Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Something That Needs Saying



This is just a quick note to thank you for your prayers, kind words, suggestions, and other things that have given my spirits a boost. If I were a king and had knighthoods to pass out, I'd dub all of you.

A few of you have even gone so far as to offer me physical sustenance of one sort or another. Whether it was money, groceries, gift certificates, leads in finding actual paying work, or any other offer of help, please know that you have touched my heart. I think I've spoken, via e-mail or telephone, to everyone who made such a gesture, but if I somehow missed getting in touch with you personally, I want to be sure you know how much I love you, which is a lot.

(For those wondering - I've refused all offers concerning gifts, for now, but if this thing drags on for many months, I'll gladly step up to your cyber doorstep and ring the bell looking to see if the handouts are still available. I've sent some small help to other people here and there, so it's nice to know that bread cast upon the waters does, indeed, return.)

Bottom Line: You folks are swell, and I'm glad I've made your acquaintance.


Other Bottom Line: I've been blessed in life. For all of the jobs I've held - and that runs way into double figures - this is only the second time I've ever been asked to leave. And it's the first time it happened without my having had any inkling that my departure was imminent. That it happened so suddenly, in the job I held the longest in my life, still has me walking around with my brow knitted for most of the day. Unless things get so desperate that I have no other choice, I will not put myself in such a position again. I have no desire to put all my eggs in a basket that I don't own. So, while I'm trying to cobble together part-time paychecks with enough free-lance opportunities to avoid ever again being in a position where my income can be decimated by one other person's decisions, I beg your indulgence. I find my days somewhat more cluttered and disorganized for the time being, and this has cut down on my ability to cruise blogs. I'm not getting over to your places as often as I would like. I apologize for that. I know you understand, but I want you to be sure it's nothing personal. Once I get my act together, I'll be around more often.

That's enough for now, I suppose. Again, I love you. Please keep me in your prayers. You're all in mine.

Soon, with more better stuff.


39 comments:

Lil said...

We all love you to Suldog. And are rooting for you. You are my favourite smartass evah.

stephen Hayes said...

This sort of thing can be a real ego bruiser. I know; I was fired many times before taking the route you're embarking on to keep my fate in my own hands. Becoming self employed was one of the best decisions I ever made, especially considering I have a slight problem with authority. Take care.

Jackie said...

You are a king...a child of The King.
Sending you and your Dear Wife much love and warmest hugs,
Jackie

Tabor said...

You have created an extended family in blogdom...I am a new member here and still finding my place. But you certainly deserve the support and I am glad that you have it. Hoping you move into a more active part of your life soon. Everyone deserves fair and honest work...EVERYONE.

OldAFSarge said...

Brother, you take care of your business and don't fret none about the rest of us. We'll be patient and will still be praying for you and yours. You'll be out and about the blogosphere soon enough.

And oh yeah, I love you too. (In a very masculine, non-creepy kind of way, of course.)

Maggie May said...

Hoping that you get fixed up really soon.
Glad everyone is rallying round with offers. Be assured of prayers into the situation.
Maggie x

Nuts in May

Craig said...

". . .it's the first time it happened without my having had any inkling that my departure was imminent."

Well, God bless you for that, my friend. . .

I've been laid off twice, both times without a clue as to what was about to happen. The first time was when 1F was 6 months old, and I had a closing date on a new house. In one of the more astounding (maybe astoundingly stupid, but I'll leave that to others to decide) acts of faith in my young life, I closed on the house in the morning and signed up for unemployment in the afternoon of the same day. I ended up being called back three months later, having caught up on my entire reading list.

The second time, I knew the company was having financial troubles, but never imagined that one of the costs they would cut was going to be my salary/benefits. That time, I had no illusions of getting called back. I also had six kids, which was the source of some anxiety on my part. But I basically connected with what would ultimately become my next job within two weeks, and was back to work in six (and still wished I'd taken a couple more).

Of course, I miss seeing your smiling electrons as much as I'd become habituated to, but you know, I understand. Besides, I figure you'll be back around in the fullness of time. . .

And just for the sake of saying so, you have never left my prayers. . .

messymimi said...

Praying the best for you soon, in whatever form that happens to be.

Please, concentrate on the groceries first, blog visits later.

Buck said...

As noted elsewhere -- we love you, too. Take good care of YOU; the rest of us are fine.

Daryl said...

you know Cody and Slim would love to have you working with them .. alas as mere characters in videos they can't pay much ... but they both along with their alter egos told me to tell you how much they are rooting for you

(Not your) Uncle Skip said...

You have been standing in my corner for the past month.
The only way I know to tell you how much it is appreciated is to tell you that GS and I are both in your corner.
But maybe you already knew that?

Karen said...

Take care, Jim. xoxo

Pearl said...

What can we say? We love ya, Sul!

Pearl

Hilary said...

We love you too, Jim. You're always in my best thoughts and I hope you find a path(s) which makes you happy, very soon. And of course we understand limited blog visits.. don't even give that another thought. Big hugs to you.

IT (aka Ivan Toblog) said...

I got fired once... I think
We all signed a bunch of papers one day
I never went back to work there

I was laid off once, too
But that was because if I worked one more shift they would have had to let me join the union and become a permanent employee
Neither the union or the company wanted that

Post when you can
Visit when you're able
You are obviously much loved here in Blogland

Chris said...

You're a great man, Jim, and things will turn around soon I'm sure. And please, do let me and Theresa know if there's any small way we can help you along the journey. I've seen you go far out of your way for others, so it's only right that others have your back also. You're kind of a modern day George Bailey . . .

Kat said...

Of course, continued prayers and good wishes coming your way.

lime said...

believe me i know the walking around dumbfounded bit of what you're going through so whatever time you need to get organized and figure out next steps is just fine. likewise if you decide you need a day to vent your spleen and pour out some vitriol regarding your lot feel free to do so in an email. i must say you have a far better track record than i do. i've had six paycheck earning jobs in my life and i have been asked to leave 3 of them. two i had no inkling of what was coming. although my average would make me a helluva good batter if it translated.

you are loved and you are in my prayers. you are talented and resourceful and i am sure you will find something suitable. hugs to you and YOUR WIFE, who i also adore greatly.

Lowandslow said...

From what I know about you, Jim, I'm guessing you're one of those hardy, land-on-your-feet kind of guys who take adversity and turn it into a positive....such as your plan to take your employment solo. I have confidence you can and will be successful at it. Best of luck my friend! :)

S

Rebecca said...

Hey Suldog - I was going to reach out to you on LinkedIn because I have some cool peeps in my network that might be able to help you out in your field (although you probably know all the cool peeps anyway! LOL) In any event, I found a person with your name who is in your field, oddly enough....but, I'm guessing can't be you. What are the chances of that?!?!

Rebecca said...

BTW, I hit enter too quickly. I gathered it wasn't you, because he is listed with his company for 11 years and is an adjunct professor - which I don't recall you ever mentioning. :)

JudisJems said...

Jim, you have such a good heart and are very talented, I have no doubt all will work out for you.
When I was last unemployed, I signed up for training in something called The Entrepreurial Training Program. The one I attended was run by Northern Essex Community College.
The instructor of that program recently emailed me that things are changing and the program will no longer run the way it did; they are meeting now to decide on the new format.
When I hear the details, I'll let you know - might be just what you need to help you along the path to starting something on your own.
All good thoughts, prayers, and hugs are coming your way.

JudisJems said...

That should have read "Entrepreneurial".

Absolut Ruiness said...

u ARE a king of sorts already! Have you ever heard of a king with a job?!...hail King Jim!!

Mariann Simms said...

I don't come around reading blogs very often, either...depression and stuff like that...but know that you are in my prayers and as much as I could ever help you in the future -- you have that help.

Jeni said...

Just remember, "This too shall pass." And, trust me, it does. Sometimes not near as quickly as we'd like but with your talents and our prayers or other forms of help (leads on jobs, recommendations and such) things will smooth over in a good way then for you. Keep the faith, baby.

Sueann said...

You are definitely in my prayers. It has to be so confusing. My husband went through this and we were both stunned for weeks. My hubby then started his own company and it worked out but tough!!!

Be well and good luck
Hugs
SUeAnn

Michelle H. said...

Of course you know we all have your back and are here to help when we can. Love you!

Lora said...

Checking in all the time hopeful to see a post that you've landed an awesome job!! You are in my thoughts and prayers, something great has got to be just around the corner for you.

Carolina said...

Be (or stay) positive Jim. You're going to be alright. I'm sure!

Every company I've ever worked and that I had to leave for one reason or another, went bankrupt. Sometimes it took some years, but still... After the 3rd one I started noticing a pattern, hehe. I guess cursing them really worked. Who knew?

Jackie said...

I, too, continue to check in...reading the wonderful comments of your friends.
It is so nice to know that you have the prayers, love, and support of many people.
I think that our blogging community is a tight group...and we are here for each other...through good times and bad times. It is uplifting to me to read each and every comment here. Continued prayers for you, Jim.
Hugs a bunch,
Jackie

Mike Z said...

Suldog,

I only know you through your posts, I try to comment every now and again. I am very sorry for your trouble. I enjoy your frankness, appreciate the thoughtfulness of your posting, share your love of sports, and, in general, think that the world is a better place because you are in it (and especially because you take the trouble to actively participate in it). I'll certainly be praying for a quick and satisfactory conclusion to your job search. Keep your chin up - a good man is hard to find.

Anonymous said...

I'll continue to pray for you. Believe me, I know how time-consuming it is applying for jobs while part-timing and freelancing it is. I'm only playing catch up here today because I'm working in the school library. (ssshhh!) You are so gifted...I know there's a great opportunity about to knock you down!

Babs said...

JIm,

I understand as best I can your troubles you're going through. I know what it's like and even though I can't offer you cash I'll say some prayers - as far as I'm concerned, they're much better.
You seem to me to be a clever guy anyways so I've no doubt you'll get on your feet when your legs stop wobbling. Perspective.

Take care
Babs

Shammickite said...

Nothing I can do to actually help, other than keep my fingers crossed and send you positive employment vibes. Isn't it wonderful to have friends who are looking out for you?

sandyshares said...

Nice to hear.I have a banana going bad in the kitchen..Seriously prayer is a biggee as you know.

Jenn Flynn-Shon said...

You absolutely are in my thoughts & I've been sending out happy vibes to you since I heard about the layoff in the first place my friend! It won't stop until I hear you're gainfully employed. I don't know where you're planning to pitch for freelancing but I have a few websites that were really helpful to me when I first started looking into it. If you've already got connections, etc. then that's awesome! If you're looking for somewhere to begin, shoot me a message & I'll get you the links. Don't want to presume :-) Hang in there because we all completely understand (hell I fell off the bloggyverse for a full month when my health crap came up & you all stuck around, and thank you btw!)

CiCi said...

Yes indeed, you being a person to share with others and to care about folks, you are certainly in a position to reap some rewards here on earth. I have been helped here and there and would certainly pass some of that on to you if you need it.

3GKnight said...

Glad to hear you have a plan. Almost sounds like you have a bit of entrepreneurial spirit in you. Good luck!