Another quick update post so that you all have an idea of what’s going on at the Murray house.
I really appreciate all of you who reached out with kind words after my last email. I really wanted to respond to each of you individually. That hasn’t proven to be something that I could do, but I’ve read each of the emails, and it was really heartwarming to hear from so many of you.
Given that I can’t reach out to you all individually, a blog post seems like the best way to update as many of you as possible.
I believe I let you all know that I was fired in October. I found another job in November, went to three months of training, and then started doing actual computer programming again.
Unfortunately, the company I was working for wasn’t able to land the new work they thought was going to materialize when they hired me. In March, all of the employees of the company were laid off. I was on a project at the time, so I was the last one to be let go.
I had some advance warning that something like that might be coming, so I started networking in Feb, and then actively looking for another job when the rest of the employees were laid off.
While nobody likes to be laid off, I feel fortunate on a few counts. Firstly, I was fortunate in that I was the last one let go, so I’ve had 3 extra weeks to look while still working that the rest of my coworkers didn’t get.
Secondly, this parting was much more amicable. It’s also a lot less devastating when you see it coming than when it blindsides you.
Lastly, the advice I got from a family friend that I should try and get into the ServiceNow ecosystem seems to have been really good advice. I haven’t landed a new job yet, but I’ve had quite a few interviews and second interviews. The percentage of applications turning into interviews that I’ve been seeing is fairly unprecedented in my experience, and speaks to the strong demand for talent in the space and the relative scarcity of people with the needed skills.
As far as the allergies go, we seem to have gotten the baby to a baseline diet where he’s not having problems. It’s really limited, and we haven’t had much luck yet adding additional foods to Katie’s diet, which is rough for her, but it’s progress.
With our oldest, Katie did a ton of research looking for foods that were less likely to cause Daughter #1 problems, and then we put her on a very restricted diet as well. We got her to a baseline where she was doing really well, and then she got sick with some kind of viral bug and her symptoms flared back up.
On the writing side of things, I’ve been experimenting with Facebook ads again. I’ve got a small spend that is roughly break even each week, but haven’t managed to replicate the 2015 experience and scale it up to where it is bringing in significant numbers of new readers.
We’ll keep pushing forward with our fingers crossed and see where we end up.
Is there going to be any more Reflection books?
Yes, I plan on getting back to the Reflections books once I am fully settled into my new career.
I hope there will still be more Reflections books. They are so good!
Hi, Shanna.
I’m definitely planning on writing more Reflections books. I need to focus on my day job still for a while to make sure that I can take care of my family, but once I’m fully up to speed on what I need to know for my new career, I plan on resuming work on my books and finishing up my various series.
I’m glad that you have enjoyed the books. I’m anxious to see how they end too. 🙂
–Dean
I hope all is well. I have a ton of your books in my library. I can’t wait to read EVERYTHING you release in the future. Sending positive energy.
Hi, Maria.
I appreciate that!
Best wishes back to you!
–Dean
Another impatient fan here asking about the progress on the reflections series. Haha. I have reread the series so many times and am so eager for the next instalment. Hope all is well in the Murray household!
Hi, Tiarna.
I appreciate you stopping by! I’m very sorry for the wait–as soon as I can safely re-task time away from learning the ropes at my new career without worrying that it will result in me being fired, I plan on getting back to work on finishing all of my remaining series.
All the best,
Dean
Hello! I’m just dropping by to say hello, and to send positive vibes your way. Hoping the Murray household is doing well and your new career is going how you hope. I have read and reread the Reflection Series and Dark Reflections, and patiently waiting your next release.
Wishing you well,
Miya
Hi, Miya.
Thank you so much for the positive vibes! The new career has definitely been challenging, but I’m getting to the point where I’m feeling relatively secure in it.
I appreciate your patience! I’ll try and get a blog post up soon updating everyone as to how things are looking.
Regards,
Dean
Hi Dean!
Hope all is well!! I know you haven’t updated in a while and I was wondering how you were? I know it’s been a tough few years so I wanted to check in!!
Hi, Emily.
Things are going well by and large–thank you for asking! It was a tough few years there for a bit, but things have been looking up. The new career is challenging, but I seem to have a good team and a good manager, so that’s about the best one can ask for these days. 🙂
I’ll try and get a blog post up in the next little while letting everyone know what kinds of time frames we’re looking at.
All the best,
Dean