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 }
James – so sorry to hear that! I don’t know the circumstances, but just wanted to say that you’ve done a great job, and I’ve really enjoyed following your Madison/Brazen experiences through this blog.
I completely admire you for picking up and moving somewhere you never even visited – way to live balls out – mad respect. It sounds like you had an awesome experience, and that you are leaving with grace and your chin held high. Kudos, and best of luck finding the next gig. The next company will be lucky to have you (and I’m happy to write a recommendation or be a reference if you ever need one)!
Hey JR,
I just want to say you are taking things in stride, and with the right attitude. I will keep my eyes peeled for any opportunities I could send your way.
I know it may not be much, but if you are looking to get your name out there I would be more than willing to throw a guest post on The think (here) Blog.
Best of luck to you today. If I can help in any way, hit me up.
Jason
I’m with you, JR. For me the only the difference before and after is that I won’t use your BC email address, which I think I never used. Well I see you here, Twitter…
If it weren’t for your support I wouldn’t have been so active in BC or my social media, a possibility that simply do not exist in all my what if… fantasies.
Keep rocking!
I would like to quote Jenny on everything she said above.
Just considering the circumstances… losing your jobs but being so damn awesome about it.
I definitely would not have made as many connections at Brazen had it not been for you.
I think you and Mr. Life Without Pants should team up soon for something fabulous. Not gay fabulous… but you know what I mean.
It takes a lot of gumption (do people even use that word anymore?) to pick up and move to a new place. You are gracious, strong and self-aware and will do a stellar job at anything life throws at you. I hope your next home finds you in good of spirits and with more opportunities and awesomeness.
More hugs.
What a wonderful blog post in the face of some very sad news. Best of luck to you. I just started a blog about transitions, so if you would like to guest post about this change in your life, feel free to hit me up.
I’m sure you will land on your feet just fine.
- Kate
This is a joke, right? I’m not sure what to say. I know you loved your job at Brazen and you were (and still are) really a fantastic community manager. I’m personally sad to see you go, but I’m sure you’ll move on to bigger and better things now.
Here’s to a new adventure! (and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help along the way)
We were in touch on Brazen. I would appreciate if you share the circumstances which forced you to move out. We are connected on twitter also. Though the Brazen widget/logo is seen here (which I think is a very positive sign), the tone of your post, arguably, is … what should I say. Never mind buddy. Life is so beautiful. Best
So sorry to hear this! You’ve done a fantastic job and I’m sure you’ll be on to bigger and better things very soon. It takes courage to move so far from home, and that same courage helps when moving on to something new. I’ve personally been through two layoffs and I know how stressful it can be.
Best of luck to you!
@Leslie, never been through something quite like this, however I really tried to live by the idea that you never stop networking, whether employed or not. Stress will come, but hopefully a job will bring up the rear as well
@Neeraj, the circumstances were amicable and I’ll leave it at that. Thanks for the support and I wish you the best as well. We’ll see what happens!
@Carlee, not a joke at all… though the punch line could potentially be glorious. Time will tell!
Thanks so much for the compliment. It’s been awesome getting to know you and we’ll definitely stay in touch. Bring on adventure!
@Kate, I’d love to guest post! I think your blog concept is awesome. I’ll try to get something scratched out with my open schedule this week
@Alex, I dunno what it takes to keep moving. It probably takes as much courage and brains to realize when you’ve got a good thing going and hold onto it. I hope I spot that when it happens. As for now, I’ve gotta pack my bags and be ready for that call when it comes.
@Isao, meeting people like you is what made my job awesome. Let’s definitely keep in touch my friend. Hope all’s well with you.
@Jason, I’ve got a pretty open schedule, so let’s talk about guest posting soon. I’d love to contribute!
@Jenny, you’re an inspiration for kicking ass with style. Thanks so much for the kind words. I’ll be in touch soon regardless to catch up!
Thanks for all the time & effort, JR, and good luck applying what you learned for someone else
Sorry to hear that, however, that happens as our generation knows already. If it wasn’t for your promptness in reading my posts to get them featured, I wouldn’t be putting out new posts as regularly. I presume you’ll be sticking around with the community on Brazen and move onto other things in life. What are your plans now?
Well done, JR. It’s rough to get laid off, but every time it’s happened to Mark and I, we’ve landed BETTER gigs after. And keeping it positive is the way to land that next gig. I’m definitely keeping my ears open for anything that might interest you in Chicago…we’d love to have you in the ‘hood! And in the meantime – milk that BC network you’ve worked so hard to build to connect you to the new opp!
Sounds like you’re keeping positive…now to stay warm in this crazy winter weather…that’s the trick. Good luck!
Sorry to hear that JR. I worked at Brazen Careerist for about six months and meant to call you before you took the job there just to give you a little context about how the company works so you could make a better decision. You seemed really happy though and I thought your experience might be different from mine, so I let it be.
Anyway, cheers for having a good attitude and I’m confident you’ll find some good opportunities with the work experience you’ve gained.
JR,
I admire that you are acknowledging the positive experiences you had at Brazen. The start up scene that you witnessed is absolutely something that will benefit you with whatever you do next.
If you are looking to come back east let me know what I can do to help. There are definitely opportunities out here for someone with your skills.
DH
Oh man, I’m so sorry to hear this! At the risk of repeating everything Jenny said, I too am so proud of your cross country move and all that you’ve done at Brazen in your time there. You are an awesome person with some really creative and innovative ideas, and I know you’ll find somewhere to put those into practice. Good luck with the search, and please let me know if you need anything, for realsies!
JR: Having moved to Madison from San Francisco, I can only imagine what it would be like if my husband’s job (the reason we moved here) ended. We love the people here and it’s a great place to live, but uprooting and moving across the country is an unsettling experience to say the least! Also, I was laid off in March 2009, and I only just now got back into full-time work in my field. Hopefully with your strong network and excellent credentials you will be spared that fate! It’s fun to be out of the workforce by CHOICE, but no so much if that isn’t a part of your plan. Having a positive attitude helps (I didn’t, but that’s just me). Having friends is key (I did, and thank god). Wishing you the best.
-J
So sorry to hear this – and to add to the chorus of people, I’ve really enjoyed connecting with you as well! I think you have done a stellar job and wish you nothing but good things
Today is a gloomy day, dude. Even Andrew is a little more subdued. I haven’t heard one Lady Gaga song yet … so you know that you made an impact here.
The realities of startup life are hard on friendships, but everyone here will always consider you a friend. Beyond that, you’re a community leader like no other.
You enjoy helping people. That’s a trait that every Community Manager needs to have. So wherever you land next, you’re going to do your job like a rock star.
I’m going to miss having you in the office every day, but I know that you already have some exciting things in motion. And I’ll always be available for drinks at night so we can rant about shit
Cheers brotha.
Sorry to hear about the layoff. It’s never easy when it happens, and it doesn’t get easier either! Still, maybe this is one of your opportunities in life.
You thinking of staying in Madison?
Skype chat this week. No questions asked. Let’s get you an unexpected new career that kick’s ass.
Sucks man, Maybe we can get those wings now. Anyway, I wish you all the best and am proud to say I knew a man who went after his dream instead of sitting scared at his cubicle desk miserable (me) anyway, best of luck!
Good luck on your next life journey James and I hope you feel better soon! (you mentioned being sick on Twitter)
Well, clearly the Olympics have overtaken my life and I missed this memo. I’m sorry to hear you’re leaving, but I’m glad you got your learning experiences from it.
Here’s to a new new phase again, and to bigger things.
Okay, I’m going to call you. But.
You are a wise one, James. And, to echo what others have said, you will absolutely do big things…that’s a given. Your grace and insight are remarkable.
<3
JR-
Congrats on making the most of a wonderful journey. By listening to you, engaging in conversations, analyzing your ideas and seeing how you manage communities you have had a direct impact on the development of my personal and professional abilities. Words can’t express how lucky I am to have joined a great community in Brazen and, even if it is just one or two interactions between people like you, be associated with and learn with ambitious, bright people.
Can’t wait to hear more great things from you…
Hey JR-
It’s going to be sad not seeing your updates on Brazen anymore – you were (and are) a fantastic community manager. Looking forward to following you and the great things you’ll do.
You held out and had a grand old time ’til the very end. And hey, as they always say… when one door closes, another one opens. Onwards and upwards.
The best of luck to you!
Dude, talk about parallels! I was just wondering how I’d be posting about my own big news of leaving my job, and there you are.
Different circumstances of course, but I too thank you for how you’ve welcomed me into the BC community while I started working on my networking project.
Ann Arbor’s a pretty sweet place…
Best of networking connections be yours.
You did something truly courageous moving to Madison to pursue a career interest, a few months ago. Since I read your blog post about your move back then, I remember you every time I consider moving to another city for a job. I wish you all the best in your quest for new opportunities! Good luck and let me know if I can be of any help whatsoever
Wow surprising news – but looking at the comments above it is obvious you made one hell of an impact. Good luck JR.
I am moved that you wrote about so many positive aspects despite facing a difficult situation. This says volumes about your character.
Maybe now is a good time to look into what it takes to run a nightclub/bar?
Let’s talk!
@Jacob, thanks for the words man. Looking forward to what’s next!
@Stanley, I’ll definitely be around the community and doing whatever I can to help out and entertain y’all
Not sure what my plans are yet, but I’ve got some great things laid out before me and think the next step is gonna be beautiful.
@Jenn, I loved your neighborhood and I loved hanging out with you and Mark. You two were TOO good to me and I’ll never forget it! Hope to see you both soon and yes, I agree that the next step should be great. You two offered some really encouraging words for me.
@Emily, we’ll see if I can get out of the cold weather. You never know!
@Beth, thanks so much! I’ve really liked your blog posts and input on city living too.
@Paugh, dude what can be said? I got to work with my friends and I’m so grateful for that. Gonna miss the Lady Gaga and rants. There will be more though, I guarantee!
@Brian, I don’t know if I’ll stay in Madison. I’m definitely looking all over the country. All cards are on the table and are interesting!
@Shane, nobody gets me pumped up via Skype like you. Keep rocking man!
@Zfarls, buffalo wings will be had soon! We’ve gotta keep pushing to live the life we want to lead. I’m pretty sure you only get one chance. Best of luck to you too!
@Corine, I’m feeling much better and energized today. Feeling good overall too! Optimistic!
@Mehnaz, bigger and newer opportunities are some of the best things life has to offer in my humble opinion