"Summer vacation" is my euphemism of choice for the fact that as of this Friday, I am unemployed. The start-up I work for is closing its doors, a complicated casualty of the recession and the banking system (a few of the grisly details are over here).
My bosses have been in negotiations with their landlord for over two weeks (after attempting for nine months to enter into talks), during which time everything has been up in the air and nobody has been allowed to discuss the situation, with clients or the community. For a Taurus like me, the indecision has been utter hell; I have to admit to a certain grim relief at knowing for sure when and how we're closing, and being able to discuss it freely. At the same time I'm also feeling really sad - for my bosses, for the community who used our services, and for myself and fellow staff. I've worked in the same place since before we opened our doors two and a half years ago, watched the company grow and change, becoming a hub for the Portland tech community, until today, when we're - paradoxically - busier than ever AND about to close. It really feels like the end of an era, and it's an era I would have wished to end on a much happier note.
As for myself, I'm trying to look at this as an opportunity. Hopefully, with a period of unemployment ahead of me I can focus on publicity, submissions, and commission work for Family Trunk Project. I've been thinking for a long time about starting to teach design classes, and this seems like the right time to start working seriously on putting together a syllabus and contacting local yarn shops. Trunk shows and similar events - things I haven't had time to think about until now - are also on the horizon. I'll be looking for other, part-time work in addition, but hopefully unemployment benefits will give me a bit of breathing room on that score. Despite my anxiety, I know I have a wonderful support system. I'm sure things will work out.
It just sucks, you know? It sucks that something worthwhile (that had, incidentally, just turned profitable) has to end because of a corporation's unwillingness to negotiate reasonably. It sucks that a bank that accepted bailout money from the federal government would refuse to grant any leeway to other victims of the recession. Stuff like this happens all the time, but it still sucks. There are a lot of heartbroken people in Portland tonight.
Emily, I hear you loud and clear. I too am one to see the bright side of things and wonder how things will work in my favour and see changes as 'opportunities' yada yada yada. But I also love to acknowledge that when something I disagree with happens - especially when I really think it shouldn't - it sucks. I think there's a certain power in acknowledging the suck factor and just expressing it. It doesn't negate the positives to express this. I think it's great to express it.
So I hear you loud and clear. It sucks. Best of luck to you and all who are bummed about the closure. I hope goodness comes to all of you.
Very much with you on all your last paragraph in particular. What a shame and a waste!
But very glad it can perhaps turn into something positive for you, personally. I'm sure your talents will be grabbed with both hands once it is known that you are available to teach etc.
I'm sorry to hear this news, and yeah, it really does make you wonder what the hell was the point of the bank bailout.
Glad you're trying to see this as an opportunity though�if I lived in Portland I would totally take any class you'd teach!
Oh crap, I'm so sorry that you are losing your job. I really hope things work out in your favor. I'll be cheering you on!
I'm so sorry, Emily. I will be sending good thoughts your way.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. (Because that's what it is, dammit.) Best wishes to everyone affected by this.
If there's anything I can do for you, let me know. I'm (almost) always willing to test knit and/or tech edit for free. (I'm still new at the tech editing, but it's so fun and challenging!) Also, I've been a knitting instructor for several years now, and would be glad to give you any help with that if you need it. ^_^
Vraiment je tombe de haut! et je comprends ta d�ception car je sais � quel point tu aimais travailler � CubeSpace, et ton amertume devant le syst�me, car on a vraiment besoin d'un tel endroit. Mais je sais que tu sauras rebondir, et souffle un peu!