I’ve been laid off as of December 31st. Hardly unexpected, but not appreciated after more than five years of very above-and-beyond sacrifice (which, as a classy professional, I can’t talk about.)

I wore many, many hats over the years — IT guy, web developer, PowerPoint lackey, project manager, copywriter, proofreader, retoucher, strategist, audio/video engineer, roadie, Flash coder, Devil’s advocate, comic relief. On a personal level, it was extremely rewarding to be able to learn and work within so many disciplines. Constant challenge and stimulation and all those good things that make it nice to work somewhere. On a professional level, post-job-doing-everything, it makes it really hard to “sell” myself to new employers. When someone is looking for a good hammer, don’t hand him the whole toolbox. Forward movement is going to require more thought than usual.

For now, it’s important to catch up on the things ignored during that era; video games, movies, exercise, photography, reading for pleasure… Put that way, it’s a good thing this happened before I forgot why I’m supposed to bother.

So, after a few weeks’ rest, I’ll remember what I want, professionally. Geographically, it’s safe to say I want to live somewhere where astronomy can be properly appreciated on a daily basis.

It’s the fortieth anniversary of the “Earthrise” photograph.  The moon still looks like cheese.