Home > Black Sheep Betty > Archives > 2009 > February > 10 > Entry
Goodbye from Betty
Thanks for all the well-wishes and encouragement to start posting again, you guys! I am feeling much, much better! I had pneumonia last week, and I about went crazy from having to stay home in bed. I’m not very good at staying still.
In reference to the posting that I’m on hiatus, I’ve had an opportunity arise that is going to alter my public life greatly from here on out. My dayside copyediting position was one of the seven eliminated within our company.
No, I wasn’t sold down the river. I’m not angry or upset. Our industry is facing certain challenges right now, our economy is in the pits and layoffs are just part of reality for many people right now - certainly not just me or my affected co-workers. And I know that the Trib’s management has been doing everything it can to cushion the blows to our newsroom.
Wendy posted on her blog about how upsetting these layoffs are for those in the newsroom, because - as she put it - we’re a family. I’ve never had a job that felt so little like a JOB. It’s been a fantastic ride. So many days I thought, “Wow. I’m living a fantasy.” And I work with an amazing group of giving, talented people.
When I graduated college I was afraid to start a “real” job. I thought I would get bored or life would become too routine. Nothing could have been further from the truth these past five years. I can’t imagine a more brain-stimulating atmosphere. And I certainly can’t say I’ve been bored.
So, now my fantasy job is coming to a close. However, that doesn’t mean that I won’t still have an exciting future. In a way, this is a nudge that I wouldn’t have given myself, an opportunity to go do new things and gain new experiences. I’d like to try working with the public more.
The downside to this is that I need to start keeping my private life, well, private. I’ve loved sharing my experiences over the past year, and I’ve been fortunate to have a job in which this was possible and, in fact, encouraged. However, at this point, I feel the most mature decision for me is to quit blogging and focus on the new challenges I face.
I’ll still be ME. I’m hoping to get an old truck in the near future and fix it up. I’ll still get tattoos and piercings and go to concerts with my friends. (My piercings and tats just won’t be VISIBLE or up for discussion in the workplace.) I have to say my saddest moment was when I took out my nose ring Monday morning. But I got a navel piercing this weekend to make up for it!
Remember, adversity brings out true character. For others going through layoffs and hard times, it will be OK. We will all get through it. I know God has always taken care of me, and I have no doubt that he’ll continue to do so.
I know when people think of me I want them to say, “Hey, that girl’s a survivor. She makes the best of things.”
So, here’s to a wide open future.
Thanks for everything!
Black Sheep Betty (Jodi)
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Comments
By Duane
February 10, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I am so sad to see you leave. You have been a wonderful person to work with and I’ll miss you very much. God Bless you!
By BJ
February 10, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Sad to see you go! I will miss your blog. I really looked forward to seeing what you had to say. Good luck in whatever you pursue!
By sara m curtiss
February 10, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
So glad you’re over the pneumonia. You were always an interesting read. Best wishes and God speed.
By Randy
February 10, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I’ll sure miss reading about your take on life Jodi. All you can do is get up, brush off the dust, and just keep putting one foot in front of the other… You’ll get there.
Your friend always,
~Randy
By Jack
February 10, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Hey Betty, I just want to wish you “Best of Luck”. I enjoyed your blog. It really is a shame to see the world imploding like it is, but you know that all of the things happening right now are just Bible Prophesy coming to a head, rapidly! The things going on in the economy can not be turned around not matter what the President or other world leaders do. We are witnessing the “END TIMES”. The NEW WORLD ORDER has begun, there is no love or concern for others, wars, lawlessness, and greed are rampant! Companies,Banks, Wall Street and Politicians don’t give a rat’s behind what is happening to the Americans losing everything or if you still have a job, forget having time with your family, watching your children grow up, going to Church or going on Family vacations! Not only the Bible is pointing to these LAST DAYS, there are many ancient cultures and people who are saying that December 21, 2009 is the “END OF THIS SYSTEM”! If anyone out there hasn’t accepted JESUS as YOUR SAVIOR, now is the time!!!
By Stephanie
February 10, 2009 12:56 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I’m so sorry about the lay off! How horrible. I hope things work out. Times are tough, and I hope you’ll be able to find a job soon.
By AGH
February 12, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Hate to see your blog end! Good luck! Wishing you well.
By Mike
February 12, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
BBS, It has been a thrill reading your post and yours are some of the most interesting on the trib. I would have like to have seen more of the tats and piercings though. (YUK YUK)
I wonder sometimes when management makes choices about who they will keep and who will go, “what were they thinking!?!” I always enjoy when someone has the courage to tell it like it is good or bad and let the chips fall where they may.
Good luck and may the Lord our God be your blessing and your light. I hope and pray that you will have a smooth transition and no time without pay. I always know that God is able to make everything that we do like a dream and that will be my prayer for you. I pray that your next job will be even more like your dream job. God bless and we’ll see you in the funny papers. Best of all Mike C
By Black Sheep Betty
February 13, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Thanks, Mike. I think I belong in the funny papers. Lol. … One of the reasons I’m dealing so well with this is that management didn’t let me go for any PERSONAL reason. It was merely my dayside position that got the axe. It wouldn’t have mattered if Mother Teresa was in my seat. In this case, it was the position - not the person. Thank you for the encouragement. I will really miss my blog. Take care and God bless all you guys, too.
By Carrie
February 17, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Very sad you’ll be losing your job. I’ve really enjoyed your blog a lot. Hope to still run into you at Lorra’s every know and then.