Issue 23

The I-Lost-My-Job Issue

Sep 10, 2023

Well sh*t everyone. I am no longer employed. If you’re expecting juicy details, I am here to disappoint. That is not my style. But if you’re here for my predictable brand of authenticity and somewhat likeable wit, you just hit the jackpot.

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I write for the creative outlet. And sometimes I write because it is therapeutic. This is a 2-for-1.

Here are the things I have felt since losing my job: shame, embarrassment, anger, relief, frustration, fear, panic, calm, stress, happiness, disappointment, numbness, excitement, hope, depression, anxiety, positivity, opportunity, it-was-meant-to-be and variations of all the aforementioned. Sometimes this ^ all happens in one day. I am a 50-year old man with addiction and mental health issues, that has never gone through this before. I am definitely keeping an eye on this Daniel Incandela guy.

My family, friends and former colleagues have been so f-ing great to me. It makes my heart happy. It’s been incredibly helpful when your confidence has taken a ding.

Life is tricky. You are the apple of someone’s eye. And you are the radish(?) to another. You know what I’m trying to say.

I am extraordinarily lucky. I am in a position where I can take time. This is not lost on me, and it is my intention to make the most of this in every possible way. It’s starts with asking probing questions.

How many Twizzlers can I eat in one week? Can I get in the best shape of my life? Do I start from season one of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and just keep going? How can I better support my family with all of this time? That’s just the start.

In all seriousness, here is how I’ve been approaching my days since becoming a free agent.

Exercise: CrossFit three times a week and walks on the other days. I am going to take up running too.

Writing: I carry a notebook around and jot down any ideas, thoughts and so on. The pen Manchester United sent me for being a super-fan stopped working after one day.

I also start the morning with writing whatever comes to mind. My only rule is that it has to be positive. Surrealist Andre Breton called it automatic writing and had this to say about it:

make a poetic discourse that goes beyond the established aesthetic, social or moral order.

Or in other words, I am writing my stream of consciousness.

Networking: I carve out time daily to reach out to two groups of people: 1) people I have relationships with and 2) people I admire but do not know. The latter is a lot like cold calling and I’m getting used to rejection. You can never be too humbled!

Adult-ing: Things around the house, bills, shopping, laundry, cooking, waiting for it to rain, that kinda stuff.

Human Connection: I make a point of connecting with someone each day in a meaningful way. It would be easy to isolate during this period and I know that’s not the right path (and that’s coming from a self-proclaimed hermit).

Something Fun: I’m currently building the massive Manchester United Stadium Lego Set that my boss from two jobs ago gifted me. Stuff like that. I also love baking, writing this newsletter and endorsing people for really random stuff on LinkedIn.

Contemplation: I am thinking a lot and connecting it to exercise, writing and human engagement. In a previous issue, I mentioned Ikigai, which is the Japanese art of life. It’s organized in four parts: what you love (your passion), what the world needs (your mission), what you are good at (your vocation), and what you can get paid for (your profession).

I never want to lose my job again. So a lot of what I’m doing in this moment is about finding a healthy next role. If I can channel Ikigai, I will be unstoppable.

Some other thoughts.

Not having work email or Slack on my phone is wonderful. I swear my phone feels lighter. And can we all agree that Slack is actually worse than email?

I’m immensely proud of my career so far. It has spanned the Museum field, Sports and Entertainment and B2B Software. I never imagined I’d be a CMO, let alone 5x. Non-profit to B2C to B2B. I also came up with The Leaning Tower of Pisa Vacuum Cleaner, part of my Italian Collection.

I don’t pretend to know what’s next, but I am trusting this process and that it will lead to where I need to go.

Podium Life has brought me joy during a difficult year. I love building it. It has has kept me sharp, improved me as a marketer and convinced me to take more risks. And I obviously get to spend more time on this now.

I have worked incredibly hard to operate with humility and as little ego as possible. This experience will further reinforce this approach.

No matter what, kindness is the answer.

I am learning a lot about myself. After 20+ years of working really hard with minimal breaks, this free time is eye opening. This is incredible but can be mentally tough. I am approaching all of this as an opportunity to learn and evolve. It feels uncomfortable and that typically indicates a moment of growth and learning. Sign me up.

I am open to any conversation (hint hint) - so if you would like to chat, or if you think there is someone I should talk to, I would be grateful if you reached out. You can just reply to this email. 🙏