After receiving the news on Monday, and after the initial shock, I finally updated my resume. Some at co plan on sticking out until the end. Not me. If I can help it, I am going to be out of here as fast as possible.
I hate, I repeat HATE looking for a new job. The entire process is long and tiresome. First off, I have to network with everyone I have ever worked with past and present, and forward my resume to as many people as I can think of with the off chance that their employer is hiring. Then I am stuck on craigslist, monster, and dice all day searching for jobs, writing cover letters for all those positions, and attaching my resume. Not that I’m a BS’er, but I am not a good salesman.
While sending my resume, I have to hope that someone calls me. If I do receive that call, I am then left hoping that I can score an interview. This means I have to send my suit to the dry cleaners, get a hair cut, and take time from work to go to that interview. Once at the interview, I have to make sure I remember the names and numbers of everyone I am to interview with, have enough copies of my resume, and be prepared to try and shoot the breeze with someone I have never met, and chances are I will never see them again.
If after multiple interviews with a variety of companies maybe one of them will seek to hire me. This is where the negotiations begin. I must know if the benefits are comparable to my current package, and the salary is a fair salary. If both are not met to my desire, I am back at square one. Also, there are also factors to consider when on the job search. Commute time cannot be longer, and I hope the job does not have more office hours.
Once hired to job, I then become the new guy. Everyone knows who you are, but you have no idea who anyone else is. The first few weeks are spent in a whirlwind trying to figure everyone’s names and job roles, the IT infrastructure, and the company culture.
I’ve been through this a few times in my life now, and I have a couple years before I hit thirty. I don’t despise work, in fact I enjoy it, but I am like most others, and get used to my job, and my company. The comfort zone set in a long time ago.
Most here have seemed to reach the resigned stage of grief. We all believe that everything will be all right. With each month, there will be fewer and fewer people here. I was asked to stay until the end, but again, I can’t take that risk if I can help it. Thankfully, I am left with plenty of time to try and find the right fit for me.
Now that things are quiet, I am wondering if I should brush up on my technical skills. I was thinking about learning SQL during the downtime. I am not a programmer by trade, but if I want to get a job working as an admin, it seems that SQL knowledge is a must. I will be in the city in about a month for SMS training. That will be a nice respite from the office.
This is something I have never experienced before. For the time being, I am going to use this medium as a way of venting about the job situation. Also, I am finding it increasingly difficult to put the same amount of pride and effort into my job.
Arrogant New Englander 