Now that I'm calmed down and finished with my big breakdown I think that while shockingly sudden this firing is for the better.

My dad had said he was in a similar boat most of his job career; he had a job at a very small company that had little growth potential and he'd reached the top tier for his position within a few years. The hours were flexible, comfortable pay and enough variety at work to keep him reasonably interested. His biggest regret was getting comfortable and not moving around in the job market. Granted he's a very skilled machinist and could easily be overqualified for many jobs now, but looking back at spending so much time at that small growth company he regretted.

I realize that I was falling into the same cycle and while I had been casually looking for a second part time job, this firing has left me open (if suddenly) to find any sort of job elsewhere that I please and not be limited time wise by my old job. With my current resume as an entry level tech (entry level jack of all trades) I'll have little trouble getting entry level jobs in a mechanical field. For fall back I can do warehousing, though the pay and growth isn't great in jobs like that.

I do agree that being fired mid-day due to 'performance' by a superior a few tiers above me whom I have always felt unexplained tension with is fishy indeed, but honestly aside from a force reduction I honestly think that's one of the better ways to go. My reasoning being is anyone aside from him would give me a positive review. I'd rather have multiple references from project managers whom I've worked with directly (and other lower tier employees if more references were desired). ie; I'd rather be fired by one person rather than the whole office banding together to fire me.

If questioned at an interview I can say something along the lines of "Office politics with someone far above me. They were the one that gave me the news and it was... vague.... to say the least. I had about reached my peak for my position and was casually looking for positions elsewhere. I can provide numerous references from other employees and project managers whom I have worked under. It was a surprise to many of us."

I have no ill will to the company, I met alot of great people, got to experience alot of cool projects and gain a wide variety of experience. I'm fairly confident that in the short term that superior will gain some ire from many employees as I told one friend "I did alot of little stuff for alot of people that made their jobs a little easier" such as...

- Delivered parts to their desk rather than leaving on the 'shipping received' rack
- They could request notification when a certain ASAP package arrived
- Did you use up the last of anything in the office? Hand the packaging over to Logan and forget about it, few days later a new package is at your desk.
- Need something ordered, but no time to research? Tell me your needs and I'll email over suggested products for your approval.
- Last minute lunch pickup? Me
- ASAP part drop off/pickup from client site? Me (rather than pay an engineer twice my rate)
- Need someone to stay late and clean the shop for a potential client tour? Me
- Keep the shop tools and hardware clean and stocked? Me
- Machinists can make a huge mess, leave for the day, then the shop fairy comes and makes it all go away.
- Soldering, cable assembly, workspace prep,
- Keeping the warehouse inventory updated and accurate
etc
etc

In summary I was much like an intern, I did the jobs alot of other people didn't want/couldn't do and I did it for cheap. I don't doubt my tasks can be eventually absorbed by everyone else in the long term, but short term will be tough. I take comfort in knowing my absence will be noticed by many and missed in a "well crap now I gotta do X" or "dang I sure miss how Logan would Y... that made things easier for me".

Some family members are redlining my resume so I'll be back applying in a few days. I already have a few leads flagged once it's up to scratch. Also while not to count my chickens before they're hatched, the company my dad works for he's fairly certain he could get me get me a first interview at his employer.

So yeah... sudden, but long term for the better I think.