So…where were we?

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted. It wasn’t for lack of desire, but rather a dramatic shortfall in emotional and mental resources. In short, I’ve been going through it. Fortunately, there is a happy ending. Several, in fact. More happy endings than Return of the King. Spoiler alert.

A few weeks ago, out of the blue, my employment was put into jeopardy, and not in the nicest way. You may not believe there are nice ways to learn you might not have a job in the near future, but let me assure you – it could have gone better.

Simultaneously, my doctor thought I might have colon cancer. My routine colonoscopy uncovered something untoward and a biopsy was inconclusive. Worst case, I was looking at surgery, a week in the hospital, another week of bed rest, and oh, by the way, I might be losing my job and healthcare.

Fun this was not. Frozen in panic would be a good way to describe my state of mind. But then I did something I never do.

I called in the reserves.

I got my family and friends up to speed, so they could help me brainstorm and stay focused. Simply having them say “I got your back” was a tremendous help. I built a case for the worst-case scenario and decided I could live with it, if it came to that. And then I started working the phones.

Within 48 hours, I had my first interview at a consulting firm. That job didn’t work out, but within a week I had two more interviews lined up, both with companies on my A-list of places to work, one of which was founded by a VP and director from one of my former employers, and staffed with a number of former colleagues.

If I could choose my employer, rather than vice versa, the three places where I interviewed would easily make the top five. I’ve been watching openings at two of them for years. In the meantime, I asked colleagues to help me prep for interviews and kept working the phones, letting people know I was on the market. It was gratifying to learn how many people were excited about my availability and willing to suggest opportunities for me and recommend me to their firms.

So, where are we now?

Happy Ending preview: The temperature at work cooled quickly, but the bed had been shat and I still didn’t feel secure. The dice were already rolling and I decided to see how they came up.

Actual Happy Ending 1: After only three weeks on the market, I was offered a job at one of my top choices and yes, I accepted. I’ll be working with my former colleagues and couldn’t be happier. We circled around a job offer a couple of years ago, but I wasn’t sure it was the right fit at the time. I feel fortunate and blessed that this opportunity was here for me now in my hour of need, and apparently, it was a very close call between me and other strong candidates. I have skills and I’m a good guy, but this confluence of events was pure dumb luck, and I am so grateful. I’m not exaggerating when I say this has never happened to me before.  I hope I never need another of these Hallmark movie endings.

Happy Ending 2: My CT scan came back completely clear. My follow-up colonoscopy still found some questionable elements, but the second biopsy was more conclusive. No cancer, no pre-cancer. My doctor still wants to keep eyeballs on the clump of cells he didn’t like, but if anything arises, we should catch it at the pre-cancer stage, which sounds like a good time to catch it.

Happy Ending 3: My last day at my former job was last Friday. I start my new gig Monday. Fait accompli.

Happy Ending sidebar: Last week, as I wrapped things up at my former job, I started telling vendors and select clients that I was leaving. When I told one of our key tech vendors that Friday would be my last day, he audibly gasped, which was more response than I got from my team, tbh. Tech guy said he knew how much work it took to keep the trains running and that I made it look easy and seamless. He also said that no one on my side understood the level of detail and attention my job needs, and how much juggling I do, but he did, and he wanted to me to know that he recognized that. Other vendors and clients have made similar comments.

After a stressful few months followed by a shitty few weeks, I appreciated hearing that – from former colleagues, prospective employers, clients, and vendors. It buoyed my spirits when I needed it.

What’s next?

I also used the last two weeks to think about other areas of my life I’d like to reboot. This last month+ hasn’t been remotely pleasant – in fact, it’s been stressful, unhealthy, and exhausting – but I’m embracing it as a necessary kick in the pants. I’m starting a new chapter tomorrow, and looking at other new starts, as well – financial, creative, health and self-care, mental balance, and more. I’m looking forward to getting back to it.

I wish I hadn’t had to go through this upheaval, but as they say: never let a good crisis go to waste.

I’ll be posting more regularly in the weeks ahead. Onward!