another unexpected vacation

I learned a couple weeks ago that I’m getting laid off my job. My last day will be February 25. Brooke pointed out that in the 9 years since we started dating, I’ve had 4 jobs. I feel like that’s not a great track record, even though it’s not really my fault. The first layoff was due to COVID, the second was due to a startup company running out of money, and the third was due to politically-motivated economic factors (President Trump’s tariffs).

At least this time I’m getting some “runway” where I can continue to work and get paid for a few weeks while trying to figure out what’s next. What is next? I’m not sure yet. I want to take some time off to work on some personal projects and do some hiking.

After that, it could go a couple ways. I’m getting some professional help to try to kickstart moving into a teaching role, and if that doesn’t seem like it’s going to pan out I’ll try to do some software contract work. I don’t think I want to take a “permanent” position, since the last 3 “permanent” positions only lasted 2 years each. If that’s how the industry is going to be, I might as well take advantage of it and just take 6 or 12 month contracts, with a gap between to travel or whatever.