I think the reason I have been able to accept that I know the reasons, and I know why my position was chosen. I worked in New Business Development, which was half Mergers and Acquisitions and half on launching new product platforms. Since October-November, my employer, like all others is saving cash, which cuts down on M&A activity, so half my job was gone then. The other part - new platforms and alliances - has been going well, but the timeline to realize revenue on both these activities takes a long time. So when times are tough and cuts have to happen, companies cut the activities which are not producing revenue today. If I was in my boss's position, I would have cut my job, too.
So in terms of a mourning period, it has been basically zilch. I saw this coming and I understand why it happened, which makes focusing on a new job that much easier. I hold no ill will or bitterness to the company or my division, which is why I would be willing to work here again, should another opportunity come up. In fact, I have been focusing most of my efforts internally. For the next 45 days (or till May 15th), I am still an employee, with full rights and benefits, but with no job responsibilities. It is a nice thing my employer does; the remove all work related responsibilities when your job is eliminated - all save one - finding a new job. They let me keep my office, phone, computer, etc, and provide outsource assistance. The whole process has been very fair and pleasant, plus, I have had great support and assistance from coworkers, friends, my boss and the VP. I have been going into work every day, keeping normal hours. I have been treating this like a job and networking like crazy. My schedule most days is as busy as it was when I had a job. So in this regard, all is well.
My first priority is exploring options for work internally. I still think it is a good company and for the next month or so, I am still an insider who can take advantage of opportunities there and maybe find something I like. Now that that network is in place, it is time to start working on the outside world. I recognized about two years ago that my career development had gotten stale. I was very happy and lucky to get the job I had last year and I would not have traded it even if I knew how high this risk of getting let go would have been. I felt very fortunate to have that job, which I got because a former boss was hiring me for the position. He knew that I could do the job even if my resume might not show it. When I got the job, I was very happy but felt very fortunate, as I don't think I could have gotten the job without his help. My career needed a kick in the pants, and this job did it. Now, it is up to me to do that myself.
The real tough question to answer is do I want a New Job or Something New; I have thought about starting my own business; maybe this is the time to do it? I have no real responsibilities. Should I be using this time to pursue those options? Or, is it time for me to move? I came to Minnesota for a job, but it has grown on me and I have a lot of friends here. I never expected to be here this long, and if this had happened in November, no way I would be considering staying here. If I was to move, I am not sure where I would go. I have always thought I would move back East, but what about San Fran and the West Coast? I have connections there, too.
It is both a blessing and curse to have the world of options open to you. I am not complaining, mind you. I like the freedom I have, but it is tough to narrow down what you would do next and where, when you have nothing really holding you back. It is equally fun, exciting, frightening, and perplexing all at the same time.
Anyway, I'll try to post more updates on what I am doing, but thank you all for the calls, messages, and kind words of support. They have helped tremendously. I have had one interview internally, and one informational/screening interview externally. I am feeling good and I seem to be keeping the positive mojo going. I'll continue to post as things develop, but for all of you who have helped with either contacts, calls, texts or messages (too many to count), thanks very much! Tis' appreciated.
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