Well - not really.

Well - Yes, I have.

On November 3rd, I was told that Adobe was laying off 9% of it's workforce to align with reduced revenues, and I was going to be part of that 9%. However, what I do (Developer Evangelism) is critical to the successful launch of a future product, and so I was asked to stay on until February 28th, 2010. I am therefore, a "transitional" employee. I'm told there are others (quite a few) but there isn't any list, so it's hard to know how many.

After February 28th, there is a strong possibility that I will be kept on at Adobe to manage the upcoming Developer Summit, and a possibility that I will move to a similar job in a different business unit. But as of today, Adobe Finance is still working out the numbers, so those positions are still in limbo.

The upside is that Adobe is providing me with a handsome severance package, and a bonus to stick around until 2/28/2010. Plus it gives me a long and comfortable window to explore my employment options.

The downside is that I have to keep explaining to my contacts (both internal to Adobe, and 3rd party) that any Adobe work I'm doing will end on that date. I'm still actively engaged in developer evangelism - but unsure how to pass the baton after that time.

Now - about that upside. It's been a long time since I've done any consideration about employment. I love working for Adobe, and have been there for just about ten years. Other than a few brief moments of "What am I doing here" I haven't considered anything else. So now is the time to listen to opportunity knocking, and start looking for the big "What's Next."

When we moved to Portland, it felt like Opportunity was Knocking. The first time it knocked, I ignored it in favor of a safe and warm existence. Time ticked, and safe/warm turned to uncertain. Opportunity knocked again. Moving to Portland was still a big deal - but I got the sense that opportunity wasn't going anywhere - possibly, it might start knocking louder. I have a mental image of myself standing in front of my burned-out house when Mr. Opportunity pulls up in a stretch limo, rolls down the darkened window, and suggests that I reconsider the offer.

So I'm having conversations with my muses. I wish they spoke louder. I may be sorry if they do.