I like vacation and I always have this sixth sense that tells me the world is going to lose its damn mind at a time corresponding to the time I go on vacation. My last day off, Pope Francis died. One time I was in London, and someone decided to hurl a brown show at President Bush (Sr.) when he was speaking. Another time I was in Prague and Hank and Megzy decided to get hitched (big whoop.) In a week of vacation, true to form the weirdness did not let up. The internet burned down when Grand Theft Auto 6 was postponed. The internet subsequently burned down again when Rockstar Games released the second trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 after a considerably long dry spell. A little spice from a on again off again tariff kerfuffle and now I am realizing it is good to disengage from the news while on vacation.
Returning by van through LA, on 1-20 a ladder suddenly appeared in my lane with no chance to evade it, taking out all the parts I purchased and installed on my van. After 3+ hours of delay we got back on the road and rolled in at 11:00 at night. Told the bossman I am working from home the next day. Then next day rolls around I get called into a meeting which started with a canned statement and an HR rep. popping in on the meeting. It was horrible to see a 25-year career of faithful and exemplary service ended and disemboweled with the efficiency of a meat packing plant. My position ended as a cost-cutting measure.
Sunday my wife Jen and I went to Mass, and the gospel and homily were quite poignant. The gospel reading was of the apostles having evangelized the good news following the resurrection but were rebuffed by the Jews. Having been received by the Gentiles and the Word enthusiastically revered, the consensus was to shake the dust off of your sandals and never return. Such has been the career track for me. When a career ends, it’s time to consider the next adventure. It just so happened we went out for breakfast and the Beatles “Let It Be” was playing. Of course this made sense. It gave me pause to think, how many times do we hold on to unnecessary anger, frustration, anxiety, uncertainty about things we cannot control or change? I wouldn’t guess The Beatles are overtly religious, sometimes the creative process for songs has a place in the universe and announce themselves for just such an occasion.
The song “Let It Be” simple, poetic, memorable, with an uplifting message as impactful and important then and today. How often do we get wrapped up in the here and now and forget to take a moment to reflect on what the actual issue is? Have you had a Let It Be moment recently? Have you considered that sometimes a Let It Be moment can have the power to change your perspective. Initially getting laid off from the Crooked E stung. It was not my top-performance work ethic that got me laid off, it’s not the innovation and experience and contributions to the team that got me laid off. It’s some bean counter that pulled the trigger. They say you should not get emotionally attached to your work but when you are expected to be supremely attached to your customer’s satisfaction and experience with the product or service you are providing. On some level that is an emotional response. We are expected to really care until the company lays you off with the effect of “Hey see you mo fo no hard feelings, turn in your laptop and badge.”
Seems the MENSA brain trust at the Crooked E company finally recognized my 25 years at the company AFTER I was let go… Its OK… I will Let It Be with another episode of Real American Hero soon. Look out for Real Americal Hero: Mr. Laid Off Tech Support Worker Guy. and Real American Hero: Mr. Middle Magagement Wanna Be Suck Up Guy. We will call him “Chris”, and yes it won’t be good for this bubba.