Why?
I could go on and on about how I feel thrown under the bus by individuals who work in social media because it’s hot right now and not necessarily because they’ve been living in it for much of the last decade (and truly believe in it, as I have), or how I was blown away that I was let go due to issues clearly shared by other members of the team, but such details are neither professional nor are they conducive to moving forward. What is important is that I learn from this experience, better myself, and press on regardless.
First things first. Twitter.
To my former colleagues on Twitter, you are what makes that place great. You translate the ideas of those who would run social media (yet not actually participate) into tangible results. Ideas are hashed out and you are the ones who figure out how to build and implement them (and ensure it actually works). All the while, you demonstrate why the Twittersphere is exploding as rapidly as it is. Your blend of tech talk, real life (exploding Dr. Pepper), comedic gold (anti_anyone), and choice sarcastic remarks (“Drink a knife”) are the reason I am excited to say that, despite my leaving the organization, I can still keep in touch with you. That’s pretty damn cool. I wish you all the best for the future. Sincerely.
So my job hunt begins. Day 1.
This is pretty much the worst possible time in about a decade to be looking for work, but I’m up at a decent hour, I’ve had an overpriced smoke (thank you Arizona tax-and-spend politicians), and have just about wrapped up a Dr. Pepper. It’s the breakfast of champions! Rather than be banal about every mundane aspect of unemployed life, I’m going to start this process by getting my house in order.
While I start with the basics of a wide angle search of the market – for an opportunity about which I am passionate or something otherwise appealing – I’m going to make sure the house is cleaned up (including the garage). There are things you can control and things you can’t. I can ensure that my environment is sound and conducive to sanity during this stressful time.
Press on regardless.
Two things about which I am truly passionate are motorsport/cars and social media. I am proud to be the type of person who is capable of seeing vehicles – stationary and otherwise – in ways that common sheep do not. The smell of race gas, dirt and burning rubber, the flash of multi-colored body panels passing by in a blur, sometimes several feet in the air, all set to a symphony of high octane exhaust notes, the staccato rev limiters, and screaming fans. If there’s a way to combine this all with social media, which has provided me with the privilege of meeting so many new, like-minded individuals around the world, and make just enough money to get the bills paid every month, I will find that opportunity to do so. And we will all work together to show the world that there is far more to the world of automobiles than bailouts, left turns, and hybrids.
So I press on regardless, as any would be rallyista/wheelman/gearhead worth his salt does. All I have to do is stay ahead of sweep and I’ll finish. I don’t care what my time might be for this stage. I just want to cross that finish line under my own power and get to service for a fresh start on Ouninphja. There’s big air in my future. I know it.