Laid Off
In melancholy news from the cubicle jungle today, The Editors of Jeremy-Gilby-dot-com were officially Laid Off due to a “Workforce Reduction” and will no longer be employed by the Not-So-Small-Software-Organization.
The news was not as surprising as it sounds, the writing was on the wall, early this morning, as I entered the office. By the time 9:00 rolled around, I was in my exit interview.
So after 8 years and 2+ months, Jeremy R. Gilby has left the building.
Since I’m not bound by my Confidentiality Postulate anymore, I can now reveal that the Not-So-Small-Software-Organization was indeed, Intuit, Inc., the makers of Quicken, QuickBooks, and Turbo Tax. I worked specifically for the Small Business Retail Division, which made the program QuickBooks Point of Sale.
I have to admit, it was a nice gig. And I’ll miss a lot of working interactions with people; but most still read this site, and we will surely keep in touch. (Its nice having a personal domain name that has such a high Google Page Rank)
And Intuit has really set me up good, with a very promising Severance Package. That and my already existing savings could mean that my existing lifestyle would not have to change, even if I was unemployed for a year. Which is not very likely.
I’m highly employable. So I’m not worried on that front at all.
Another comforting thought, as I was running some planned errands this afternoon, I realized that I’m the same person as I was yesterday. It was nice to know, in my heart, that I was not drawing my identity from my job. I’ve seen other people go to pieces when they lose their job, because they drew their identity from their work.
I guess, this partially stems from my view of work: Work is the art of converting time and resources to wealth.
And work is work.
So now that my Cubicle Footprint has been reduced, I’m debating some things in this latest opportunity. For one, major life decisions are on hold.
G.B. wants me to take the Jeremy-Gilby-dot-com Vicinity on a road trip to Pennsylvania for Christmas. I think I’ll cancel that plan, and go for Thanksgiving instead. (I’m not sure what the family plans are, so that is up in the air)
I’ve not been “home” for Thanksgiving since 1995. I think I’m due.
But, as I said, the details are not ironed out yet.
Jeremy-Gilby-dot-com isn’t going anywhere. Rest Assured.
And if you cannot tell by this posting, I’m quite upbeat about this whole thing. I’m almost glad it happened.
One thing I’m bummed about is that I will not longer have cheap-as-in free Intuit Software anymore. (Some of my friends and family might be bummed about that too, they appreciated the discounts on Quicken and Turbo Tax.)
And this might be the last Cubicle Culture post, for awhile.
But, as I said above, I’m still very upbeat.
Tomorrow, when I wake up to “go to work” might be another story.
But, at the same time, any prayers are welcome.
You’ll be missed.
Comment by Cisco — October 24, 2007 @ 3:41:01 PM
Drop me a line if you need anything….
Comment by Stinkin' Rick — October 24, 2007 @ 3:44:37 PM
Ditto. You were a co-worker, yes, but more thought of as a friend. Many long faces today.
Comment by Next to Cisco — October 24, 2007 @ 3:48:01 PM
Who will ‘turn on the light’ for the coffee now?
See ya later JG, I’ll miss my mentor.
Comment by Marshie — October 24, 2007 @ 4:31:41 PM
Hello Jeremy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this transitional time. Thank goodness for your spirituality. Some basic platitudes: A window opens where a door closes. Let go and let God.
This may be a good time to reread Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life”.
You’re right Jeremy, this may be the best thing to happen. Something better and brighter will come your way.
Because of your safety net, you could volunteer for a community organization like the food pantry, or soup kitchen etc. You never know the opportunities that may arise, the people you meet, and it’s great for the soul. Volunteering at the food pantry helped me after the Pillowtex bankruptcy. It gave me a purpose, helped me to focus on others and gain some skills and confidence. I was the best can sorter and stocker. It eventually led to Manager of the pantry even though it was a short stint before Kentucky. As you know, I was introduced to my husband.
God has a purpose for us Jeremy, let go and let God.
My heart is with you, Jeremy.
Comment by Aunt Doe — October 24, 2007 @ 5:26:12 PM
Sorry to see you go man. Almost lost it yesterday, but then realized I am jealous. So, my sadness turned to anger and I am now back to hating your guts.
Let me know if you need anything.
Comment by Micron — October 25, 2007 @ 7:23:04 AM
Now who is going to tell everyone that Marshie is on Vacation!!
Time to expand your horizons Jer.
Comment by G.B. — October 25, 2007 @ 7:44:57 AM
Came in this morning Jeremy and your “don’t tell me what to do” wasn’t here. :( We’re missing you already.
Comment by theshortone — October 25, 2007 @ 8:05:28 AM
Jeremy,
You are one of the reasons I still can call this place my work home. You will be missed.
Comment by Jeanne Herr — October 25, 2007 @ 11:47:31 AM
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, now use it to wash the car.
I’ll be praying you find a job soon. And that you swing by if you head out this direction during the upcoming season of cheer soon to be upon us.
Comment by The former roomate still known as Matthew Maynard — October 25, 2007 @ 12:01:01 PM
Jeremy
You’ve got work figured out. Your Aunt recommends a wonderful book there. After getting out of the Family Business and landing in the local Cubicle Jungle I realized what a gift God had give me…a chance to heal. I said ‘Lord, I’ll be here until you’re ready for me to move on’. When they gave me the same news you just received I felt like you…I knew I was in God’s hand but it was tough leaving all my friends. God’s been faithful to me, though and I will lift you up and pray for straight roads and clear skies.
Comment by Beast1624 — October 25, 2007 @ 1:40:39 PM
No more bean counting for you. :) I’m sure you will land on your feet.
Take care!
Comment by LisaK — October 25, 2007 @ 2:24:57 PM
May the blessing of light be on you””
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire.
Go for the gusto Jer, here is your chance -
to dream the dream and dance the dance.
Comment by Dad — October 25, 2007 @ 4:49:46 PM
“I realized that I’m the same person as I was yesterday.”
That is all you need to know. Good luck when you finally get around to looking for a new gig!
Comment by chad — October 26, 2007 @ 9:41:10 AM
Jeremy, I heartily agree with you and every other commenter – this is a blessing in disguise, and there is most certainly something better, something more “you” waiting to be discovered. Perhaps you’ll turn to full-time geeking and tweaking online and make a fortune as an entrepreneur! (And, BTW, nice job of placing yourself in such a strong financial position – you inspire me!)
And hey, are we Philadelphians really THAT ugly? :-)
Comment by Alisha — October 27, 2007 @ 10:40:44 AM
I went to your area this morning and asked where Marshall was. No one knew.
Comment by Cisco — October 31, 2007 @ 5:18:35 PM
Where IS Marshall?
Comment by Jeremy — October 31, 2007 @ 5:46:48 PM
Yeah, I thought that was your main job function…to tell everyone where Marshall was. So now that you were laid off, then who will keep track of Marshall?
We are…Marshall!! (good movie)
Comment by G.B. — November 1, 2007 @ 11:36:53 AM
Ah, poop.
I vote you come and visit Alabama. :)
Comment by Geof F. Morris — November 1, 2007 @ 7:12:32 PM
I like the movie too. I hang out in the Arkham Asylum nowadays and now the JG system corner is no longer :( But I do know where a certain 24 port switch went….with the red stapler….
Comment by Marshie — November 2, 2007 @ 9:06:44 PM
Life is better after Intuit…trust me. Those that make the layoff decisions eventually meet my best friend Karma.
Comment by WM — February 13, 2008 @ 7:33:30 PM
[...] Laid off: [...]
Pingback by Jeremy-Gilby-dot-com » State of the Geek (2008) — June 13, 2008 @ 2:27:42 AM
As of today, 8/1/2008, I have joined Jeremy R. Gilby in the ranks of those laid off from the big software company. Eleven and a half years. What comes after Intuit? Eh? Gilby?
The current CEO. Yikes. http://blogs.zdnet.com/Foremski/?p=288
Comment by Wes — August 1, 2008 @ 5:04:28 PM
Wow, that quote doesn’t come as a surprise, because Support Departments are never looked at in a kind light (no matter what the CEO says in a Happy-Communication Meeting) but something about that quote rings the wrong way with me.
Comment by Jeremy — August 1, 2008 @ 5:24:55 PM
I think you are looking at it through support colored glasses. He’s actually looking at it from a product development standpoint. Not that the same thinking isn’t being applied to support, but I think they are VERY different animals.
Comment by Cisco — August 1, 2008 @ 10:28:21 PM
If I buy a new car and it breaks… I don’t take it back to, say, Chrysler to get it fixed. I go to the internet or ask my friends how to fix it. Because they know more than the mechanics at Chrysler.
What the feck?
Talk about running down your own organization, Braaad Boy Smith.
Don’t bring it to us, we don’t know what we’re doing. Use the internet! Call your friends!
Comment by Wes — August 1, 2008 @ 11:23:24 PM
I have also joined Jeremy R. Gilby and Wes in the ranks of those laid off from the not so small software company. I, too, fear that the new CEO is heading down a dangerous path. Gilby, that quote makes my head spin. I wonder how consumers will ‘answer’ the #1 call driver which hasn’t changed since I started.
Comment by Angi — August 4, 2008 @ 10:22:17 AM
@Cisco – Smith’s primary example is around support, so I think that tends to get the most attention. But I agree he’s looking to apply it everywhere else, too… well, everywhere except the leadership. Funny how the wisdom of the crowds never makes it that high ;)
Comment by N — August 4, 2008 @ 5:40:54 PM
His first example was about Turbo Tax support, true. Have you ever tried their support? Not exactly a fair comparison. But it seemed to me his main point was around creating products that enable users to share knowledge, business practices and even data with each other.
Look… everyone knows support is the red-headed stepchild of any organization. It’s a necessary evil to keep the natives from storming the gates with torches. But that’s only because end users don’t value that help. They have come to expect it for free. Much like teachers or even doctors, we have come to we are entitled to it. I challenge you all to tell me how much you would be willing to pay for an annual support contract for Excel or Photoshop. If we valued these things more than our lattes and iPhones, then they would be profit centers for companies… then do you think Mr. Smith’s speech would change? Think we would still send those jobs offshore?
To me this is a bit like blaming politicians for the lack of change or tabloids for lack of hard news. But then I wasn’t laid off. Ask me after that and I may well sing a different tune.
Comment by Cisco — August 5, 2008 @ 7:58:55 AM