The Hunt - Let me tell you

This is the second major work outage I have had since 2001 when the dotcom world fell to the earth after the glut of 1997-2000. I should be used to this – but I will never get used to feeling over qualified and under useful. I’d like to think I’m better at keeping busy, keeping fit, reading more and making good use of the time off but so far – not probably.

In late August 2001 - I was given a severance package from Exodus Communications after 18 months of hard work trying to help them (and Global Center, who they acquired) manage their sales process, automate the sales process, offload some of their internal debt with financing partners, deal with angry sales people who went from being full of money to being broke - and manage a staff of 18. Poof - I'm not needed (actually, it was poof, our calculations say we need to drop some expense and you're it).

After this event - I took several months to rest and determine my options - and then tried to build a consulting practice over the next 3 years. I applied to hundreds of jobs, went on many interviews for both full time and contract work - was ignored and poorly treated plenty. Had 3 "we're going to give you an offer", and a few actual abuses of my time including the 8 hour interview where I was told I seemed inflexible to the needs of the company and the 20 hours of interviewing and specific advice giving and then told I was insensitive to an employee who never called while I waited on a Saturday for a special interview. Yes, its me that's insensitive and inflexible. Do you feel like a valued talent while you're looking for work? We're not diseased... just underemployed.


This blog will be my attempt at vocalizing my experiences, insight, advice and thoughts during this time. Chime in if you feel the need - alternate opinions welcome.

Good luck to you compadres - this task is not for the weak. You are a tiger you want the hiring manager to see you clearly.