Sentinel_070718

I’d like to welcome the new readers who gave me their electronic mail addresses as I said my goodbyes on Monday July 16, 2007. After 19.5 years it wasn’t easy saying goodbye; in fact, I had to make a real effort not to lose control of my emotions in most cases. It made me feel good to see the sincerity in people’s eyes as we said goodbye and know they meant it when they said they would miss me. It meant a lot to hear people remark that they felt that the work I completed for them during the last 19 years was of the highest quality and professionally done. I can only assume they meant it because they didn’t have to say anything but goodbye.
I’ve been busy the last two days; catching up on chores I didn’t have time or energy for before. All I can say to those of you who are yet to be released is “there is life after Litton.” today I had a twinge of wonder about what comes next, but I got busy right away and the day went by without another thought of the future. I’m sure all of you who are losing your jobs at Litton/ Northrop/Grumman are going to have moments of anxiety in the next 7 weeks and after your release, but if I may, when those thoughts enter your mind, get busy right away. I’m not up to writing new stories yet, but the best thing for me is to get busy on something that doesn’t require thought, just physical motion. Mow the lawn, hammer the devil out of a few nails, sweep the front walk, water the flowers weed the garden (great one to take tension and fear away, but the next day will let you know not to do that too long at any one time). The most insignificant accomplishment can really perk up your spirits.
I’ve been employed for 47 years of my life and I can truthfully say I never worked with a better labor force. I don’t for one moment think the closing has anything to do with the quality of our work. The closing was on its way for a long time. The overseas shops don’t make a better product than we do, just cheaper. The shift to defense work was our only chance, but it didn’t work out in time. We made some high tech strides in that field, but something went wrong and I don’t know the details, but it wasn’t the lack of ability or hard work in the shop. I was lucky to see some great achievements in the last few years. We made some difficult products and were on the road to even greater accomplishments when the hammer tripped.
One thing I’ve discovered in my life is that timing is everything. Great ideas, wonderful products, words said, can have ideal results or bring disaster; it all depends on timing. I think the timing for us was off.
Whatever the reason, the shop is closing and good people will be let go. It’s not going to be easy starting over, but I know you can do it. Everything happens for a good reason, we may not know that reason for a long time, but it will be revealed if you look for it. I’ve been around a bit in my lifetime and found no matter where I was I always ended up at nearly the same level. When I left Unisys in San Diego I started at the bottom of the heap at Litton, but in a relatively short time I was recognized and soon at a similar level of responsibility and in good working conditions. You folks are a good hardworking lot and will be recognized as such. Interviewers can be cruel, getting their jollies at your expense, but the right situation will appear and good workers like you are always appreciated in time. Keep the faith!