New Beginning

This year has not gone as expected, and I am looking forward to a new beginning.

Two major events happened, both unexpected.

The big layoff

I have been working as an iOS developer for the past 14 years. This year, I have spent most of the year unemployed. My employer let me go back in April, and I have yet to land a new role. I am not an outlier. This has happened to several people whom I know.

I also turned 60 this year, an expected event. I knew it was going to happen. Some friends have wondered if my age has had a negative impact on my getting hired. It is possible, even though I hope not. I wish to give hiring managers the benefit of the doubt.

We planned to move to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley next year. But unemployment for 8 months forced us to sell our home and live off the equity until I found a job. Instead of job hunting or side projects, I spent September and October getting our house ready to sell. Many friends helped clean, paint, fix, and update. They also helped remove 23 years of family accumulations.

My mom died

This was the other big event of the year, but I can’t say it was 100% unexpected. Her health had been failing for the past few years, so my siblings and I knew it was approaching. The when was the unknown.

We had a celebration of life event for family and friends to gather and share stories. There were a few that I had not heard, and to be honest, they were not surprising. Although I am sure her life did not turn out as she had planned, she had fun and she was loved.

What’s next

My wife and I are now renting a house with our two dogs and a cat extraordinaire.

I am back in Xcode, working on a couple of apps. I will write more about them later.

I am also starting a writing habit. I am not sure what my niche will be, but we will find it along the way.