If you can read this, I either know you in person, or I trust you despite the fact we’ve never exchanged face mail. I may open this to more people later, but right now, I’m feeling the need for a modicum of discretion.
[Edit: 4/9/2006 – it’s been over a year, so I’m opening this post to just a flist lock.]
For those of you who didn’t know, I telecommute out of Atlanta for my day job, and have since 2001–a generous arrangement by my company of employment. However, it’s also a tenuous one. I fill out a yearly “remote worker” application which may be refused, necessitating that I either return back to where my company’s home office is (in the Midwest), or terminate from the company.
I just had my 2005 remote worker application refused. I’m not moving, so I’ll be unemployed starting March.
I’ve known this was a possibility for the last year, as my company has been re-evaluating it’s remote worker policy since the .com crash. Matthew and I have been saving, and I’ve been braced for this; I’m not freaked out or depressed by the news. But I have been with this company for nearly eleven years. There’s definitely anxiety at the prospect of losing my decade-plus meal ticket. My supervisor is talking to other folks in the company to see about finding me a local position after March. If something comes up, I’ll take it, but I’m not excited at the prospect.
What I’d really like to do is take this opportunity to switch career paths. I’ve worked in IT for a decade, and I’ve never found it to be a particularly rewarding occupation. If I can, I’d like to try to switch to writing and publishing, since, as anyone who knows me or reads my blog knows, that’s where my passion really lies.
It doesn’t help that I’m terribly unhealthy and need medical benefits, though.
The future is less secure than it was. But I’m okay.
wow. good luck, sweetheart.
but 11 years with one company? that ought to make you all the more desireable to another employer. I hope it shouldn’t be too hard finding something else.
[*crosses fingers for you*]
Thanks. The economy is healthier than it was, which bodes better than it could. It’s just that I’m not sure if I want to look for a replacement job for the one I had. But I certainly can’t make a living writing . . . yet (if ever).
It’s a crossroads it is. Gleep.
*HUGS*
Thanks. I’m okay, really. *twitch*
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeah… I’m sure you’re just peachy. You’ll get by though. I have faith. 😉
It’ll work out. How? It’s a mystery . . .
oooooooooohh! Spooky!
Oh dear. Even if you’re prepared for it, that’s no fun. Then again, looking at how rapidly you’ve been selling stories lately, maybe it’s time you plunged full-steam into the publishing world. Whether it’s a push from the Cosmos or not, though, that kind of step is scary as hell.
I’m glad you’re okay with it. Good luck.
Scary, definitely. Although if I had to get kicked in the rear by the cosmos, I really couldn’t have asked for a nicer kicking application. But yeah, a boot in the bum isn’t nice no matter what. I’ve got a couple weeks to either put together my resume or decide to screw my determination in and get cracking on that novel. Or something . . .
Wow. I am so sorry about that! 🙁
I’m impressed that you’re so prepared and calm about it all though- good for you. And, like everyone ahead of me already said, maybe this a nudge in the “write full-time” direction?
Thanks. I was pretty freaked out about this time last year when the first “they’re not renewing remote workers anymore” signs trickled down. But I’ve had a long time to get used to the idea. Mostly I’m just relieved to have the final word on it so I can move on.
Not much to add, except to my sympathies–no matter how prepared you might be, I know this can’t be easy–and my best wishes. That said, there’s little doubt in my mind that you can make things work (even more than you already have) with the writing. 🙂
I realize that your writing, at least to date, is 100% fiction, with nothing to do with RPGs. If you decide you want to give the RPGs a try, though, let me know, and I’ll put you in contact with some people.
Thanks! I’m evaluating what my options are regarding generating more income with the writing, so you may very well hear from me about RPG-writing before too long.
Hmm, let me know if there’s anything I can do. I have some contacts in the field. You might want to consider writing a children’s book. I know through a fair amount of editors and agents that I can recommend.
Thanks. I actually have written a children’s book that’s making the rounds. I’m thinking I might want to seriously begin looking for an agent for it now.
You may want to consider. Barry’s very good and cares about his clients (and has made some great sales!).
I’ve been there. You have my sympathy and understanding.
My first assumption would be that after 11 years you’ll probably be eligible for a pretty good severance package, so this will be a pretty soft landing, right?
Will you and Matthew both try to find new jobs? And Hobkin, for that matter?
Let me know if I can help in any way, of course.
Thanks.
I haven’t talked to my HR rep. yet, but yeah, I’m hoping for a cushy severance package.
And yeah, there will be a Job Search commencing, although I’m now examining what, if any, options I have at making a living in the writing/publishing industry.
I myself am working really hard to transition into technical writing. Is that the sort of thing you might find interesting?
I’d certainly take it if someone offered me a technical writing position, but if I had my druthers, I’d find something in the SF/F publishing industry. ‘Course, the best case scenario would be for me to sell a novel for a six-figure advance, but since I haven’t actually finished a novel yet . . .
Those would be my druthers, too. But for now, I’m being practical.
Oh, crap…
This sucks, Eugie. I’m so very sorry! I know how much you valued the security that job offered you.
Please, please let me know if there’s anything I can do. In the meantime, good luck!
Thanks, Brit. I’m okay, really I am. We’ve been planning for this possibility for a while. But I do appreciate the support and sympathy.
Unemployment sucks!
I know you’ve hinted at this problem before, but to have it become a reality is still difficult. I have my fingers crossed. You have drive and stamina and talent and these will take you far. I’m sure a writing gig will surface. It must.
Re: Unemployment sucks!
I certainly hope so. I’ve started scouring the online resume watering holes. I’m tenuously optimistic.