There’s news. Well, there’s always news, but this news pertains directly to me. If you follow the Twittersphere, yesterday you saw this Tweet go out:
Opposed to thoughts of the contrary, it is true that I no longer work for Paramore. Without going into the gory details, let’s just say I didn’t piss anybody off or do anything wrong/bad/icky, it’s just the nature of the business that sometimes people get let go. This time, I happened to be that person.
Termination Terminology
It’s a funny thing, the terminology everybody uses for it:
- Getting Laid Off
- Getting Let Go
- Getting Canned
- Getting Fired
- Shown The Door
- Got Axed
- Get Canned
- Terminated
- Permanent Involuntary Separation From Employee
I’ve wrestled with what to call it as well. I can’t tell people I got fired, because that implies I did something wrong or unforgivable. Canned, Axed and Shown the Door has similar negative connotations, so they’re out. Not that this is a positive situation, but I don’t want people thinking that I was stealing office supplies or holding late-night raves in the office.
What I’ve been saying is that I was “Let go” and that seems to be working. Another thing I’ve been telling people instead of the above euphemisms, is that I’m “out of work”.
But that doesn’t really work either.
Time To Get Deep
Are any of us ever really out of work?
The author of this blog and most of the community here are storytellers and communicators of some kind. I may not have permanent employment at the same place I did last week, but the terms “out of work” seem to imply that there’s no work to be had for those willing to find and acquire it. I will always have a story to tell and there will always be people to hear it.
I’ve been in talks with people who are interested in learning more about how a solid social media strategy can help their brands and companies and will be working, even if I’m out of work. I’ll be writing to you and learning and developing strategies, even outside of the hours of 9 to 5, even if I’m out of work. I’ll be reading books, teaching classes and giving speeches, even if I’m out of work. And I’ll still be drawing crappy comics critiquing social media and literature, even if I’m out of work.
I’ll still be working, just out of work.
I think everyone needs to take a minute here and there to work, even when you’re out of work. Grow in your craft. Push yourself. Get uncomfortable and scared.
And then……….
work.
Tags: digital marketing, facebook, got laid off, how does Google+ work, looking for work, Nashville social media, social media consulting Nashville, social media job hunting, twitter
You are very talented Joey, I have complete confidence in your next chapter and can't wait to hear what it is. One suggestion, why just Nashville? It's 2012, you are internationally viable talent. Just keep your options open my friend.
I didnt see your tweet and just reading this now. WOW! You know I just went through this myself last summer and it was a jolt to the system. I was so scared at first but then I started thinking about all the time I had to spend catching up on all the things I was missing because I was working so much. I read more books, started my blog and spent time on my friendships and connections. Now that I am employed, I look back and wish I had time like that again.
We all have faith in you, your knowledge and your ideas so I know you will perservere and find something even better :)
C_Pappas Thank you so much. I really appreciate your support. I'm hoping this turns into a fulfilling adventure and not some terrible black hole. : )
Having been self-employed all my life (28 years now, eegads), I've never tasted what "employment" is like. Oh, I've had long term contracts over the years, but most of the time it's daily "work to find work", and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Sure, it can be scary, disappointing, challenging and unknown. And it can be exhilarating, rewarding, satisfying and...unknown. So embrace the opportunity. "Grow in your craft." Reach beyond your grasp. And ask for help when you need it. We're here for you. Cheers! Kaarina
KDillabough Thanks Kaarina, I truly appreciate the comment and the support. It's all about finding that next thing or locking in that next job or task. Gotta keep that snowball rolling. : )
As a former service technician for the electronics automation industry who pretty much got keel-hauled by the tech sector recession ten, twelve years ago, I say "Yarp. Been there. Done that. (At least two dozen times, actually.)" It can be unfortunate, but it can also be the best thing that ever happened to us.
Don't think of this as being out of work, Joey. Think of this as you getting ahead of the curve. The future of work is going to be more and more about individuals specializing and offering their services to multiple customers. That's right. No more "attracting and retaining top talent," only to treat them like clueless imbeciles or line items on a generally accepted budget.
The future is going to be all about each of us delivering our very best to multiple clients. No longer beholden to a single employer and source of income, we'll become more stable, more secure, more selective than at any other point in history.
And you just jumped to the front of the line. Great opportunity to do a little Venn-thinking. Three circles, my friend. What I love, what I'm good at, & what people will pay for. Then again, maybe you can gamify your search for meaningful, gainful employment. Status, access, power, stuff, right?
It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll.
Brian Driggs Brian, that's an awesome and uplifting comment. Thanks so much for leaving it and stopping by today.
I'm excited about where the future will take me and I if I know anything, it's that I'll still be awesome, wherever I end up. : )
I were a company in need of a social media contract, I'd feel confident in your confidence and stable way of looking at employment. I appreciate the advice to keep working, even when out of work. I did, and just keeping my skills honed was what landed me a job when I wasn't expecting one.
Joey, I'm sorry to hear it but glad to see you're putting your situation to 'work' for you! ;) Like Shonali said, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know. There's lots of work to be had out there and you're a fine fellow to do it.
Love the image, by the way. Our house is FULL of LEGOs and the accouterments that go along with. Did you take the photo yourself?
EricaAllison Thanks, Allison! I truly appreciate it. All I'm asking right now is that if people hear of consulting work (social media management or gamification) to send me a link or a contact. I'm fine with travel and remote work and love collaborative projects.
I appreciate your comment and you reaching out and sadly, no, I did not take that picture myself. I love Legos but don't really have a lot of them, but I saw this picture and LOVED it.
Cheers! : )
I've found myself in this very same situation at the close of the year - and it's both eye-opening and damn frightening all rolled into one. My creative output has only increased and that means more eyeballs and more traffic which can only (I hope) lead to a bigger opportunity down the road.
It has freed up my hands and my brain but financial troubles do put a damper on things, don't they? :/
jasonkonopinski I was thinking the other day that if it weren't for the stress and the no-money thing, this would be perfect. LOL.
joey_strawn Seriously.
That is just a BRILLIANT way to look at it. I'm not "out of work" but it's funny, I was thinking something similar yesterday. And sometimes these periods are the best of your life - because you can spend time learning, reading, experimenting... doing all the things (ok, at least some), you wouldn't otherwise have time to do.
I don't know if I can help you in any way, Joey, but if I can, you know you have only to ping me, right?
Shonali Thanks so much Shonali! I really appreciate it. If you hear of anyone looking for social media management consulting, let me know. I travel and work remotely. : )
joey_strawn I sure will!
Conversation from Twitter
shonali : )
ericamallison Thanks, Erica!
joey_strawn Pleasure. Always good to read your stuff, Joey!
bdorman264 Haha, I like the way you describe that. Very applicable. : )
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