Well, that's that

**jkeller** · 06-04-2002, 05:32 AM

It's been a long time coming, but things are now final. I am officially unemployed as of this Thursday, the 6th. The company I work for decided that France is not strategic to its plans and so is closing its two Paris offices.

Due to many uncertanties, it's taken about six months to run the course from "can we survive" to "how long can we survive" to "when do we close". Additionally, French laws are such that, even once you know that you have to close, the company still has to go through a process to convince the government. Such is the price to pay for decent unemployment benefits for the former employees.

As a result of all of this, I am losing my high-speed connection to the Web. It's very uncertain as to when I will again get one, so I am taking a temporary leave from the Aletia forums. I will not be able to answer questions or reply to personal messages. From the way things have been going for the last few weeks (some of which I've spent on vacation) I'm sure that this won't be a big loss for the community.

I'll be back as soon as I can, though when that is I can't say. Who knows, maybe now I'll actually be able to get my personal site done!

**tekygonnabe** · 06-04-2002, 06:02 AM

Hey John,

Sorry about this fellow! Even with the fact of "seeing the writing on the wall" it is still an unfortunate turn of events, to finally come about. Not much doubt in my mind, that a talented individual (and VERY well spoken) such as yourself, will not have a difficult time in securing gainful employment.

It is fortunate for you, that the French Government takes it's workforce and economy, into such consideration.

It may not have been spoken by anyone, during your recent absence around these halls, I for one missed seeing your intuitive postings. While I can't speak for the masses here... It will be a considerable loss of the community, that you are now forced into the upcoming leave of absence. I know I can be dense, but I am not sure what you meant by: "From the way things have been going for the last few weeks." That's ok though, no need to elaborate... As any reasoning coming from you could be justified, for sure.

Good Luck with completing your personal site, John!
The pleasure of making your acquaintance, is indeed - all mine!

The best of luck to you in landing that new job... Like I said though, you surely will not have a hard time finding your next position.

Sincerely,

**Julian Muñoz** · 06-04-2002, 06:26 AM

Hi John,

We all have this kind of tough moments on our lives. But I'm sure you will overcome this, for your own good.

You will surely be a big loss in the community! I will miss all your support, help and comments in this forums, so I hope you come back soon

OK, good luck pal

**jkeller** · 06-04-2002, 08:34 AM

Thanks for the compliments, tekygonnabe and JulianD. I'm sure that I'll be back soon enough, ready to pester everyone yet again...

As for my comment about the "last few weeks", I meant that things seem to be relatively calm -- at least in the volume of posts. I figure that if I could go for a few weeks without posting, then a few more won't change anything. The whole reason I originally joined these forums is the sheer number of people who are willing to help others, and that certainly doesn't change with my absence!

Keep it together, everyone. I'll be back with some stories, you can be sure of that.

**EHG** · 06-04-2002, 09:32 AM

Hi John,

Julian and tecky were so eloquent in communicating how I'm sure all of us who have come in contact with you on the forums feel - that I'll simplify my response to a mere: ditto!!!

One aspect of life no doubt you are aware of"

"Changes arn't permanent but change is"

Would be rather dull without them too, although they always seem to happen at the WRONG TIME!

I'm sure you will rebound from this temporary setback and hopefully your next endeavor will be even more challenging, interesting and above all MORE LUCRATIVE!!

Good Luck

Ed

**lookout** · 06-04-2002, 09:37 AM

Jkeller, you and your insightful posts will definitely be missed here. I hope you bounce back soon. Best of luck to you as you embark on your new adventure(s).

**LeeUmm** · 06-04-2002, 10:43 AM

Hey sorry to hear about the bad news man. Hopefully you get back on your feet real soon. I'm sure things will work out in due time.

You've been a good help to the forums in the short time you've been here so hopefully you'll be back soon

**tribby** · 06-04-2002, 01:28 PM

John,

I'm sure someone as well versed in tech stuff as you will have no problem finding a new job. Best of luck to you.

**Still Shady** · 06-04-2002, 03:39 PM

Sorry to hear that... I remember when I lost my job for almost the same reason like your company did. You'll get through it eventually...

You'll get a new job soon... It's kinda sad though...

Good luck!

**clio** · 06-04-2002, 05:31 PM

It's difficult to keep tech jobs now with companies especially if the company is geared towards making money. This is the reason why I do not intend in going into this as a job.

However, I have held a steady tech job for 2 years going on 3 now. It's for a non profit organization that has lots of funds. And I just happen to be on the tech side of things, handling their website.

That might be a good idea for you John.

Find some company, not necessarily a tech company, that needs a webmaster or techie or admin or something. Those stay afloat more than the *****}com/ecommerce bubbles, which burst.

You're a smart one, John. You've been a great help here and you'll be one valuable asset to your next employer. Good luck in your search, which shall not be a arduous and protracted one.

**Justin Hancock** · 06-04-2002, 06:14 PM

I'm sorry to hear that. I know that just from the short time that I have been here, I've noticed what a big help you are to the community.

I'm also undergoing some life-changing events right now, and my future is unclear. That feeling of not knowing what is in hold for your future definitely isn't a fun one.

But you've certainly got a good head on your shoulders, and hopefully the right paths will open up for you and you'll get your high-speed Internet back and continue with your website and online engagements.

**timechange** · 06-05-2002, 03:03 AM

Originally posted by jkeller
It's been a long time coming, but things are now final. I am officially unemployed as of this Thursday, the 6th. The company I work for decided that France is not strategic to its plans and so is closing its two Paris offices.

Due to many uncertanties, it's taken about six months to run the course from "can we survive" to "how long can we survive" to "when do we close". Additionally, French laws are such that, even once you know that you have to close, the company still has to go through a process to convince the government. Such is the price to pay for decent unemployment benefits for the former employees.

As a result of all of this, I am losing my high-speed connection to the Web. It's very uncertain as to when I will again get one, so I am taking a temporary leave from the Aletia forums. I will not be able to answer questions or reply to personal messages. From the way things have been going for the last few weeks (some of which I've spent on vacation) I'm sure that this won't be a big loss for the community.

I'll be back as soon as I can, though when that is I can't say. Who knows, maybe now I'll actually be able to get my personal site done!

Hey John,

Sorry to hear this; I sympathize with you as I was 5 months unemployed and hit new records with my posts here

Above all, don't let this bring you down and use every single lead of networking (the social/business type) to get you to a new job.

When a door closes, a new door opens!

**jkeller** · 06-05-2002, 10:11 AM

Thanks everyone, for all the kind and encouraging words.

I'm writing this at the very moment that the liquidator (now there's and appropriately ominous name!) is here and has started the official closing. By the end of the evening, we're gone and so will (hopefully for those like me with low, low bids) some of the equipment.

One thing that I guess I should clarify: I'm definitely not feeling bad about this. It's been too long coming, and I've got some very definite (and positive) plans in store for myself. More on those later.

I almost didn't want to post that clarification, since I couldn't have asked for better support if I'd paid for it! Seriously, thank you all for the encouragement. It's a sappy thing to say, but it is touching.

I promise to be back soon -- maybe even sooner than that. Take care in the meantime, and have a great beginning of summer (or winter, for some!).

John

**twcinpa** · 06-05-2002, 12:26 PM

May good things come your way John. You're knowledge and eloquence has raised the level of these forums and will be missed. Thanks you for the knowledge you've shared.

I'm looking forward to your speedy return.

Best to you,

Tom