Today I am sad to announce that I am no longer an employee of Brazen Careerist. While I consider the circumstances wholey unfortunate for both parties, both Team Brazen and myself have separated happily and are more than satisfied by our shared experiences over the last 5 months.
So, here I am.
While the fact that I don’t have a job anymore is slowly and uncomfortably sinking in, I’m realizing a few things with a bit of enthusiasm.
- Despite getting laid off, nothing about my time at Brazen Careerist would be considered un-successful. The reasons I no longer have a job there are beyond my control there and I have to say that I had an amazing, albeit short run at it.
- I learned more about the ways startups REALLY work than I would have at most other places. Priceless knowledge that you never really can understand until you see up close.
- I managed the single best young professional social network on the web today. I cannot say how proud of that fact I am. To every person who got a job or lent a hand out to a person in need within our community, thank you for inspiring me to witness what the power of social media and human kindness are all about.
- Despite being a bunch of chatty, rambunctious, profane and ADD having 20-somethings, I am really happy to say I found a unique friendship with each one of the crew that I worked with day-to-day in our Pee-Wee’s Playhouse-esque office.
- Somehow I wound up 1100 miles away from the place I called home for 25 years and I don’t consider Madison to be the place I’ll call home for the long term. Am I bitter that I moved out here for a stint at a company that was so short? Absolutely not. Like I alluded to in the previous points, the amount I gained since moving here in late September far outweighs the situation I’ve found myself in. I feel incredibly lucky for that.
So, I want to thank Ryan Paugh and the other co-founders for taking a chance on me and bringing me out here. I want to thank the community for making this be the best job I’ve ever had by a long shot and I want to thank all my friends and family that have given me the support I need but often shun all along the way.
I’ve currently got some options on the table for freelancing and potential jobs, but I’m open to all comers right now and look forward to keeping forward progress on the cutting edge of social media marketing and community management no matter where I land.
Onwards and upwards.
{ 93 comments… read them below or add one }
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@Cali, thanks and you rock so much! You’ve taken some huge risks yourself and hearing about it is strengthening my resolve big time! Great talking to you!
@Tyler, thank you for that man. Those words make my time here that much better. Cheers to you doing big things. I want to hear all about them!
@Ellen, keep up the great writing. I love your stuff! Hopefully see you around the city sometime!
@Val, you’ve gotta make the best of it and I feel like I did. Cheers and thank you!
@SaraH, posting this wasn’t easy for many reasons, but I’m so glad I did for the simple reason of the feedback I’ve got. Hope your next role is an amazing one too!
@Sabera, thanks so much. I’m so glad I got to see you get your blogger on and witness your cooking blog. We’ll see what’s next. I suspect it’ll be exciting!
@Ryan R. thanks man, I try
@Holly, I really do want to talk about opening a jazz bar! Let’s definitely talk soon! Plus I have some interesting developments that you might want to hear!
totally not worried for you, my friend. you’ll do well
you’re an entrepreneur type after all
@Floreta, thanks!
I spoke to you already, but feel I must comment, as well.
It’s really amazing to see the support you’re getting! Isn’t it nice that we have these natural offline networks (family, friends) but that online, there’s so much community and support. This is indicative of who you are as a person
I also, am not worried about you. But I will be listening keenly for opportunities, ideas and jobs (probably in Boulder hehe)
Thanks Grace, I really appreciate that!
Hey JR, I’ve been in your position, and it’s no fun. I will say, however, that getting laid off 6 years ago was the best career move I ever made.
I have no doubt that you’ll end up just fine. People like you usually do. Actually, I think Conan said it best recently when he said, “If you work hard, and you’re kind, incredible things will happen.”
Keep rockin’ it out, man.
JR
Keep your head up and onward and upward like you say. Things happen for a reason and know with your talent and skills, the right thing will come along. Taking on freelance projects is a great idea and there are plenty more opportunitites out there. I’m in the biz too so if I come across anything, I’ll check in with you to see where you are at. I know your in Madison, but if you are looking for things in the Milwaukee area – BigShoesNetwork as well as CraigsList always has good info. GOOD LUCK!
Susan Schoultz
@clearverve2 on Twitter
Member of ItStartsWithUs – trying to make the world a brighter place (check us out…http://www.itstartswith.us/)
So happy to have an opportunity to visit your blog. If only more people could understand what you are sharing here. Ther is no room for bitter attitudes when things don’t work out like we thought they would…there is always a lesson. There is always a door that opens when one closes…
You have an awesome attitude. Good luck to you. I myself, am venturing on a new path and have chose to spend most of my time looking at the positive aspects, where most only see the sad negitive.
I can’t wait to see where life takes you…I will be following your journey.
What an amazing post. I love how you are moving through such a difficult time with optimism, enthusiasm and grace. You haven’t adopted a ‘blame’ mentality or allowed this to change your outlook on life. Your positive attitude will carry you through life no matter what it throws at you which is truly inspirational
Best of luck and enjoy the next step of your journey
Very sad news, but your outlook and attitude are inspiring. I’m going to be faced with a layoff myself in a few weeks so I can empathise with the limbo feeling – very scary, but you just have to have faith in your strengths and know that these things happen for a reason, and things will work out, I’m sure. I wish you the best of luck and I’m sure new and bigger opportunities will present themselves to you soon
Your approach to this situation reminds me of one of my favorite quotes – “I cannot control the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails.” This is undoubtedly a difficult situation for you, but your optimism in spite of it all is truly inspiring! Keep your head up and continue to be positive. I’m new to your blog, but I can already tell that you’re the kind of person who deserves good things! Wishing all the best for you!
I admire how optimistically you’re handling this! I wish you all the best with everything. From this post, you seem like the kind of person people want to work with. I bet you’ll find yourself employed again quickly
smile! :] you’re so optimistic already, good times will come. it’s amazing that you can go through this and keep your head up. you truly inspire me to follow my dreams :]
Keep your head up, and a smile on your face! Beautiful things come to those ready to seize the day.
For some layoff inspiration, I suggest watching ‘Lemonade’ (available on Hulu). A great film, and one to keep you positive!
Cheers-
Derek
(This has been a Love Bomb from the #ATeam)
JR, you’re an inspiration, really. Your optimistic attitude is one that everyone should adopt. I have no doubt in my mind that you’re on to bigger and better things! God bless!
JR – I’m sorry to hear you lost a job that you liked so much. What I see that you have going for you right now is that you’re unlike most folks who have stayed in one place, in their comfort zone. Now that you’ve already made one move, and you don’t think Madison is your long-run home, you can search far and wide for the ideal next location/job. I hope you’ll enjoy that freedom, knowing that it’s an adventure getting to know a new city, new friends, new everything…and as you do the job search, you’ll be free to go wherever the next awesome job calls.
JR – I am so sad to see that you and Brazen Careerist are parting ways! I agree that that is wholly unfortunate for everyone involved, including those of us in the Brazen community who will miss connecting with you in that capacity!
I know you’ll be fine, and that this closed door is just the beginning of other amazing opportunities. Your optimism inspires me…to keep my ears open for anything that would be a fit for you in Olympia or Seattle!
I love your writing and will check back to see how you are getting on, it doesn’t sound to me like you need much encouragement as you seem to naturally look at the brightside which is my way of coping with things hehe… all the very best honey, hope life takes you down healthy and happy paths and you enjoy the scenery along the way xxx
I just wanted to throw some encouragement your way. I was laid off in April. Money has been tight – more than that really, nonexistent. But I have found so many ways to make myself happy and am grateful for all that I’ve had the opportunity to experience since then. My situation now is not ideal, but I am working towards a life goal that will make it all worth it in the end. With a little bit of work, it’ll all turn out alright.
You have got such a positive outlook that I can’t help but think you will have another job in no time flat. It is so easy to fall inot negativity. You, my friend, are an example for all. Keep looking and know there are people pulling for you. Keep us updated and I look foward to more of your blogs.
I haven’t read all of the other comments but I agree 100% with what Christina Brannon above me says. It’s fantastic that you are looking on this so positively; it’s inspirational and a brilliant example to anyone else in a similar position. Good luck in finding your next job, I really hope you can get into something you love as much as you loved this one! You are so positive that I feel sure that will be the case for you sooner or later. All the best
JR,
I think you have a fantastic attitude about this and because of that you’re next gig will be even better.
Best!
Amanda
@sexythinker
Hey JR,
Kudos to you for taking a risk. You may not see all the payoff even for years. Glad to see you have no regrets about it and already are aware of some benefits. Even in this economy there are some jobs. I wish for you to be one of those scooped up for another great opportunity, wherever that may be.
Good luck! And thanks for the inspiration from another job seeker!
Let me know if I can help ahite at talentrevolution.net… Go get em!!!
Hello Friend,
I want to share a marvelous quote with you that really saw me through some very trying times. I want it to see you through, too!
“Talk happiness; talk faith; talk health. Say you are well and all is well with you, and God shall hear your words and make them true.” —Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The best of luck to you in your quest.
Norma
An amazingly positive outlook. Much respect to you for focusing on the positive, I think that will serve you well.
The best of luck to you on your quest!
I’m currently unemployed so I know how it feels to be jobless but you seem like a really strong person who will bounce back from this and continue to do well in life. I wish you the success you deserve.
Well as they say everything happens for a reason….Look forward to newer and better things as your life will change…you already have the right positive attitude.
All the very best to you, and God Bless!
JR- I’ve seen my dad & brother be laid off countless times and it sucks. They’ve always bounced back and I respect them for being able to pick themselves up & keep going. I have no doubt you’ll do the same. I’m a big believer in ‘everything happens for a reason’… even though it’s hard to believe it sometimes. I wish you the best.
I am so sorry that you got laid off but you are such an optimistic and positive person so I believe that you will be back on your feet in no time! Keep on being the person that you are
I know what it’s like to move across the country for something you want to do, if what I did didn’t work out I don’t think I would be as upbeat as you. Keep it up man, your attitude plays a huge part in life, and it looks like you’re doing awesome. Even if your job situation doesn’t reflect it.
I’m so sorry about your lay off, but I’ll echo the rest of the commenters by saying your attitude is inspirational. I was laid off at the beginning of this little adventure we’re calling “the great recession” and while it is not fun attitude is everything. So, you’re already way ahead of the game.
I’m confident whatever lies ahead is better than you could possible imagine.
Best of luck
@kbhouston
It’s all happening for a reason. Opening a path to something phenomenal coming your way…
Okay everyone, I’ve gotten behind on responding to individual comments, but I want to say that I am absolutely FLOORED at all the support I’m getting on this situation. Thank you all SO MUCH!
I was questioning if I was under-reacting by not freaking out too much. I think starting off with a good perspective helped. I’d be lying if I told you I haven’t had some mini-freakouts since last Monday, but I’ve been glad to have some great people around to lend an ear.
It’s strange how much better positioned I am to live the life I want now compared to before I moved out of Massachusetts. Even if I find myself back there, it’s going to be an entirely different set of circumstances… probably more favorable too.
Everyone, I’d love to hear about your stories. All of your stories. Thank you for commenting and please email me any time with questions, ideas or just to break bread.
james.r.moreau (at) gmail.com
Hi JR, I’m really sorry I’ve been sort of out of the blogosphere lately and just ran across your post now. I’m sorry you’ve been laid off and I really can’t believe it. It seemed like you loved your position there and that you were a great Community Manager. I’m still a college student, so I can’t offer much advice regarding layoffs, but I think you are highly skilled and you will find something even better to get your career on the right track again! I’m impressed by the positive attitude you displayed on this post, and I think you will do great things. Best of luck!
@Akhila, thanks so much for checking in! You must be really busy right now, so that’s awesome! I’m not very concerned right now about the whole situation. I’m seeing more opportunities since being laid off than I had when I was employed, so I’m enjoying that for what it is and making the best of it. I’ll let you know what happens!
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