I took this class in college called "Seeing Through Symmetry." The school I went to had these "All University Curriculum Classes" that were not general education classes, but students were still required to take. They pulled from art and science and humanities and history and math. Some were really good and some were not. "Seeing Through Symmetry" was not so good. We studied symmetry in architecture and music and plays and we had to learn to program this computer game with a turtle. I really sucked at that. The professor would say "you have to think like the turtle. What would the turtle want?" And I remember thinking, "the turtle would want some food." I was kind of a smart ass. I kind of still am.
The professor used to say, "there is always symmetry in life. You have to remember that."
10 years ago, right before Doug and I got married, and a few days before his 30th birthday, Doug was laid off. We had just bought a house and we were getting married and I was straight out of law school. I was working as a law clerk in a county court house and I'm not sure I even made $30,000 that year. I was freaking out.
We had no money. He got two weeks severance. He had a new job within two weeks and his severance check paid for a significant portion of our honeymoon.
Doug got laid off on Monday. It was 4 days before his 40th birthday. We bought a new house a year and a half ago, and I just bought a car, a car he didn't want me to buy. We have a 6 year old and I work part time, and trust me when I tell you I do not make a lot of money. I certainly don't make enough to support this family.
I'm not sure I remember much from "Seeing Through Symmetry" but I'm pretty sure that that is symmetry in life.
He got a decent severance package. I'm trying to remember that last time it took two weeks, although that was ten years ago and a much, much different economy. But more than anything, I'm really just trying not to freak out.
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If anyone in the DC area is looking for a web designer/project manager (not graphic designer) and would like a copy of Doug's resume, email me at jodi@lucidphoenix.com. Thank you!
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Oh, man, Jodi, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Sending lots of hugs and positive thoughts that Doug finds something quickly.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this! Here is the good news: The unemployment rate among college educated professionals with work experience right now is something like 5-6% (way lower than the national average). The unemployment rate for web programmers and designers is more like 3%. Your husband has one of the best possible backgrounds to find a new job in this economy. So just get out there and try hard and I’m sure he will find something.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you . . .
I know it sounds trite, especially when you’re in the middle of this, but I think sometimes things do happen for a reason. Symmetry might just be a more cerebral word for “fate”. Perhaps there is something just around the corner that will, in the end, be much better. I know you’ve been struggling with even wanting to work part time, wanting to focus more on your little man and such. So my heart REALLY goes out to ya. The good thing in all of this is YOU (and Doug, I’m sure) are VERY gifted, talented and SMART as hell so it won’t be long before you’re ruling the world!
I’m so sorry to hear this – I know how incredibly scary it is. We’re going through the same kind of thing right now – it’s what precipitated the move to New Mexico for us. (It was the kick in the pants to do what we’d been saying we were going to do, not that we had to move.)
Be sending loads of good vibes your way and hope that he finds something really soon. There do seem to be a LOT of openings for web folks right now.
That is very scary. I’ve been there with the uncertainty and if you need to freak out for a little bit, let me know if you need a sounding board. I’m good at that. *hugs*
I have my ears open in case I hear something. Other than that, I just send you and your family all of my love.
Oh that sucks. I’m so sorry you guys are going through this. And….well I know there’s nothing I can really say except sending good thoughts your way.
Oh, Jodi, that really, really sucks, and that’s a crappy kind of life symmetry, if you ask me. (Incidentally, that sounds like a terrible college class!) I’m not sure how all this will sort itself out for you and your family, but I’m positive it will. I’m sending all kinds of good vibes and thoughts your way.
Well… crap. That just sucks. Speaking as someone who’s been laid off a couple of times, I know the feeling well — and it’s horrible.
That being said – and as Jaelithe noted – he’s in a GREAT field, and from what I understand DC is a pretty robust marketplace. I’m sure he’s already set up Indeed & SimplyHired webalerts, and is scanning through Coroflot and Creative Hotlist and all the DC-area LinkedIn communities for web design folk… hopefully, he (and you) are already seeing some good options. And while the uncertainty (and bitterness) of the layoff are terrible, all fingers here are crossed that this is just a temporary, short-term bump in the road for you guys.
If it helps, I’m completely willing to post that same comment a third time.
grumblegrumblestupidFirefoxgrumblegrumble
I don’t know anyone in that area, but if I can help him with marketing himself online in any way, I volunteer my services.
And I’m one of those sappy people who thinks doors close so better ones can be opened. Here’s hoping some great ones are about to open for you both.
Oh man, I’m so sorry Jodi. That is awful and unfair and just makes me want to punch them in their stupid mouths.
I’m not familiar with the web design world so all I’ve got to offer is good thoughts and crossed fingers that this will be a very very short time Doug’s out of work.
Oh goodness, Jodi I am so sorry. It sucks & I have nothing but all good thoughts and much sympathy for you guys. I wish I had magic words to make it all better but excellent job in looking for the symmetry and trying to keep your chin up. I know it’s hard.
I hate symmetry. Job/money stress is the worst… And the thing that keeps me up at night. I hope that your sleepless nights are few, and what a craptastic birthday for Doug. Sigh.
Oh honey, I’m so sorry. I’ve been there and I know how bad it sucks and how SCARY it is.
Am sending good thoughts and new job vibes your way.
Hang in there. I prescribe a glass of wine and a lot of hugs. You and your beautiful family will get through this -and someday it will be a fantastic story. Maybe not right now, but not too long from now!
Hang in there — while it won’t be comforting until he quickly finds something else, as everyone had said, DC is a good place to find tech jobs. Several companies I know do a lot of technical recruiting using the DICE.com website. Sending you thoughts of a new and better job.
I don’t have anything pithy to add to what’s been said above other than I’m sending you cyberhugs and shoe love and virtual wine. And chocolate.
You are both smart people and I know it sounds frightening, but you will make it. DH did not have a job for 2 years and then was CTH for 1, all while my co went bankrupt. I feel your pain, and hope it is not as long for you but you will make it. Huge hugs.
Oh this is so scary. I’ll be crossing fingers that he finds something amazing ASAP.
At least symmetry is 2 sides, not 3 or 4…..
Ears to the ground in case of I hear of anything that might be of interest to Doug and please know you I’m here for you whether via email, Twitter, phone, or carrier pigeon! Sending huge hugs your way!
I’m impressed that you can think about symmetry at a time like this. I hope everything works out!
I know it is scary as hell right now, but you will be fine. My husband has been laid off four times in the last two years, and I have ridden that roller coaster from “Oh my G-d we are going to be living in my parents’ basement” to “Eh, we’re good. It’ll be fine” and back again every single time. From not eating for days because I was so nauseated I couldn’t even look at food, to practically inhaling ice cream around the clock.
Surprise – it’s all worked out fine. Stressful (absolutely) but…fine. The hardest thing for us was trying to keep our individual stress out of our conversations with each other (oh, how easy it is to get snippy) and away from the kids.
Sending good thoughts your way and Doug’s.
http://www.virilion.com/contact-us
three good account/web design positions in DC office listed there
So sorry to read this Jodi, I really hope things turn around for you very soon x
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