Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Unemployment is imminent
I got laid off from my job today. After almost 9 years and many (many) rounds of layoffs during the first bubble, my number finally came up. Strangely, I am feeling a huge sense of relief right now.
After going to SXSW, I had already made the decision that I needed to either find a new job or make Profilactic my job. I even had offers for some great positions In Austin and Boston. However, I couldn't quite make myself take that crucial first step in either direction.
Today, however, I got a not-so-subtle nudge that I needed and it feels much different than I expected it would. Sure, I'm upset about not getting to work with the great group of friends that I've made over the past 9 years; however, I'm also energized about having more time to dedicate to something I am truly passionate about.
Of course, I think all of the support I've gotten from friends and family has helped a lot. I've answered at least 50 e-mails, Twitter direct messages or phone calls this evening from people wishing me well and encouraging me to take Profilactic to the next level.
My last day in the office is Friday. After that, I will be taking a couple of weeks off before diving in to the startup world with both feet.
I got laid off from my job today. After almost 9 years and many (many) rounds of layoffs during the first bubble, my number finally came up. Strangely, I am feeling a huge sense of relief right now.
After going to SXSW, I had already made the decision that I needed to either find a new job or make Profilactic my job. I even had offers for some great positions In Austin and Boston. However, I couldn't quite make myself take that crucial first step in either direction.
Today, however, I got a not-so-subtle nudge that I needed and it feels much different than I expected it would. Sure, I'm upset about not getting to work with the great group of friends that I've made over the past 9 years; however, I'm also energized about having more time to dedicate to something I am truly passionate about.
Of course, I think all of the support I've gotten from friends and family has helped a lot. I've answered at least 50 e-mails, Twitter direct messages or phone calls this evening from people wishing me well and encouraging me to take Profilactic to the next level.
My last day in the office is Friday. After that, I will be taking a couple of weeks off before diving in to the startup world with both feet.
¶ 10:35 PM 
Comments:
Man, there is no loyalty is there, you give a big chunk of your life to a company and then they show you the door, it could be the best ever thing that happened - not working for 'The Man' best of luck !
posted by 
the sidog : 4:09 AM
the sidog : 4:09 AM It all happen so fast. I wish you the best of luck in your new venture.. Like I have said before, "I know that you will be very successful at what ever you do". I hope that you see KY/IN as a great place to build your business.
Good luck and best wishes to you and your family.
Good luck and best wishes to you and your family.
posted by Techno Hamm : 6:52 AM
Techno Hamm : 6:52 AM Suckola, man! Good luck in the job hunt, career decision thing. It seems like this is more common in our industry (tech and journalism), so I think you have a great attitude regarding lasting this long. But it still sucks! I hope they're taking care of you a few months while you work out the next plan.
posted by 
Dave Zatz : 7:22 AM
Dave Zatz : 7:22 AM I'm fairly certain this means that congratulations are in order and you've cut that umbilical cord. But does this mean I won't be seeing you at Web 2.0? Thats a bummer
posted by J.J. Toothman : 3:18 PM
J.J. Toothman : 3:18 PM I can see you, sitting at the bar with your drink..."yeah, I used to work at CNET, tough racket."
Blake said it best, my friend:
"Your name is "you're wanting", and you can't play the man's game, you can't close them, and then tell your wife your troubles. 'Cause only one thing counts in this world - get them to sign on the line which is dotted. You hear me, you fornicating men of the homosexual preference?
You're too way good for the cubicle, hombre. Do your own thing and make it pay. You've known this, perhaps forever. Life just gave you a wake up call. Wake up and do it. Make a ton of money. Give me some of it.
Get them to sign on the line which is dotted.
I hope this helps.
That's it. That's my inspirational.
Blake said it best, my friend:
"Your name is "you're wanting", and you can't play the man's game, you can't close them, and then tell your wife your troubles. 'Cause only one thing counts in this world - get them to sign on the line which is dotted. You hear me, you fornicating men of the homosexual preference?
You're too way good for the cubicle, hombre. Do your own thing and make it pay. You've known this, perhaps forever. Life just gave you a wake up call. Wake up and do it. Make a ton of money. Give me some of it.
Get them to sign on the line which is dotted.
I hope this helps.
That's it. That's my inspirational.
posted by : 3:58 PM
: 3:58 PM Wow, how odd is it that quoting "Glengarry Glenross" came to my mind too. Smorty, I just heard from another employee, Travio, who suffered the same fate with you. And when he told me the list of those in the office that got the axe I was flabbergasted. It almost made me glad that they fired me last fall ;)
Best of luck to you, man! I'd say that we'll have to keep in touch but I know that we will. I'm sure I'll have some pressing CSS question for you at some point.
Best of luck to you, man! I'd say that we'll have to keep in touch but I know that we will. I'm sure I'll have some pressing CSS question for you at some point.
posted by NoShow : 6:45 PM
NoShow : 6:45 PM Hey sorry to be late to the game, I only just now saw the news on Yahoo about the layoffs.
Good luck, I know you'll land on your feet somewhere.
Good luck, I know you'll land on your feet somewhere.
posted by Rex : 4:21 PM
Rex : 4:21 PM This news is a drag, your response to the news inspirational.
Sorry and congrats.
While you're chilling out over the next few weeks getting your start-up pre-flight list in order, drop me a line for lunch downtown.
Good luck w/Profilactic.
Sorry and congrats.
While you're chilling out over the next few weeks getting your start-up pre-flight list in order, drop me a line for lunch downtown.
Good luck w/Profilactic.
posted by Paul : 6:45 PM
Paul : 6:45 PMPost a Comment
About Shawn Morton
Married father of 4, startup entrepreneur, social media specialist, consumer electronics enthusiast, hair metal aficionado. View complete bio.
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Best of luck to you SMorty. Was always great working with you. You were one of the people at TR who always made things fun. Hopefully we get to work together again in the future.