This last year has been one of challenge, and now, of change.

On May 13th, I was one of the unlucky 6,000 laid off from Microsoft. To say it was a gut punch is to put it mildly. I spent a few days in a kind of shock. But also, I took my kid to the aquarium. I did laundry. I took stock. I updated my resumé. I had several lunches with coworkers past and present. And I cleaned.

In the midst of all this, I took on a task for the family that was overwhelming someone I deeply care for. It helped take my mind off of other things.

• Like how every application was rejected almost instantly.
• Like how I felt cast aside.
• Like how I felt relief and one stress leave, but another stress come back.

And so I toiled. I put on an estate sale (two weekends!), and I cleaned some more, and organized a big project.

And I put in my resumé. And got rejected. Again. And again.

This is the part that you hear about the miracle.

Nope.

Wait. Yes, it is.

Then I reached out to my network. I have to tell you, nurture your network. It’s not that they are there solely for your benefit. I pay it forward much more than I need to, because this network of SQL people are incredible. And I am damn lucky to know them.

Lo and behold, one knows of a position. So I send on my resumé. And two interviews later, I have a new position as a DevOps engineer at Mavis Tires. As they are out of New York, and I am remote, it will mean early mornings for me. I start July 21st.

Thank you friends. I can’t wait to start this next chapter on July 21st.