What I've learned

This last three month period since I was laid off at the end of September has been interesting. It's put some things in perspective for me and given me a lot of clarity. The biggest thing I have found is that when the chips are down, you find out who your friends really are.

I had a lot of friends when things were going well for me, but as soon as I was unemployed the majority of them simply vanished. It's like the way people ignore the homeless -- you just tune them out and they become invisible to you. "Friends" (most from my former place of employment) wouldn't respond to my emails or return my calls. And it's not like I was trying to get money or a job out of them -- I just wanted to maintain the relationships we had. It will be interesting to see how many resurface after they find out about the gig I landed at Cooper Power.

Of course, this whole experience has reaffirmed for me that there are some damn fine people on this board. The words of support and encouragement over the last few months has been priceless.