10:30 pm
And if you sacrifice me, who will help entertain you at Lotusphere next year?