Bummed About This
Yesterday I received an email informing me that my contract position with the magazine has been terminated. From the 6th of February through the 11th, I’ll work there proofreading the issue for the last time. I’m really pretty bummed about it, as I was feeling at home and secure finally—like I was really part of the editorial team there, contributing in my own circumscribed way. The editor who let me go was very kind and complimented the quality of my work extensively. She made it clear that the change was due only to budget cuts, and not for any substantive reason, which I appreciate knowing. Reading her compliments (and rereading them) has been making the blow a little easier to take, but I am very disappointed about this. I came to rely on that income each month, certainly. Yet, somehow this contract became more than a contract for me. I became friends with the people there. It was a place where I could be a professional working with other professionals in person and out in the world. That may sound like I dislike working from home by myself, but that’s not the case. I just liked having those three to four days each month doing something else. It was refreshing and I always learned new things, sometimes about AP style and journalism, sometimes about my home town. I thought the contract might someday morph into a full-time job, later on after my kids are bigger—you know, when I am ready.
I will probably still be assigned some freelance jobs here and there, when they have a special need. I will continue to write for the magazine, which I’m kind of fired up about lately. So they will probably continue to be a valued client. But my exceptionally sweet gig is at an end.
January 25, 2008 at 4:43 pm
so sorry to hear this honey:( *hugs* Your an amazing talent and I wish you the best in what lies ahead!
January 25, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Poop. That makes me sad too. Still, I’m glad there seems to be a little silver lining. xo
January 25, 2008 at 7:57 pm
*muah* sorry to hear that. Hopefully they will actually spend more money with you as a freelance writer.
January 25, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I was gonna say “poop” and “muah” but they were already taken.
Sucks.
Hopefully the work you’ve done for them will only help you land other gigs that will give you lots of support and encouragement and of course moola.
Thinking about you and KNOWING that this is a step in a direction that will continue to contribute to your happiness.
January 25, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Thanks very much. It’s just been nice having that gig. But getting pushed out of my comfort zone means that I’ll learn something new and wonderful, I hope.
January 25, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Yes, I think it will continue to be a good relationship, which is why I sent a very gracious “Of course. I understand completely. If you ever need my services again, please don’t hesitate…” email back to the editor. She has written nice recommendations/testimonials for me in the past. I may tap her for another one again.
January 25, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Well, it’s possible. My goal is to stay working and stay in their radar. Thanks for the sympathy.
January 26, 2008 at 12:01 am
Thank you very much. I appreciate all the good will you’re sending my way. I’m sure I’ll bounce into some other lucrative and interesting project. Usually I manage to do so. After poking around a bit today and beating some bushes, it now looks like I will have some interesting opportunities come along very soon. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.