tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post3730024507237750173..comments2024-03-28T16:44:45.252-07:00Comments on The Forty-Five: Hammerfall 2.0: The Day Of Long KnivesToirdhealbheach Beucailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-66305311344141664432023-04-05T16:48:11.861-07:002023-04-05T16:48:11.861-07:00Thank you Becki.
I am doing...okay. I have bouts...Thank you Becki.<br /><br />I am doing...okay. I have bouts of wild abandon at the opportunities and disturbing darkness at the fact of the impending darkness. While it was expected, nothing really makes it less painful than it is.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-4027715119014801092023-04-05T07:49:53.757-07:002023-04-05T07:49:53.757-07:00Reading this a few days late, I hope you're st...Reading this a few days late, I hope you're still doing as well as this post sounds you are, TB. I know you've anticipated this for some time, I wonder if that makes such news easier or harder? Not that that probably matters now. Prayers up as you finish your job there, and move on to what is next, handling the myriad emotions and thoughts such a transition surely encompasses. Beckihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16940604077427078249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-90580892349757904742023-04-01T17:12:40.776-07:002023-04-01T17:12:40.776-07:00Dixie - Thank you. If you ask the people who know...Dixie - Thank you. If you ask the people who know me best, they would (inevitably) tell you I sell myself short and I lack self confidence. So you are right on target.<br /><br />Productive really matters. That is something one misses with a great many office and desk jobs: we "create" electrons instead of anything real. There is something to working with one's hands and having a created a physical "thing", be it a garden or a house, which leaves one satisfied at the end of the day that nothing else can. I am certainly keeping my options open at the moment.<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by!Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-53349753842220516172023-04-01T17:09:43.940-07:002023-04-01T17:09:43.940-07:00Ed, we writers may be a horrible bunch after all. ...Ed, we writers may be a horrible bunch after all. Even in the midst of tragedy, we are already thinking about what we are going to write...Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-43864248526075026632023-04-01T14:26:19.363-07:002023-04-01T14:26:19.363-07:00Take my dear old Mum's tried and true admoniti...Take my dear old Mum's tried and true admonition: Don't sell yourself short. You have skills and knowledge that someone needs. You might find something else you really enjoy. <br /><br />A few years ago, my lawyer cousin semi retired and spent a lot of time fixing up a summer home in a nearby mountain town. He became well known in the local hardware/lumber store and the owner (having no idea he was a practising lawyer) offered him a job. My cousin was flattered and kind of wistful that he couldn't accept. He still thinks it is something he'd like to do - no high pressure to produce 'billable hours'. Instead, helping people that do manual labour building or fixing things of value and then going home feeling he's done something productive. And not having to be available via email 24/7.<br />DixieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-43252781888964059052023-04-01T05:35:20.299-07:002023-04-01T05:35:20.299-07:00...very first thought when I heard it was happenin......very first thought when I heard it was happening was "What is the title for this post going to be?"<br /><br />I have thought that same thought many times over the years!Edhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13214319366049620074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-33292058700107076372023-03-31T16:00:44.533-07:002023-03-31T16:00:44.533-07:00Thanks STxAR. I am doing my best.Thanks STxAR. I am doing my best.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-3969548643694795922023-03-31T15:59:08.643-07:002023-03-31T15:59:08.643-07:00KA - Great to hear from you, even under such unfor...KA - Great to hear from you, even under such unfortunate circumstances!<br /><br />The breakdown you are referring has been told to me as well, although I have not been in the meetings. The reality that no-one can say is that is not good and it is not going to end well. Even now, management is acting as if we are simply going to carry on. The reality is that those leaving are looking to their own future and those remaining - they, too, will likely look to their own future. What remains now to hold them there?<br /><br />The position while employed is indeed usually easier. Best of luck to us all.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-66308538237764276692023-03-31T15:55:36.720-07:002023-03-31T15:55:36.720-07:00Thank you. In a way, everything that has happened...Thank you. In a way, everything that has happened before prepared us for this (as it usually does). I am sure God's door will open - in His time.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-66321301442243165682023-03-31T15:54:03.174-07:002023-03-31T15:54:03.174-07:00It is funny how literally one day everything can b...It is funny how literally one day everything can be "normal", and the next day everything is not at all the same. It is odd, honestly, to hear those who are remaining trying to plan as if everything was still as it was. It is like a war happened and everyone is acting as if nothing had happened.<br /><br />I often struggle with underestimating my abilities and skills, so the reminder is a good one. Fortunately, I have plenty of folks who keep reminding of such things. And yes, swords arising from soggy spots would be most welcome.<br /><br />We had a similar problem: acted like we were a much larger, well funded company while not being that. It was built on easy funding, which was true five years ago but not so much now. I am sure I am not the only one in my cohort that will be facing this. <br /><br />Thanks so much for your kind comments.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-38004967128889750442023-03-31T15:35:51.390-07:002023-03-31T15:35:51.390-07:00Glen - Your experiences in these matters have actu...Glen - Your experiences in these matters have actually given me both confidence and a sort of road map to follow. To be completely honest, I am loathe to just "jump right back in" to applying - after 25 years in this field I am tired of a great many things of it. To your point, most of my "things" I want I already have. The time is the thing.<br /><br />While not quite a Hammerfall to me (reference, of course to Jerry Pournelle and Larry Niven's book of the name), it has been to a lot of people. Entire departments have almost been wiped out and the few people left will have to work under the stress of less individuals to do the work and trying to pick up the pieces. My predication is this will change how they look at employment a great deal.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-58569189252298033672023-03-31T15:04:52.298-07:002023-03-31T15:04:52.298-07:00Sorry to hear this news TB. It is happening in Au...Sorry to hear this news TB. It is happening in Australia too. It's pretty much confirmed as global from my perspective. <br /><br />I survived yet another department-wide restructure 18 months ago. The dust from that has not even started to settle and its happening again. <br /><br />I have watched as my mentors were overwhelmed, and reduced to tears in meetings. Men in their late 50's & early 60's. . . Senior project managers with decades of experience, who are delivering three-and-five year, multi-million dollar construction projects have had their major projects transferred to another agency with only months to completion. <br /><br />The constant restructuring shenanigans I have come to expect and find mostly amusing and predictable. But to watch these seasoned men reduced to tears in meetings - I've never seen this in my life before. <br /><br />The same senior executives who assured us that our projects were fine, and no changes were going to happen for the last eight months are now assuring us there will definitely be no job losses . . . <br /><br />I'm amazed they can keep a straight face. I'm updating my CV and jumping ship as soon as I can. I've always found it easier to find a better position while still employed. <br /><br />So much has happened the last few years, I've often joked that we survivors are the "stainless steel rats" of Harry Harrison's kids books. <br /><br /><br />Best wishes to all,<br /><br />KA<br /><br /> <br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-32512197993627769202023-03-31T14:34:45.941-07:002023-03-31T14:34:45.941-07:00Yep,
The Israelites followed Moses in the wilderne...Yep,<br />The Israelites followed Moses in the wilderness 40 years. I figured that was enough. Thanks whoever you are. <br />Franknbean Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-38256717339414698582023-03-31T09:56:13.469-07:002023-03-31T09:56:13.469-07:00There is noting to say that hasn't been said. ...There is noting to say that hasn't been said. You'll be fine, you've laid a solid foundation to withstand the storms. And you know that God walks with you. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-21899260458659701672023-03-31T06:57:22.722-07:002023-03-31T06:57:22.722-07:00Everything is changing. First slowly, then all at...Everything is changing. First slowly, then all at once. You are an encouragement to me. Much better grounded than I am. Don't minimize your skill set, and consider consulting. I do that with anyone that wants it. My network is very small. You have a high performance history and wide reach, so utilize it. I'm praying that doors will open, paths will illuminate, and Arthurian swords will rise from the soggy spots. Also, that God will make known your direction soon.<br /><br />I went by my old place uptown on Monday. I had a good time visiting with my old customers. One told me that back in December, they let go 10% of our upper management. They let go all the old guys with the knowledge, to keep new folks that were more politically diverse. They are rolling smaller locations into cross-opco cooperatives to survive. Unfortunately, they got used to free money and bought and built like it would never dry up. That company is a canary in the coal mine. They already knew the writing was on the wall last fall.<br /><br />God bless you real good. He has this in hand. ALL of it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-90356649693327681112023-03-31T06:46:16.064-07:002023-03-31T06:46:16.064-07:00You’ll be fine, TB. I worked for The Man for most ...You’ll be fine, TB. I worked for The Man for most of my life and when I found myself out of work… I discovered that I actually enjoy the minimalist life, and I’m not in any rush to sell what’s left of my soul back to the establishment and run their stupid fricken rat race. Age changes things… I was astonished at how many things I could cut out of my life and still be perfectly happy.<br /><br />Take some time, go for long walks with the mutt, play with the animals and read. You earned it. A hammerfall? I think not…you’re just turning the page on a chapter of your life. Filthienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-14243310275528905482023-03-31T06:45:06.046-07:002023-03-31T06:45:06.046-07:00I did the same 40 years, FNB. Just ended in Janua...I did the same 40 years, FNB. Just ended in January. God bless you brother.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-57497596002215494852023-03-31T06:38:47.534-07:002023-03-31T06:38:47.534-07:00I read that if a man knows he HAS to keep his head...I read that if a man knows he HAS to keep his head, he probably WILL keep his head. Keep up the self-encouragement. That ain't faking it.STxARnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-7432931089299028992023-03-31T06:32:05.504-07:002023-03-31T06:32:05.504-07:00FNB - Last time this happened (in 2009) we had thr...FNB - Last time this happened (in 2009) we had three elementary school children, so we are already ahead of the game in that aspect. That said, it was a terrible time to look for a job (we ended up moving as a results). The market is okay now, but may shift soon.<br /><br />"God is still on patrol". I like that and am going to borrow it. He has shown us to date His timing is perfect, and I fully expect Him to do so again.<br /><br />The prayers and blessing are very much appreciated.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-59409018324743606162023-03-31T06:29:37.057-07:002023-03-31T06:29:37.057-07:00Michael - The official reasoning was "unexpec...Michael - The official reasoning was "unexpected markets which made raising cash a difficult option and the banking crisis". The banking crisis was unexpected, at least in timing; the difficulty in raising funds has been true since 2022. That part could have been foreseen. The reality is that hard choices made much earlier would have changed the outcome yesterday - maybe not completely changed them, but at least mitigated them. <br /><br />The Ravishing Mrs. TB has already started with her first pass at the budget and both of the younger two that are with us are looking at things as well - more for the fact they will need to have more money for college. <br /><br />I would say I do not have "toys", but I am sure I do. I need to do an inventory of what is to be let go. Fortunately all our cars are paid for and in good repair.<br /><br />This weekend, the grocery chain the two younger ones work at is having their periodic discount for store employees for in-house brands. We are building a list of staples to stock up on.<br /><br />Appreciate all the suggestions. I am confident we will be fine and come out stronger - and yes, the era of free money is over. Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-71807418582850637662023-03-31T06:24:00.573-07:002023-03-31T06:24:00.573-07:00MSG_G - Thank you very much for the kind thoughts ...MSG_G - Thank you very much for the kind thoughts and prayer. This is my third go round, two by companies and one by failing my own small business. I learned a lot about a lot of things, including God's timing (the move that brought us here in 2009 included a job that started two days after my last severance ran out, and this one ended 4 days before our youngest graduated from high school). If there is anything I have seen in these situation, it is God's providence.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-73888072266495260662023-03-31T06:21:37.328-07:002023-03-31T06:21:37.328-07:00G_D: Oddly enough, the same thing is going to hap...G_D: Oddly enough, the same thing is going to happen here. We have a two week vacation paid in June, a few days after my now-impending departure date: to not go means to lose the deposit, so we are going. Later that month the head of my sword school is coming from Japan - and I am certainly not missing that. I was going to be out most of June anyway; now I just am unencumbered by the need to catch on e-mails upon my return.<br /><br />The law of unintended consequences (to which you refer) is likely going to play out here as well. There will be knowledge that disappears without anyone else knowing it (no matter how much a company tries, things are never always in the cloud). I have been there almost seven years and have e-mails archives going back that long and in some cases am the sole recollection of events; that ends in 60 days. It is not that I will delete anything; it is just that no-one will know where to look.<br /><br />I feel for the those left behind that have to try and deal with this. It will be a nightmare.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-38197650595412346932023-03-31T06:17:07.332-07:002023-03-31T06:17:07.332-07:00Nylon12 - To be honest (and maybe this is indicati...Nylon12 - To be honest (and maybe this is indicative of who I really am), the very first thought when I heard it was happening was "What is the title for this post going to be?" Because, of course, the most important thing is to document it...<br /><br />My paranoia comes both from my own small business failure in 2005 and my other layoff in 2009 - in both cases the signs were there, but I was caught "off guard", mostly through my own negligence. We are in a far better position than before - not ideal, but better. And we have a timeline.<br /><br />You touch on an important thought: it does matter how we handle such things as we are the example to others, both those we know and those we do not. I am consciously aware of the fact that people will be watching how I (and others) respond to this. This is where the power of our convictions and how we claim to manage our lives really matters: do we act in adversity as we have said we would? Are we the people we claim to be when things are not going well?<br /><br />(This has Stoicism implications all over it).<br /><br />Thanks for the thoughts and prayers - they are very much appreciated.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-49081444134200663712023-03-31T06:12:09.124-07:002023-03-31T06:12:09.124-07:00John - I was not, at least about the job (lots of ...John - I was not, at least about the job (lots of great people though). The single biggest need was paying for college and getting the youngest through high school, and that has all been accomplished.<br /><br />I got to my current role in Project Management through an enforced career change and to be fair, I never need to go back to Quality Assurance or managing people again - not the change I wanted, but the change I needed. I have learned a fair amount about myself in the last 3 years that should serve me in good stead (including the fact that I can work from home far more effectively than in an office).<br /><br />The thoughts are very much appreciated.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14404262.post-27003471165306959732023-03-31T06:09:06.004-07:002023-03-31T06:09:06.004-07:00Ed - As always, thank you. The role of Site Optim...Ed - As always, thank you. The role of Site Optimist is a valued one (sadly, though unpaid - as you may have heard, we have had a recent change in the site finances that precludes any sort of actual remuneration..)<br /><br />I think your assessment is the correct one - I am sorry, but not overly sorry as I was certainly not fulfilled at the position. It paid well and it enabled a lot of things to happen, but it was not - certainly for the last three years - something that was highly desirable. Something broke in 2020 when I changed positions, a culmination of a number of years of high stress, and things were never the same again.<br /><br />It is a good market at the moment (although if companies insist on continuing to lay people off, perhaps not quite as good) and with our change in life status with more of Na Clann gone, it opens up possibilities. I am not in a hurry to get into anything right at the moment (in theory, I still have a 60 day commitment) and to be honest, I do not know that I want to go back to either.<br /><br />Oddly enough, giving myself time to decompress is the biggest challenge. I feel like I should be doing something "right now", but know that immediate unthinking action is never the best thing.<br /><br />Given (literally) the timing of this and what I had originally hoped for from this job, I achieved everything I had hoped from the change in 2020: I kept the job through 2020, 2021, and then through 2022, and it allowed the youngest to graduate from the same high school she started at (by four days). I really could not have asked for more - and the timing of this almost to perfection suggests the next thing is out there for me. I just need to find it.Toirdhealbheach Beucailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14872794169534403463noreply@blogger.com