R.I.F.

Reduction In Force.

I guess in the corporate world it's a lot more palatable to say you've had a RIF than to say you've laid people off.

It's too similar to R.I.P.

I think it's a horrible term, particularly since I got RIFd yesterday... by phone... while on vacation.

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand I was already making plans for the future that didn't include my now former employer. On the other hand, nobody wants to lose their job. I shouldn't say that. I imagine there are some people who'd like to lose their job for whatever reason.

It's not the end of the world. I have some opportunities available and I had already made plans to enroll in community college this fall to study electrical technology with my eye on eventually becoming an electrical contractor.

I feel for everyone who was let go yesterday, especially my co-worker Julie Ball who had been with the company much longer than I had. I'm still trying to find out how long. I hear she's not taking this well, which is understandable.

A local blogger who used to work for my former company and who keeps up with local media has written a post on the layoffs.

Anyway, as I mentioned on my Facebook page, I'm still smiling. Moving on.

Boyle bums ride on bomber

I came across this on Ashvegas.

(Ashley Ross/Asheville Citizen-Times)

Citizen-Times columnist John Boyle and some other media folks bummed a ride on the B-17 bomber that's visiting Asheville. Looks like Boyle actually did a little work, too, but not before hamming it up in the belly of the bomber. The photo, and an accompanying photo gallery, is by intern Ashley Ross.
Go to the Citizen-Times and check out the photo gallery.

Boyle is one of my colleagues. He's a hoot. Check out his weekly podcast, John Boyle's Web Stew.