Post I shared on my blog today:
Well, it happened. Not unexpected, but still a bit of a shock to hear the words. I'm impacted by Sun's Reduction in Force. I've dodged the bullet many times before and figured I was living on borrowed time after the Oracle announcement. I'm mentally prepared. I suppose it's a lot how I might feel at the end of my life - scared of the unknown, but so very, very grateful for all that I've been blessed with during the years I lived. Oh... and a bit panicked about wanting to be sure I say goodbye to all the people I love!
For the past ten and a half years I've worked as an IT Manager at Sun Microsystems. I've loved the job. I've often said, I'd do this work even if I weren't getting paid for it... (guess now I'll have the chance!) A couple of years ago, I submitted a nomination to Computerworld for why Sun is the best place to work in IT. The last and most important reason was the people.
Saying Goodbye to all the friends I've worked with over these years is the hardest part of this day for me. Knowing that I'm connected to so many of them via social media sites like LinkedIn and FaceBook makes it much easier. Thank goodness for those many connections I've made over the years. Many of my colleagues have gone through this before me, and luckily, we had the foresight to connect via LinkedIn way before I knew what social networking even meant. Wouldn't it be great if we still had our connections even as we head to the afterlife? I can just imagine the Tweets I'd send from heaven: "Ran into Peter at the Pearly Gates" or "JC and I having a little wine and manna. Care to join?"
But I'm not headed there yet. Right now, I'm just heading out to whereever my life leads me. Whether that's a Social Media coach/consultant, a new job in IT, or an unemployed bum enjoying life, I don't know, but it will be a fun journey. There's a big world to explore. And thanks to Social Media, I don't have to say goodbye to my past. So to all my friends and connections, past, present, and future, I won't say Goodbye. Instead, as we say in IT, let me cyber-shout an enthusiastic:
Personal Email Address: yvette.francino@gmail.com
Blog: http://geekgal-yvette.blogspot.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/yvettefrancino
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/yvette.francino
Twitter: @yvettef
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Comments: 16
So you were laid off in the merger shake out?
Yeah... There will still be a lot more RIFs to come, though. At least now I can stop worrying and get on with my job search.
I wish you the best in your job search. I know with your attitude, enthusiasm, and skills you will do well. Keep us updated!
Thanks, David! For now my job is to read, learn, write, play, and enjoy life. I'm having a great first day at it!
I am glad to hear that you are enjoying your time off even if it was not of your own choosing. Of course this will also give you more time to go to all of your book signings once the LTDD book hits #1!
I'm so sorry to hear that, Yvette. I was laid off from my only "real" job after 27 years in 2002. I think I did go through the stages of grief. The good news is that I'm so much happier at my present job! Change, though difficult, can be a wonderful thing.
Hi Doug,
Yes, I've been in this profession for 27 years... only 10 of those at Sun, though. I've had a beautiful early morning run in the park and did have a sense of freedom and all I want to do. If only I had an endless supply of money! What is your job now? I doubt I can ever find I job I'll like more than Sun, but hopefully, I'll find one I like just as well.
Freedom in the early morning is a wonderful thing! In my previous job, I was a mainframe programmer, then a PC programmer. Due to a merger and downsizing, I was pushed into server support. In my current job, I'm back programming full time--mostly web development in .NET, but also some database and Win32 work. It's a small company that's free of secret politics and backstabbing. We're like a family, except that we like each other.
Sorry to hear it. Good luck on the next job.
Last June I got laid off from an AS/400 job I'd had for 15 years. I'm still looking.
Hey Nippy, So you're out here in the land of the unemployed, too, eh? At least I know I'm in good company! I've been learning a lot about social networking and there's some stuff about how you can use it for a job search. Are you on LinkedIn? Get on there and connect with me! I may start up a group here on FaceBook for unemployed people if there's not one already out here. I'm learning lots of great tips!
Bummer, Yvette.
My brother-in-law worked for Sun almost from it's beginning, and was buddies with the top guy. They even had him visit China to help set up Sun stuff there.
He was eventually 'downsized'.
I wish you all the luck in the world finding something new, and I hope it turns out to be something that you love doing.
Thanks Muggs! Right now I'm having fun and enjoying that it's summer. Sun gives a nice severance package so it will be awhile before I'm desperate. :)
Hopefully, you will never reach that particular state.
Been there before. Take care!
Thanks, KD!
You're welcome, Yvette. Looking for job when you don't have one is hard work. While you are busy looking for a new position, it really is important that you take good care of yourself both physically and emotionally.