Thursday July 10, 2008 RIF-ed
|
Sun's having another round of layoffs today, and I'm one of them. |
I fully realize that people are RIF-ed to reduce the headcount (plus associated expenses) and it's no reflection on how good or bad you've done your job. Even so, it still hits you hard.
I've been at Sun over 21 years. During that period, there have been some great times. I've worked on several exciting projects with lots of very clever people and made some good friends. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who have mentored me and helped me with my career while I've been here.
As you can imagine this was all a bit of a surprise. I've no idea what the future holds for me at the moment. I know I'm going to be looking for a new job and hoping that I'll be able to stay in the Bay Area with our family and friends.
Thanks to all the supporters of this blog over the last four years. I've really enjoyed doing it. If you read it, I hope you found something interesting.
If anybody thinks they might be interested in employing me, I've put my resume online. My email address is near the top.
[Technorati Tag: Sun+Microsystems]
( Jul 10 2008, 10:03:30 AM PDT ) [Listen] Permalink Comments [30]
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hey, Rich. I'm so sorry. :( I've enjoyed your blog greatly. Best of luck to you out there.
Posted by Jim Grisanzio on July 10, 2008 at 10:26 AM PDT #
Ugh, sorry to hear that - you'll be greatly missed. All the very best for whatever happens from now.
Posted by Glynn Foster on July 10, 2008 at 10:31 AM PDT #
Sorry to hear that Rich - can't believe you got hit :( Looking forward to seeing you join something awesome though.
Posted by stevel on July 10, 2008 at 10:41 AM PDT #
Oh man, that's really rough. Good luck - I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities for someone with your skills and experience.
Posted by Ian McKellar on July 10, 2008 at 10:45 AM PDT #
I am sorry to hear you got downsized, I always enjoyed reading your blog entries, it always felt like being let in as a friend of the family to hear of Duncan and dusty' progress amongst other things in life. I hope whatever you end up doing from now on we will get to continue enjoying your contributions to the GNOME community.
All the best of luck from here.
Posted by David Nielsen on July 10, 2008 at 10:46 AM PDT #
Given how hard it is to find good people in the silicon valley these days, I don't expect it'll be too hard to find a new job. Plus, pretty much anything would be more exciting than Sun, really :-)
Posted by 67.111.14.156 on July 10, 2008 at 10:52 AM PDT #
Wow, that's a real shame, and a surprise. Sorry to hear it.
I'm not sure I'd put my blog as the second point on my entire resume, but then, I've never got any job based on a resume or an interview, so what would I know? :)
Hope you land somewhere awesome soon - I'm sure you will.
Posted by Adam Williamson on July 10, 2008 at 11:17 AM PDT #
I loved your book suggestions and wanted to meet you always. All the best for a better and more enjoyable career.
Posted by Sankar on July 10, 2008 at 11:25 AM PDT #
Sorry to hear that Rich. I've been following your blog and really liked it. Good luck hunting for a new job!
Posted by Marius on July 10, 2008 at 11:54 AM PDT #
sorry to hear it, and best luck, Rich. - eduard/o
Posted by Eduardo Pelegri-Llopart on July 10, 2008 at 12:01 PM PDT #
When I look at the ChangeLog for Orca, I see the impact you had on the project and I see the impact your loss is going to have on it. You'll be missed, Rich, and many thanks for all your hard work. :-(
Posted by Willie Walker on July 10, 2008 at 12:26 PM PDT #
I am really sorry to read this. It's very sad for Orca to loose you. Good luck for your future and I hope you'll find a new employment soon.
Posted by Jochen Skulj on July 10, 2008 at 01:12 PM PDT #
Good luck and we'll all miss your blog! I hope that you continue to blog somewhere.
Posted by Jeremy on July 10, 2008 at 01:20 PM PDT #
Orca -- both the software and the team -- have just lost a great developer and a great colleague. :-( You will indeed be missed. Tremendously.
I doubt you'll need luck, but good luck all the same. And do please stay in touch.
Posted by Joanie on July 10, 2008 at 02:01 PM PDT #
Hey Rich, you and me both. 19 years *today* at Sun.
Maybe it's all a plot to rid Sun of the popular bloggers. :)
Good luck to you!
Posted by Kevin on July 10, 2008 at 02:06 PM PDT #
That sucks mate.
I experienced the same recently, and it looks like it's been an improvement overall (Wasn't at the place so long though).
Best of luck!
Posted by Rob on July 10, 2008 at 02:15 PM PDT #
Rich, sorry to see you go. I was a happy "mp" user for many years and I enjoyed your blog. If you take your blogging talents elsewhere, please let us know where you land.
Posted by Peter on July 10, 2008 at 02:45 PM PDT #
In addition to all of your accessibility and Orca contributions, I particularly enjoyed your wry sense of humor - it aadded much to our small group. As much as anything else, I will miss hearing your voice each week in staff meetings.
Posted by Peter Korn on July 10, 2008 at 02:49 PM PDT #
Thank you, Rich. Thank you for investing your talents here for so many years. Thank you.
Posted by MaryMary on July 10, 2008 at 03:06 PM PDT #
Ouch. On the plus side, knowing Sun, you'll probably be back before long anyway!
Posted by Calum on July 10, 2008 at 04:43 PM PDT #
Commiserations.
I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised by the opportunities that'll become available.
Posted by Pádraig Brady on July 10, 2008 at 04:49 PM PDT #
:(
I wish you all the best with the next stage.
Posted by Josseph on July 10, 2008 at 07:09 PM PDT #
Sorry for the bad news rich. If you want to stay in the bay area perhaps you should look into that other evil giant company in the bay area? The one that starts with a g and ends with an oogle?
Posted by Jeff Schroeder on July 10, 2008 at 07:55 PM PDT #
Hi Rich,
Being in a company for 21 years and contributing a lot is an extraordinary achievement and parting is more tough, best of luck for your future endeavors.
Posted by Prasanna Seshadri on July 11, 2008 at 01:03 AM PDT #
I didn't cry when I got RIF-ed, but I did cry when you did. I can't explain that, we've never met. I'm sure you will find something suitable to you. Good-byes to colleagues are hard. Fortunately some of them sustain and transend. Now you have my email address and I have your resume. I'm not a recruiter but I watch the market. If I see anything possibly interesting, I'll give you a shout. Best wishes to you.
Posted by Carolyn on July 11, 2008 at 06:27 AM PDT #
Really sorry to hear that. I wish you the best of luck finding a new job.
Posted by Zonker on July 11, 2008 at 08:51 AM PDT #
Rich, I was shocked to hear this. I never had the chance to thank you
for being my mentor and giving new perspectives. Will miss you.
Am sure all paths cross sooner or later.
Posted by Binu on July 11, 2008 at 11:30 AM PDT #
Sorry to hear that you are leaving Sun. Good luck on finding a new opportunity. Hope you'll be a Sun Boomerang someday
Posted by Vijay Tatkar on July 11, 2008 at 01:01 PM PDT #
I am really shocked to read this. I hope you find exciting new work nearby.
Posted by Eitan on July 11, 2008 at 02:57 PM PDT #
Rich, Although we have never met, I am feeling your pain. I was RIFed from Sun as well. I live in Michigan and there are NO jobs here. Michigan has been hit really hard by the bad economy. As a single mother, I am in a tough situation here. And I wanted to tell you that I believe things happen for a reason and all will be ok. Besides, I'm tired of stressing out every July wondering if I will be able to keep my job for one more year. So I am taking a few weeks to think about my next move and work on the old resume. If nothing else, I will have a good tan and a much needed break. Good luck to you. Keep the faith.
Darlene West
Posted by Darlene West on July 14, 2008 at 07:17 AM PDT #