David Chiu

I had a real Jerry Maguire moment this afternoon. I was called into a small conference room by my “CTO/VP of Tech” and told:

“We don’t think you are a good fit for this company, therefore we are letting you go.”

It’s a moment I’ve experienced many times before. They’re all the same. A slight moment of panic, uncertainty, anger and disbelief. In my mind I’m thinking:

“I was suppose to break up with you. Not the other way around.”

This has now been the 4th time I’ve experienced the end of employment as a result of an acquisition or merger. I’m familiar with the drill - last paycheck, documents to sign, the release of the severance check and that final escort off the premises. All standard fare. I handled the whole ordeal with a sense of humor. I actually laughed at the “CTO/VP of Tech” as he basically ignored all my questions of exactly why I was being “let go”. He just wanted me gone.

I always knew that punk didn’t like me.

I must admit that some of this is my fault. My inability to “act” like I was interested in a dead-end non-creative corporate job. It was just a paycheck to fuel my journey to creative freedom far away from cubicle walls and vending machines in break rooms. The company had very high turn-around rates but I figured that I would stick it out until opportunities in Hollywood would free me from the chains that bound me.

Oh well.

H and I talked a lot this evening about dreams, motivations and reality. She asked me if I thought that being happy and successful in a job would mean I could not be a successful actor. Honestly, a part of me thinks “Yes”. But why? I guess because I feel like I need to devote all my thoughts and efforts into the art of acting and film making. I guess I feel like I need to sacrifice current happiness and stability for the possibility of future rewards. I need to suffer for my art.

But is this ridiculous? Is this fair to my wife? How do I balance responsibilities with the pursuit of dreams? H thinks I just need to find a job that I can be happy with - which pays a decent salary, and continue to pursue my aspirations outside of work.

It’s all about balance. Finding happiness and fullfillment no matter where you are in life. It’s a lesson I’m still learning.

So now I find myself looking for yet ANOTHER job. Now preferably in a more creative place such as a production studio, special effects house, or ad agency.

Or anyone else who will hire a web developer who has a TON of experience.

I need to win the lottery.