10 months ago, I had the misfortune of being one of many Microsoft casualties in their rounds of layoffs. It was a pretty jarring experience losing your job and
all. Especially when the reason you moved across the country was to work for the company. While I was certainly impacted from a financial perspective along with the worry of what’s next, I actually felt more disappointed that they were letting someone go that had done quite well up to that point and had been a huge advocate for many things Microsoft. Bottom line, my feelings were hurt. However, wounds heal.
Now, 10 months later, and what I had predicted the day I walked out has come true. They would want me back some day. That day will be March 15th when I start my new role as a Senior MVP Lead for Microsoft Office. Very much a community management type of role managing the relationships with Microsoft Office MVPs. It’s an exciting and challenging opportunity that I’m thrilled about. I always loved working in the halls of Microsoft, and I couldn’t be happier to be aligned with what I can no doubt say is an industry leading product that I love using. Microsoft certainly has it’s work cut out in many areas, but I do feel like Microsoft Office is and always has been a winner.
A lot of people that were let go were angry, upset, and let their frustrations get in the way for a long time. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this whole process, is that it was never personal. Yes, I think it was a foolish decision really only meant to appease stockholders, because let’s face it, the money never mattered. But that’s one of the risks of working for a company of that size. I truly believe that if you work hard, are smart, and treat people well personally and professionally, good things will find there way to you. My patience and approach paid off for me, and I’m ecstatic to be back.
And to celebrate my new found career, I decided that it was time for me to enjoy my commute a bit more. So I went and ordered this guy:
New job, new car. Now I just need a new haircut….oh wait…
Welcome back Jason. Nice blog format BTW. I think you make a great point about how to react when the chips are down – we often can't help what is done to us, but we certainly can take ownership of how we react. Congrats.
harrison
digitalCMO.com
Thanks Harrison and thanks for stopping by. Hope all is well in the land of Microsoft Advertising.
Jason,
Congrats on the new endeavor. It will be great to hear about your community engagements with all the MS Office MVP's
Does this mean Click-Thru reunion tour 2010? Please say yes.
Thanks Jeremy. Look forward to sharing what I experience.
Return to the states and consider it done.
Congrats on the job re-do with Microsoft. Just wanted to say I 100% agree with you about how important your attitude is when it comes to things like this. I can look back on the times I might have burned a few bridges as huge mistakes vs. the times where even if things weren't ideal I kept a positive attitude and kept it professional and how that continues to pay off today.
Hi Sue, thanks for stopping by and for the kind words. It's certainly worked out for me well, but definitely took a pretty jarring experience to really get it.
This is great news Jason. Looking forward to working along side you.
Hi Jason,
I wish more of my clients last year had your attitude.
Congratulations on the new gig and the sweet ride!
Good luck! Lisa
Thanks Tyler. I look forward to as well and thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.
Thanks for stopping by Lisa. Got the job going, now just waiting for the ride to show up!
Seems like a great role … congrats Jason!
Congratulations, Jason! Welcome back!
Matt Van Wagner