I remember when my kids were small there was a tradition. When ever a kid had a last day in class … For example the kid was moving to another city… they called it the happy last day. The irony was clear even to a kindergartner. There was very little happy about it. the happy last day was indeed a sad one in some ways. All the talk about new beginnings, new friends, new adventure… paled in comparison to the sense of impending loss.

That's how I felt the last couple of days As about 400 of my friends and acquaintances here in Burlington said goodbye to their Jobs . I could not help thinking about the happy last day. As I said in my blog last night, for some this is a real opportunity. But for some it is not. For all, it is forced change with the attendant feeling of helplessness and lack of control. (I for one have learned to welcome these forced changes because it makes one make up one's mind)

Yesterday I went on a walk around my old area just to say goodbye to people . it was hard Seeing everyone empty in their lives into bins and boxes. Many of the hallways were empty. I took this picture of all of the plants that were orphaned by this move. Somehow it struck me as so sad. felt like watering the mall and telling them it would be alright… Will it be alright?

I followed my friend John as he left the plant for presumably the last time. It was powerful moment.

Headed to a local bar which is synonymous in my mind for leaving. It's been that way for 30 years. It was a crowd of people they're talking about the day. 90% of them have lost jobs… But the mood was pretty good. People were talking about their next careers and their memories… I heard a lot of stories. And mostly just listened.

..what else could i do ?

Good luck everybody…

Nite all, nite sam

-me

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Tomorrow is the last day of work for many of my friends here in Vermont and New York. After the recent resource action several hundred people many of whom are very good friends I have known for decades are going to have to start a new chapter in their lives. It's hard for those who are going… And it's hard for many of those who are staying. This morning I took a walk over by my old area and saw all of the empty offices. It had a very heavy feeling. I just walked around and took it all in.

I understand the shifting needs of the Industry and the company. In fact, I believe the company is doing well. The strategy is compelling, and I sense a new spirit of innovation. at the same time it hurts to see all of this churn in everyone's lives.

For the last couple of days I've been getting tons of emails from people with the subject line Farewell. It's a funny word, not one in common usage. Farewell to me is more specific than goodbye… There's a hint of sadness and a hint of optimism In that word. I truly hope that all of my friends do 'fare well'.

These letters are all pretty touching. Many of them are long accounts of admirable careers. Some call out names of people who I meant something to them. Many call out projects that they were proud to have worked on. Some are philosophical… Some are bitter… And a surprising number are optimistic and positive. For some this is a welcome transition to a slower pace of life. For others this is a An opportunity to do something entirely different. But there's no escaping that for many, this is a major unplanned disruption it's for those of my heart goes out.

All week I've also gotten lots of requests from LinkedIn and request for letters of recommendation. I actually love doing anything. So if you have reached out to me, I actually appreciate it. It's never a bother to try to help

I only wish there was more I could do here.

Nite all, nite sam

-me

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Woke this morning at sunrise on the roof of the boat. I'd had a great nights sleep.. Albeit a short one. . It was beautiful.. But it was 5am and id gone to bed around 2.. I managed to get an hours more sleep but it was hard sleep.. For some reason there a a ton of planes taking off from jfk at that time of the morning and every one of them flew right over my head

Heres sunset

I had an early mornign meeting in the city to do a short video shoot. My friend jenny was calling the shots.. They had this cool interview system that allowed you to see the interviewers face in front of the camera… It was fun and a little creepy

As soon as the shoot was done i was back on the road to vermont. With a full day of phone meetings.

I didn't make it home in time for yoga.. But just in time for post yoga dinner.. Diane picked a new kind of beet and a new kind of radish from the garden.. Both were magically colorful !

Nice to be home !

Nite all, nite sam

-me

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