Recess in the Recession: Day One

I suspected the boom was about to lower, and my suspicions were confirmed yesterday afternoon at an "all hands on deck" meeting at my former employer's corporate office. Business has been eroding for almost two years in the construction industry, and it was time for drastic measures. Starting Wednesday, we were told, positions across the company -- from Charlotte to Baltimore -- would be eliminated.

Although I had 12 years under my belt -- operating in a variety of capacities -- a recent realignment in my work group planted seeds weeks ago that my job might be in jeopardy.

I was in the office at 7:15 this morning, and in a conference room with my most recent boss and an HR staffer by 7:20. At 7:41, I was in the car driving home. It was odd having 30 minutes without being able to call my wife; my Blackberry was left in the hands of the HR team.

The good news is that because it was so early, I didn't actually have to break down in front of many people. It was a surprisingly emotional experience, walking away from an organization where I had learned so much, taught so much and connected so deeply with so many.

I got home and hung out over the dining room table with Nikole, while Thea napped. We processed, read through my separation package, processed some more. She was furious at the company, nervous about our future. Talking certainly helped us both.

The other slice of good news is that sticking around for 12 years turned into a reasonable separation package, which means that for at least the first part of 2009 we don't have to worry about joining the rest of Foreclosure Nation, losing our health insurance or putting food on the table. It also means I get to take some time to work through my next steps, and ponder the next chapter in my "Choose Your Own Adventure" career path.

The rest of the day has looked like this:

• Email a contact at Media General about a training and leadership development role that was recently posted at their corporate office here in Richmond.
• Go to the AT&T store to get a cell phone. Nikole convinced me that I should get an iPhone. She almost convinced herself to get one, too.
• Take Thea to get her first flu shot at Westbury Pharmacy, where they come in mercury-free flavors. Nikole got one, as well.
• Put Thea down for a nap -- a three-hour nap, it turns out.
• Email my resume to my network of friends and former colleagues, then listen to my iPhone ping every 15 seconds as the emails come sailing in.
• Make a note to contact RVANews about some writing opportunities.
• Talk to Richmond Magazine about the possibility of writing a regular column, as well as some full-length features.
• Talk to a handful of friends who called to check in with me.
• Eat lunch.

I'm sure I'm going to totally freak out at some point in the next few weeks, but I have a slew of meetings already scheduled to network, talk about career paths, brainstorm next steps and connect with friends. Plus, I get to finally paint the house and spend quality time with Nikole and Thea.

In the meantime, if you're looking for someone to facilitate your next meeting, coach your boss or write for your publication, give me a shout.

Comments

[Carey Phillips]

John,
I was right behind you on Wednesday. I am encouraged to read your comments and excited for your future. You are so ready for the next thing! Enjoy your time with Thea and Nikole! Please keep in touch. All the best~ Carey

[Kelly]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Life is such a freakin ride huh? I will be praying for answers for you...and peace. I am sure you will be OK and something will present itself. I know that sounds trite now...but I just feel certain that you will be Ok. I'm smart...ask Nikole. LOL
You probably will freak out...but at least you know that.
And dude... I WISH I could get someone to coach my boss!!!!!! I have 2 that could use some coaching but no way to facilitate this into reality for both of us.

Hang in there John. It'll be OK. Positive thoughts from Cali!!

[erin taylor]

sorry to hear, John - good luck with your next career adventure...it sounds like you have a lot lined up and i hope things will work out soon for you.

[Nina]

I'm really sorry. It must be hard. Recession is hitting Sweden as well. At my husbands job (Sony Ericsson) they had to let many go, he was one of the ones that stayed fortunately.

I know it probably isn't the time, but I told Nikole before that you all are always welcome to Sweden (yea yea I know "of all places").

Enjoy your iPhone :) and your newfound time with your fabulous wife and sweet daughter. And of course good luck with finding a new job.