Expectations and Surprises
SteveToday I am on my way to HRevolution 2011, the 'Unconference', (I really don't like that word), for Human Resources professionals that I have had a small part in organizing, along with my colleagues Trish McFarlane, Ben Eubanks, and Crystal Peterson. The event will most certainly be fantastic, I am excited to see so many old friends and also to meet many new ones, as the event has grown over the years there always seems to be a new class of HRevolutionaries it will be my privilege to meet.
Today I fully expected to post about the event, to thank our generous sponsors, and to otherwise promote and recognize the many, many people that make the HRevolution event so worthwhile and special.
But on Thursday I received some surprising news, that changed both my short-term plans for today's post, and certainly my plans for the future.
On Thursday I was informed that my position, along with several of my colleagues, have been eliminated due to an organizational restructuring.
On the blog, and in the other social circles I travel, I have not talked very much about my 'day job'. That was a conscious decision - I never got the sense that what I did on the blog, on the HR Happy Hour Show, at any Human Resources conferences or events, and really anywhere that was not 'work' was understood all that much or really appreciated by the decision makers there. And that is perfectly understandable and acceptable, I never had the expectation or assumption that any employer would or should care about what I was up to in my spare time.
But unexpected changes and surprises are just that - surprising. And while I did have the sense that in the long run that I would likely need to move on to something more closely aligned with my interests, skills, and leveraging the strengths that having developed properties like this blog and the radio show have given me, I was not really prepared to commence that process on the day prior to the HRevolution event.
But the reality is I need to move on to the next phase in my professional career.
And it is kind of hard to think about that, mainly because of concerns about the team I am leaving behind. In my time with them, I found them to be extremely dedicated, competent, and a real pleasure to work with. I hope that I was able to help them, at least a little, and that whatever changes are in store for them will not be too difficult.
For me, I plan on flying to HRevolution, enjoying time with friends and colleagues, and sure, talking some about my next phase and potential career opportunities, but hopefully not dwelling on that so much as to detract and distract from the HRevolution event itself, one that myself and the team have worked on so much over the last few months.
When I get back from Atlanta, it will be time to sort out the future.
If you are interested in talking about what that future may look like, either at HRevolution or after, I would love to hear from you.
Find me at:
Email - steveboese@gmail.com
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/steveboese
Phone (I promise I will try to answer) - 585-317-7492
Twitter - @SteveBoese
or via the contact form on the right side of the blog.
Thanks!
Reader Comments (6)
Steve, Not the best way to start your day, but I'm confident that your next best opportunity will find you. Have a wonderful #HRevolution. I'm already looking forward to 1/2012 in Fort Myers. What, you say that's not definite? Well, a girl can dream.
I hate that you had to leave for HREvolution with all that on your mind but I know this just means even better things are ahead for you. I look forward to seeing you in the ATL!
Steve, at the HR Technology Conference, we always cared about your "day job" because you are expert in running HR systems, especially from Oracle. Plus teaching others about it. Combine that with your social experience and media knowledge, and you're one special guy.
We look forward to your being a panelist at this year's event in Vegas, in addition to hosting an HRevolution session with Trish on our own program, after doing the full-tilt boogie HRevolution in our hotel on the Sunday afternoon before our opening reception.
In short, you are a Renaissance Man in my world. And even though losing a job ranks right up on the stress meter with a divorce (it's sorta like one, no?), I am confident this truly is just the first day of the rest of your life. Often said to reassure people, but in your case the truth.
Hey, you wanna take over my show, my column or my Radio Show? Each of mine is paid (unlike yours, dumpkopf!), and you'd be great at any of them. Good luck.
Steve, I didn't see this until after HRevolution so I had no idea. As Naomi said, I'm sure your next opportunity is already in the works and will find you.
Or if you need us to do an HR Slam on your behalf, just let us know!
Good luck.
@Naomi - Thanks for the note. Yep, this does mean a bit more time to plan for HRevolution 2012 for sure!
@Chris -Thanks and It was great seeing you this weekend in Atlanta - you are the best1
@Bill - Thanks very much for your comments. Your shows are getting so big now, maybe you need an assistant?
@Krista - Thanks Krista, great to see you again at the event!
I'm late to the news, but figure posting here to let you know I'm rooting for you would work in context. I look for you to take this opportunity and run with it. So much has changed since the last time that resume was fresh. By understanding that industry change you are positioned to seize the moment! I look forward to hearing about the journey my friend. Thanks for all you do in the social media space. @designtwit