What’s next?
19June 21, 2022 by Kenneth Fisher
As I’m sure a fair number of you already know I was told my position had been eliminated. They are going a new direction. I am no longer needed. And in fact it wasn’t just me, it was a large group of IT folks including the majority of the DBA teams. If my understanding is correct they are outsourcing our positions. And that’s fine. Personally I think they are making a mistake but it’s not my mistake to make so more power to them. Now, I should point out that between the amount of notice I’m being given, and a nice severance package I’m being given something like 9 months to find a new position. I consider that incredibly generous. A few unfortunate pieces of timing include the fact that I’ll be missing my 15th anniversary by 17 days and that we had just bought a new house and the movers were taking stuff out of the house around me as I was being told the news..
Oh well, things happen and it’s time to move on. I’ve talked about what I think is involved in finding a new job before and I thought it might make for a couple of fun blog posts over the next few months to talk about what I’ll be doing to find my next new position.
I recently heard the quote “The best time to order a pizza is thirty minutes ago.” So first things first, what have I been doing to get myself ready in case something like this happens.
- Develop an online resume (for example a blog). ✔
- This is blog post 901 over the last 10 years!
- Network with people from the same profession. ✔
- When I mentioned that I’d been let go on Twitter I almost couldn’t keep up with all of the well wishes and offers of help. The SQL Server community is just incredible.
- Keep up with the latest technologies.
- I’ll be honest and say while I did a little bit I didn’t do nearly as much as I could have.
- Interview periodically to keep your interview skills sharp. ❌
- Nope. Not once. And it’s been 15 years. Oops.
I’ve talked about this before but this blog was actually started with the intention of making it easier for me to find a new job the next time I was let go. Supporting the blog dragged me into the community even deeper than I already was, and here we are. So what are my next steps?
- Get together my resume.
- Yes, I have 9 months. I’ve got a meeting with HR this week and depending on what they say I may be waiting a bit to actually start searching. That said, I’m still getting ready ASAP.
- Update linked in. ✔
- See above.
- Go over some standard interview questions and make sure I have answers.
- I’ve started with this but I need to do more. Both technical and non technical questions. “What is your biggest fault?” for example.
- Get back to blogging on a regular basis. 👀
- This is a start but time is not on my side. (See the fact that we just moved into a new house.)
- This is hopefully also going to include getting some articles written for various forums.
- Dig into some training opportunities I’ve got.
- There are a fair number of resources I know of that are free, some I get from being an MVP (fingers crossed for the up coming renewal date, July 1st), and some I have from my current job.
- Connect with all of the amazing people that have already contacted me about various jobs and places I can apply.
- I’m going to have to make a list and pray I don’t miss anyone.
So that’s my plan for the next little bit. I’ll keep you up to date as things progress.
SQL Studies 
One door closes and another will open – I have no doubt. Recharge and you will soon be back into it. Wish you all the best.
Thanks! 🙂
Kenneth we are ready for next !
Kenneth, I would never work for a company that would have me as an employee. hahaha. Seriously though, you aren’t just a DBA, you taught many people many wonderful things. you are a thought leader. hmu on LI and we have a few data positions at MSFT that pay, imho, _very_ well. These things always have a way of being short-term pain and long-term gain. Best of luck to you on your journey.
Thanks! 🙂
I am sure it will make you more strong in any aspect. Our company is looking for a lead DBA. If you are interested I will share details via email.
Thanks 🙂 It’s looking like I get a decent pay day if I stay here till Nov 1st, but if they are willing to wait until after that I’d love to hear about it 🙂
You are an amazing person and explain things so clear. you will find a position in no time. I am pretty sure about it. I wish you all the best and I am 100% certain that you will end up at a very good role soon.
Thank you!
I have learned that everything happens for a reason. I have gone through some weird stuff over the past 3 years and if one of those things didn’t happen I wouldn’t be where I believe to be the best spot in my career now. You seem to be well prepared for what comes, even more than I ever have been. Just keep trucking and you will do better than before. Take a minute to breathe and recharge and let it roll! Hopefully one day we will be able to meet in person….lol…
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I did! Thanks for asking 🙂
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Hey Ken. Sorry to hear the news but with your knowledge/skills I’m confident you’ll land an even better position.
Thanks 🙂 Here’s hoping!
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