The summer of George

We are taking this month off. September was an extremely busy month, as you can probably tell by the lack of posts. Reyna turned 1, and a whole slew of other stuff happened.

After approximately a year and a half of job uncertainty, the uncertainty continues. Actually I had probably 4 or 5 months where things were pretty comfortable at GD. The contract I am working on is not being renewed. So as of Oct. 21st I do not know what I will be doing. I have decided to wait things out and see if GD can place me somewhere else here in town. The management has repeatedly told us they can.

I am used to the job uncertainty. In fact, I accept it. I almost feel like to not have the uncertainty is something that is too much to wish for. I know there are jobs out there where unemployment is not hanging over your head, but it has been too long since I have worked at one.

So, a quick rundown on my employment history.
I left SMI in 2000 to work for AT&T Wireless. This was totally voluntary on my part. I would probably still be working at SMI otherwise.

In the Spring of 2003 ATTWS started having rumblings about relocating people. I was told right off the bat by my manager that this would definitely affect me. I started looking for another job. Around this same time, we learned that we were going to have a baby. The worrying begins, and we put our big spending plans on hold, in case I lose my job.

August 2003 I took a job (and a nice paycut) with General Dynamics, the exact same week that I was to get my relocation offer from ATTWS. I was extremely happy to finally end the uncertainty. The only way to describe this feeling is to compare it to the last day of school. It is a carefree feeling.

In February, the contract I was working on was halted, while the government decided if they wanted us to proceed. Finally in April, they officially cancelled the contract. So, from February to June, I am sitting on my hands, wondering about my future.

In June I am offered a chance to work on a contract with the Air Force. I jump at the chance to get back to work on an active contract. It is not too long after this that I learn this contract is not a sure thing. With this knowledge in hand, we make the decision to purchase a new car and motorcycle. I was tired of waiting for job certainty (something I may not have for years). I now have a "I don't care" attitude. I basically accepted the fact that my employment situation is not stable, and decided to move on with my life. It does me no good to worry about something I cannot control. We are basically strung along by the government until just last week, when they tell us the contract is not going to be renewed. I am honestly not affected by this announcement. There may actually be some relief to finally have the contract issue resolved, even though it is not in our favor.

Well, enough of my job-related belly-aching. I have a great family, a good wife and a cute little daughter. They are what makes everything worthwhile. So, I cannot complain too much.