Well, Now I Got Time!

I have been wanting to start this blog for sometime now. Problem is, I've been "too busy" to really give this any attention.

Well, as of 4/17 at about 10 am in the morning, I suddenly found myself with much more time on my hands. I was part of a group of people that was laid off. After a morning of shock, an afternoon of panic and a sleepless night of dozing off to bad TV only to be woken up periodically when the commercial came on or the ending credits sounded, I have come to one conclusion... It happens.

I've been through it before and it sucks. This time though I think I'm more emotionally prepared (of course I say that now). There is still the challenge of feeling embarrassed, anxious and just down right frightened. Those are tough emotions to deal with. I'd have to say that my first inclination is to minimize those feelings and walk around like everything is cool and that I'm not a nervous wreck. So I've said to hell with it... I'm just going to be honest.

Now, that's not to say if you ask me, "How's it going?" I'm going to break down bawling... I'm just going to be open about it. It sucks! I'm nervous as all hell and I have to force myself to find ways to keep my sanity... like writing in this blog.

I understand that in this culture, it can be a bit awkward when someone tells you bad news about himself, so I've put together a list of good responses.

What to say to some who's been laid off:


"I'm sorry to hear that!" If you have had a similar experience in being laid off, share your empathy as it does help. "I know how hard it is, I was laid off once..."
Close with, "if I hear of any openings, I'll let you know!"  While most often these offers go unfulfilled the sentiment is greatly appreciated.  BUT, if you do hear of an opening PLEASE LET ME KNOW :).  And if you have a friend of a friend that you think would be a great person to connect with, also a very welcomed offer.

Tueday (the day I got laid off) was not all bad...

While I was frantically scanning the online job boards, my 6 year old daughter tapped me on the arm and asked, "Daddy, will you play go fish with me?" My first reaction was to tell her that I was busy and that "daddy" was under a lot of stress...

Who would have thought that being beaten repeatedly by a girl who has to lay her cards out behind the ottoman because she can't hold them would bring me so much needed happiness!

Here's to an uncertain yet hopeful future!