Well, it happened. Went into a meeting today with my supervisor for a quick one-on-one only to find that, due to the economy - cough - BULLSHIT - cough -, they're going to have to cut the team down to only a few developers.

Apparently, the company I'm contracting for cut the IT department's budget for next year and the contractors were the first to get the axe.

So, basically, I have until the 23 of December to figure out what I want to do. Luckily, though, the Australian economy is surprisingly strong at the moment as is the current job market for web developers. I've been doing this stuff, in one form or another, for close to 10 years. I have the skills and the know-how to land any job in my field that I chase after. In other words, I'm not frightened or scared in the least bit.

The guys here have been pretty good to me even though I disagree with their management decisions. They tell me that if I find something before my new end date, I can leave whenever I please on good terms. Hey, I'm getting what I wanted; a strong Australian reference with a big name company. And, maybe, this is just a blessing in disguise.

Working here has reminded me how much I hate the corporate setting what with all the bright overhead lights and bureaucratic red tape and stupid, misguided decisions from management.

Personally, the only redeeming qualities this contract has are the significant pay, free end-of-month booze, the convenient company gym and the awesome coffee shop in the main lobby. I'll miss those the most, but it isn't like I won't find similar comforts near my next place.

I want to enjoy programming again. I miss my days at Hearst Magazine when I worked on their ecrush.com network. I prefer those smaller businesses and projects so much more. They tend to focus more on making the developer happy and comfortable. My next job is going to be with a small, well-funded, development house... with plenty of free coffee.

Here's to new things!

Note: This article as been republished after being accidentally wiped from my hosting provider. Hurray for cached RSS feeds!

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