I was going to wait to post this until an official announcment was made to my colleagues, but as usual our leaders are mum about big decisions, so here goes… I found out two weeks ago that I will be laid off from my job on June 30! This is not as bad as it seems.
The real losers in this story are my colleagues and my self-esteem. My career will probably turn out to be the winner. In retrospect, a change was clearly in order. As much as I like what I do at PPFA (and love how I am compensated for it), there are limits to what you can acheive when the decision-makers don’t think your work is all that important.
A great illustration of the problem with my job is the fact that other organizations value my wisdom enough to pay me to lead workshops and presentations, but I couldn’t even get on the agenda at our own conference. Something is wrong with this picture.
So, what’s next for me? Professionally, I have a number of options, and right now I am wide open to the possibilites. I may go back to the nonprofit consulting that I did for 3 years before I had this job, but doing a lot more than web development this time. I may consult for political campaigns to help them be more network-centric, if I can stomach working with mainstream Democrats. I might just get another job, I’ve applied for two so far. Or I might do something else that I haven’t thought of yet. Can I get paid for blogging and speaking at conferences? 😉
Lest I sound bitter about my job, let me say how incredibly fortunate I have been to work for PPFA these past 26 months. I learned a ton about the national political arena, I helped make possible tons of progressive, state-based, political advocacy, and I also had the chance to prove myself and my ideas. I was especially lucky to have a great boss who understood my strengths and weaknessess, was always supportive and constructive, and who really stood up for me in a sometimes-unfriendly workplace.
Next week I will post the good news.
The photo on this post is a mural on the wall of El Centro Latino in Carrboro.
Well, though this may be a crisotunity rather than just a crisis, let me just say: arse. I’m sorry to hear you’re being laid off. And happy birthday!
looking forward to hearing the good news.
i think i may know the other news, deduced by your delicous bookmarks? 🙂
D’oh! You are a swift detective, Corey. I’m busted.
But I still know something you don’t know. 🙂 All will be revealed by next weekend.
wow!!!
Chapel Hill’s barefoot, pregnant and newly elected Councilmember Sinreich steps forward to be sworn in?
Will, you are on crack. Off-base in several ways.
Don’t make shit up, people will get all excited.
Just throwing out the most crazy outrageous idea I could…kind of like betting on a 500 to 1 horse named “Wrong Way Jones”…if I’m even close I’ll be celebrated, if not, no one will remember. My “crackless” guess is you’re taking a pivotal role in Edwards ’08 ;-)!
BTW, Brian will do great. To quote a famous television show “it’s easier for a civilized man to act like a barbarian than a barbarian to act civilized”.
Sorry to hear about that, Ruby. I hope and trust everything will turn out fine in the end.
Sorry to hear about the layoff, but glad you have other opportunities, and I am excited to hear your good news!!!
Does WillR know more about you than I
do?Grandma Ruth
Good question! I think WillR needs to lay off the heavy drugs or learn some manners.