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.