Jobless in Seattle

After 2 years and 8 months of working as a "shipping manager," I've been layed off from my job at True Fabrications. Technically speaking, I was offered a cut in hours and pay in order to keep my job. I did the math, and figured out it would make more sense to collect unemployment while looking for something new. The company underwent some major "restructuring," and was left with five permanent employees (down from around 35 during the holidays). So, I guess I should have been honored that they offered to keep me on, when really the bank told them they couldn't afford it.

I spent last week working (under the table) teaching the receiving manager my job. The poor guy will now be working by himself in that giant warehouse. The partners in the company were living dangerously letting me go as there was a lot I did day to day that no one else know how to do.

Funny enough, the company is actually doing better this year so far in comparison to last year. It's just that with the economic climate, the bank could no longer offer us the line of credit that kept us afloat during the first three quarters.

Over the last 3 years I went from someone who was looking for a brainless warehouse job so he could "fuck around" and play music, to being the boss of upwards of 10 people, hiring and firing employees,taking business lunches with FedEx executives, creating power point training programs, etc, etc, etc. The list really does go on forever.

I'm now really excited about the prospect of being layed off. All the time and energy wasted on a "career" I can now dedicate to playing music, writing, watching The Price is Right, playing Nintendo games, and reading "jack off" magazines. Seriously though, I'm looking forward to focusing my energy on creative pursuits. I guess it's the difference between looking at this as an opportunity vs. a set back.

I am actively looking for work, (unemployment is kind of particular about that), but I'm going to keep searching until I find something that will be really excellent for me. So if you live in Seattle, and know of anyone hiring, shoot me a message.

And now, a few moments captured by photograph at True Fabrications:



This is me doing "quality control" on some of our product. You know what's funny, is my MOM took this pic.



Ahhhhhh, Jen. The 37 year old product manager MILF. . .OK, I'll stop right there!



This is Susan, the accountant, and myself in the warehouse. She gave me the best exotic Asian massages I've ever had.



I can't remember this dude's name, but he delivered our packaging supplies.



. . .and finally, the world's most perfectly stacked pallet. I was so happy with myself I had to take this photo!