Worst. Friday. EVER.
So when I walked into work Friday morning, I had no idea that I’d soon have the afternoon off, as Zillow laid off 25% of its staff. You can read all about it here. It was shocking news, after so many meetings where they told us that things were good, everything was OK. Apparently they saw which way the wind was blowing and wanted to preemptively make cuts before things got REALLY bad. So I’m feeling a little down that my skills didn’t warrant surviving layoffs — apparently they were looking to the other devs that had far more scripting/programming experience. I knew that I wasn’t quite at that level, but now I have proof-positive, I suppose.
But there’s no use dwelling, other than to use it as a learning experience and go forward. I already have my resume updated in the all the usual places and have applied for 3 new positions. Otherwise, it’s business as usual and keeping my head up. It’s a bummer, though — I hate interviewing, and, when I get a new job, I hate that low man on the totem pole/learning a new job period. It’s funny — I was thinking on Thursday about how much I’d learned already and how I was just starting to feel comfortable and — gasp! — even slightly knowledgeable at my job. Time to start over.
In other news, I had been feeling like I wanted to take up an instrument and play music again, so Friday I started back down that road. Rather than go back to the clarinet or saxophone, my previous experiences, I decided to do something completely different. So I found a super-cheap used mandolin that I’m now in the process of teaching myself! I’ll take some pictures when I have new strings on it (the E-strings got snapped in transit, it seems). I can already play a scale verrrrry slooooowly. Someday — a song!
October 19th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
April, I feel so sorry for you. All those hopes and dreams of a new life in the promised land and it turns out that Seattle has the same problems as the rest of the country. You are tough and independent, I know that you will make a better opportunity come out of this but it doesn’t mean that a Dad can’t feel sorry for his first born. I only wish that you were closer so that we could help or give some moral support—-but I guess that is part of the reason you moved across country.
Love you
October 21st, 2008 at 11:18 am
Sorry for losing your job. They always say “Things are okay” or “Don’t worry about losing your job” because they don’t want people to start jumping ship. They’re looking out for themselves, but in the process, screwing over those unfortunate enough to get laid off because those people could have started the job search earlier and avoided the unemployment gap… Good luck on finding a new job!
October 21st, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Oh April- I’m very sorry to hear this news. I’m confident another opportunity awaits you in Seattle very soon. I know you’ve probably heard all the generic “it will be OK” stuff by now, but… it will.
Best of luck in the search.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 am
Shoot.
Man, I hate this economy. Traditional agencies here in WI have been cutting back, too. You, rock, April, and I’m excited to hear about your next opportunity. Hug the cutie for me (and your gorgeous daughter, too).
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Thanks for all the comments everyone — it really means a lot! I’m busy fielding opportunities from recruiters and following up on jobs I’ve applied for — LOTS of phone interviews in the next few days. So hopefully something will shake loose soon! Keep your fingers crossed!
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 am
Arggg …. this wasn’t supposed to happen to you … you’re one of the good guys! Well, you likely won’t be the last to wave bye-bye to Zillow so don’t feel too dejected. New career opportunities await …. and I’m not ruling out the mandolin as one of ‘em. Best and keep in touch.