And just like that, I'm back in to the Big Blue Borg Collective. This time, however, I think things are going to be different. I'll be doing strictly development work and will finally be able to hone some skills and really learn a lot about some of the technical things that I didn't really get to concentrate on in my previous position. This is a bit of a junior position as well which will provide me a little leeway to flex my skills. While I have a lot of experience, a good chunk of it is in post-release sustainment, which tends to make the new development skills a little rusty. So, I'm kind of excited about this new opportunity and I could be back to work as early as next week.
When I was informed that they wanted me for the position, I will admit that I did sort of hesitate out of a question of pride - is agreeing to come back to a company at a lower pay rate AND who was the one that laid you off to begin with akin to failure? Kind of like a kid who leaves home for college only to return after a couple of years to move back in with the parents? I thought about it, and I really think that was personal hubris and a whole lot of pride.
Instead, I have chosen to view it as God giving me the sabbatical that I wanted and also having IBM foot the bill for a good portion of it rather than me having to do it all myself. Plus, I'll be able to do what I wanted to do and will also be able to learn more of my craft. In the time that I was unemployed, I didn't receive any clear indication of a different call on my life - I do know that engineering is somewhat contrary to my innate skillset, but I also know that I can do well at it and I enjoy it when it is challenging. I do not think that it is a coincidence that after all this time, the one position that would move quickly and decisively (also contrary to it's nature) would be one at IBM, and that has a huge God stamp of approval on it in my mind.
Honey, I'm home. At least I don't have to plan out a whole new route to a new place of work. ;)
