Several years back, I got laid off from a job where I was working as a contract computer programmer. The company decided to "out-source" the whole department. I've never been laid off before so I really didn't know what to do next.

So, being a typical private pilot, it didn't take me long to come up with a definitive answer, "I'll go flying!". What better way to leave your troubles behind. When I fly, I can't think about anything else.

So I picked up my girl friend and we took off for a nice long evening flight. The Cessna floated on the winds like a new Cadillac and the air was clear. We watched as the sun when down on the horizon, waiting for the orange edge of the glowing sphere to pop out of sight. Then, it was time to go home.

After a nice landing, we taxied back to the hangar and I saw my new next-door neighbor watching us as we went by. He waited for me to shut down the engine and walked over to introduce himself.

"Hey, did you guys have a good flight?" he asked.

"Incredible! You couldn't have asked for a nicer evening." I answered.

"My name is Ethan. I haven't had a chance to meet you yet." he said.

"Nice to meet you. This is Susan and my name is Smitty. We're out celebrating my very first lay-off ever!" I joked.

"Really, what do you do?" he asked.

"I'm a computer programmer." I answered.

"Interesting... How about you come see me tomorrow where I work. We need some more programmers." he said excitedly.

"Sure, well... Heck yeah!" I said.

The next day I drove to his office, not knowing what to expect. He invited me in and took me for a tour of the office, all the time talking with me about my programming experience. After we made the rounds and met some of the staff, he grabbed a few of them and we went into one of the conference rooms.

"Mind if we have an impromptu interview?" he asked.

"Sure, no problem." I answered.

We spent the next few minutes talking about the job and my experience. Then Ethan got up from the table and paraded the other guys out into the hallway, leaving me behind, wondering what was going on. Then, after only a few minutes, he came back in.

"The job is yours if you want it." he exclaimed.

I was flabbergasted. "Am I awake, Is this really happening?" I thought to myself.

Then I said "Well, let me think about it... hmm... OK, I've thought about it. I'll take it!" I said with excitement.

"Great!" he said, "We'll see you in the morning!".

As I was walking out to my car, I still couldn't believe it. I had a job, and in less than 24 hours of getting laid off!

Can I be so bold as to credit aviation for my good luck? You bet your boots! Those of us that are part of the aviating community take care of our own.

Got Comments?