So the last few months were very interesting regarding my job and family life. Back in early August I got the worst phone call I ever received. My absentee boss in Arizona called me bright and early Monday morning on his mobile to let me know my position was eliminated and I was terminated from my company. I was totally taken off guard. It wasn't like the work was slowing down or that I had any inkling this was coming. Also, his cell phone cut off twice while we were talking. And then he had to call me back because he had to go fire somebody else. I have never felt more unappreciated and expendable in my life. I didn't even get 30 minutes with this asshole. The last thing I asked is "was this performance based?" He said no, it was just business and he heard from several sources that my work was top notch. He asked me not to call anyone from my office or risk my severance package. He said he would contact all the necessary people and let them know the situation. I found out later my division director (not my immediate boss, corporate structures are complicated) had no idea this was happening, nor did any of my former friends and managers in Austin. In fact, when my old boss in Austin heard about it he personally called me to apologize. I was sitting in my home office with my heart in my throat and my wife on the floor in shock. My 2nd son drew a picture for me that day. We were trying to put on a brave face for him but he could tell something was really wrong.
The next thing I had to do was go to the Austin office to drop off my computer, badge and other office items. I was in no hurry so we went to lunch first. During this time I ended up getting my old job back in the Austin office. My friends really came through for me. They made my termination in to a lateral transition and even managed to give me a small raise in the process. I will never forget that. They didn't deserve what came next at all.
So now I am back working in Austin every day. Working with my friends on a project where I am really adding value is great. The 80 mile commute every day is no-so-great. I run 5 miles every other day so now I have to get and run before dawn on those days. Its a drag running with a flashlight. We also have a high critter factor on the ranch. Most days I see 2-3 skunks on my run. Its only a matter of time before I don't see one first.
Anyway back to work. About a week in to the new-old position I get a call from a partner saying they heard about what happened and they may have an opportunity for me. Now, I am still very angry about the termination went down so I say "sure, I am open." So when I get the call from this companies CEO I feel pretty valuable.
So after a few more days and 2 more meetings they send me an offer. Its a good one too. I talk to some friends and family and all say that I should take it so on the next Monday I hand my Austin boss (and friend) my 2 week notice. Now it is their turn to be shocked. He feels I betrayed him and if I was that unhappy with my position why did I ask for it 3 weeks ago? The truth is I like the job and the people but I hate the commute. They cannot fix that. It was my choice to live in BFE. If I didn't have the former job that allowed me to work from home I wouldn't have complained at all. But I had the perfect job for me and my family and I worked my ass off every day to keep it.
All for naught because the bosses boss didn't know the value I was adding.
Seems they only recognized it when I threatened to leave.
I didn't post this until almost a year after the event. Turns out I did not take the offer from the other company and I got my original position back. I still wish it never happened of course and it cost me my "safety net" of the old position back in Austin but it proved to me that it really isn't an option anyway. I love what I do and deeply appreciate the opportunity to work from home. It has made a huge difference in my life and the lives of my wife and kids. Truth is I work harder here than I ever did in the field. It would be a dream come true to have this position for the rest of my career. There are parts of this post that I initially did not want to share but it seems to me that I need to post it so I do not forget how this situation unfolded.
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