More on my “job loss”
I literally wrote the last post as I was heading out the door, so I apologize for not giving more details. Here they are.
I’m a federal contractor in the IT field. My current client is/was a “major tax collection entity” and I’ve been on a contract with them since July, 2006. We were very close to implementing their system when today they announced that they ran out of money and were canceling the contract as of today. Yeah, funny, the ones collecting all the money ran out of it. We weren’t the only contract that got cut though.
The client was very friendly, but the work was very stressful. Both sides (us and them) were understaffed and we all felt it. Also, we were dealing with incompetent server support that delayed our project by months. We were actually in testing phase and client acceptance testing was next month. But enough about the contract details, let’s hear about my future.
When I started with my company, I was on the bench (not directly billable to a project) for 2.5 months, and that was before I proved my value. Now that I basically ran the analysis and design for this multi-million dollar contract, they know I’m worth their money. The problem is finding me another contract so I can be billable soon.
My boss immediately started calling around and thinks he found me a spot on another contract in D.C., but I’ll be in a much larger supporting cast there so it should be less stressful. It’s probably a 10 minute longer metro ride, plus transfer time. Until then, though, he asked me to use some vacation next week until he gets an overhead code for me to use. It sucks, but I have over 3 weeks saved up anyway (I just don’t take vacations). Also, I might be helping on some proposal work on the side to keep me busy.
So for next week, it looks like I’ll be on vacation. I think I’ll finish Christmas shopping (still need to get the tree), shop around for home renovation things like flooring, a new front door, etc. and try to get all 120 coins for Super Mario Galaxy (up to 101 now). Oh, and I think I’ll schedule my deep tissue massage using the Red Door Spa gift cards from my AmEx rewards bonus.
I think I’m finally getting the time off I should have taken months ago. Too bad this couldn’t have happened next Friday instead.
Boy, do I understand your predicament. I work for a military/federal contractor and this has happened to me more than once (through other similar employers). It always gets a little tense around here when recompete time comes around, even though we’re all but guaranteed to win. Good luck, man; I know that they’ll hook you up with something soon given your proven value. (If not, send me an email and I’ll refer you for a few positions in my company.)
It’s really great that they’re already locating another contract for you. Having the upcoming week off could be really fun and chill–especially after a full semester of work and classes. You deserve it! And the deep tissue massage. Ahhh… 🙂
Geez, talk about great timing! I hope something better comes along soon. In the mean time, enjoy a mini break in your schedule to finish out that Christmas shopping and enjoy life a bit…sounds like a plan!
It’s nice that you have all that vacation saved up. It seems to be coming in handy. Hopefully they’ll find something for you soon.
I’m sure you’ll be glad to take a little while off but hopefully, you get another contract real soon. It sounds like you have a really supportive boss.
Being on the bench stinks. Our contract is up for renewal right now, and in true government efficiency, they have not signed the paperwork. I hope my manager doesn’t ask us to use vacation time so they can stay profitable though. I would hate to have to do that.
Sorry to hear about this.
But have faith, when one door closes, usually a couple more open.
I’m sure it will all work out for the better.