Looking ahead

Well, as of today I am officially unemployed and really, really looking for product management and marketing work. All leads gratefully received.

I’ll post about my last two days at work—the “exit interview” and my final conversations with my colleagues. You will be gobsmacked, but I shan’t be telling any porkies; I don’t make this stuff up, I just report it.

I went to the dentist, since my insurance ends next Sunday, and then went out to dinner with a friend. Then I came home, had a ritual mikvah, washed my hair, considered burning my clothes...and am now ready for whatever comes.

Walking in beauty

I dunno about you, but I believe the world needs a dose of beauty. So here’s some from one of my walks in the corporate campus behind my house.

You’re welcome.

Civil strife

Here it is, June of 2019 and we have 16 months before the next presidential election. Cadet Bone Spurs is going to use every minute of that time being increasingly petulant, offensive, blustering and incoherent, to the adulation of his followers. And he’s going to do it all on the taxpayers’ dime.

Just shoot me now.

Roses are red...

I came across this in an office park in Vienna and I thought it must have a story behind it.

What do you suppose it might be?

Gratitude Monday: playing to win

Short one today: I posted my employment status on both Twitter and Facebook last week. And I was humbled by the number of people who reached out to me with job leads and encouragement.

I’m also somewhat astonished at myself, because in talking with recruiters I not only was forthright about my capabilities (what I might have called boasting a year ago), I stuck to my guns when one of them said her client’s budget for a position tops out at $15K less than the lowest part of my range. In fact I immediately (but professionally) pointed out that they’re asking for a shedload of high-end capabilities, and the salary they’re thinking of (even with equity) doesn’t match their expectations.

A friend of mine—also job hunting—quoted from Crazy Rich Asians, and it’s quite the eye opener. There are two kinds of mahjongg players: those who play to win, and those who play not to lose. All my life I’ve been in the latter category, and especially in the last year and a half. It’s time to play to win. Ergo: stating confidently what I can do and what I’m worth.

Dunno how long it’ll last, but I’m giving it a good go. And that’s my gratitude for today.