I feel like the person next to the person who got shot in a drive by

So in my current illustrious cubicle home a peer in my group got the "package".

I was truly betting it was me. I'm surprised somewhat that it wasn't.

He told me that he expected it (seems like we're all under our own death watch) because he didn't have good relationships with some senior managers. Bad things happen to good people. He was good people.

But on the flip side, he's happy! He is getting a sizable pay out to leave. The market is very strong right now. The employment levels are year 1999ish which means that the demand for people in our field is strong. http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/03/markets/stockswatch/index.htm?section=money_latest

He has just got himself a mini lottery winning.

Now, as a fellow dweller, but contractor, I feel a bit of envy. If I get sacked, that's it! No big bonus, no payout, just a high five and a kick in the ass.

But then again, I've never been sacked, other than one time in a very bad company. Hey wait, I won that lottery too, but it was only a two month severance. Not the payout my friend is getting.

So, for now I'm safe, but who knows what comes about next week.

Until later, peace!

Holy S(#$#*t it's happening in my area

What can I say, it's happened to our group.

We had a meeting earlier this week with our UK overlords who've informed us that two groups are going to be merged into one.

THIS SUCKS!

I truly didn't want to start job hunting this year, I wanted to stretch this out to at minimum 3 years. I hated to jump or get sacked due to consolidation.

Will let you know more when I know.

So how do I differeniate myself from the rest

Jeez..

I thought I was original, I thought I was cool, but really I'm just a goofball, I'm just a fool...

I thought creating a blog about cubicle life was unique. So there are TONS of other cubicle dweller blogs.

So, okay, we're all pained to be stuck in a four foot by four foot square with pictures of our kids and Dilbert comics pinned onto some cheap green or gray felt walls.

I won't bitch about it, we're in a bad place.

I will think hard about building some brand awareness. Maybe a T-shirt from Cafe' Press, or some Myspace pages detailing the adventures of Cubicle Man...

Nah...I'm too lazy.

I think we should unite, we each have our own voice from within the cubes. Maybe we can build a super blog about Cubicle Dwelling and the pain and suffering that goes along with it.

Someday I will tell my wife about this crazy habit. For now, it is our little secret.

LinkedIn - I was cool before it became cool

I've used LinkedIn now for almost a year. For professionals it's the new Friendster.

I was badgered into entering a profile by my pal Rory, who saw the value of it way before I did.

Just recently, I was contacted for a spot through LinkedIn, which all of a sudden, Kaching! it's a real tool.

Check me out, I'm too cool for school.

View Michael King's profile

Watching the Blood letting from a layoff - and continue to work though it all.

If you ever have been a part of a company that has done some layoffs (duh, of course you have) then you know the feeling of "dreary" that encompasses your coworkers and yourself.

I've been through most likely about four layoffs in my cubicle career. I've dodged three of them. Truth be told, it's almost a relief when it comes down.

You know it's you. A package is coming.

What I want to impart on you is that although the mood is absolutely horrendous, you have to slog through it if you're not one of the unlucky many who get the tap on the shoulder. I know, the mood is awful, and just try to get something done now that the layoffs have been handed down.

But you have to try anyway. The sooner the organization gets a sense of normalcy the better you look in the aftermath.

Hey, I'm all about comiserating with your fellow dwellers about the unlucky breaks in the world, but heck man, you didn't get one!

Now get back to work, trust me you'll thank me for it later.

Product endorsement time - Power Blast Energy Drink powder

This stuff is FANTASTIC.

Get a 20 ounce water bottle, drop this in first, then fill with water. You are revved up, but not in a heart wrenching "Oh god, why can't I stop fidgeting" sort of way.

The one odd thing that is really disconcerting is the fizzing and bubbling that it makes when water comes in contact with it.

Hope it's good for my insides. Ah well, screw it, I'm going to the home stretch getting things done without jumping out of my skin.

Check it out. http://www.powerblastenergy.com/ I bought it in Costco for about 20 dollars for a box of 24.