With great saddness...

[frederick]

With great saddness, we are in the process of closing up shop. We've already made a deal with a local firm to take over our operations. It wasn't an easy choice, but it was one that had to be made.

Early last month, my wife went in to the hospital after collapsing in our living room because she couldn't breathe. She ended up having pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress (ARDS), which cause a heart valve to pro-lapse and it needed to be replaced. So most of my attention these last two months have been focused on her. As a result, the only other partner has been working himself mad, and is just burning out doing the work of 3 people.

Two weeks ago, we all sat down and had a good conversation. The consensus we came up with was to close up shop. I've been looking for employment mostly in the Government Contractor sector (General Dynamics, Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, BAE, etc.). The hope is to jump back on some systems I was working on when I was in the Army. The other hope is to head up north to cleaner air to let her lungs recover as much as possible. The dry and dusty environment here in Phoenix is not what she needs. As well as the heat plus her trying to recover is having huge effects on her.

I plan to stick around, and hopefully become more active again as things ease up on me (us), and try to provide you all with awesome advice in the realm of Networking and Network Security. Currently looking at and being considered for a lot of Network Engineer positions, mostly Senior/Lvl III positions. Fingers crossed you know.

 

[Mike McCall]

I'm sorry for your circumstances, and wish you and your wife all the best.

 

[Slaters Kustum Machines]

Best of luck.

 

[Martyn]

Hope everything works out for you. Family comes first and things like this make you realise how vulnerable we all are.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

First, best wishes going out to your wife for her recovery.

Second...best of luck to you to land that job....sorry to see you close the doors, but if your heart is towards working for a mil contractor.....that's where you want to be.

 

[frederick]

but if your heart is towards working for a mil contractor

Its stability and comfort I'm really looking for. I know that the systems I would be working on if I get the positions are going to be there for awhile, as well as great benefits. Also the comfort of knowing that there are going to be benefits for my wife. I'm open to any company, though most of my time and energy is towards them. I want to continue down the path of Systems Admin or Network Engineering. I have a real talent for both, and would like to land those for a lifetime.

 

[cypress]

Sorry to hear @frederick about you closing up shop.

Best of luck to yourself and your wife. Prayers are with you both and hoping for a speedy recovery. The knowledge you give here is great, I know you will land the job you need.

 

[Larry Sabo]

Best wishes to your wife for a speedy recovery and lasting good health, and to you in your job search. Thanks for your many contributions here at TN.

 

[callthatgirl]

WOW. I'm sorry to hear she is having so many problems, but I am so glad you are doing what is best for her and your personal life. So many don't do what they should do. We are here for you either way, to vent, listen, help. I met you in person and know you are a rockstar....you will get a great job and less stress of not owning a business.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Gotta do what you gotta do to protect the family. Best wishes for what lies ahead and I hope your move will help improve your wife's health.

 

[Markverhyden]

Really sorry to hear about your wife's health problems @frederick. Hopefully everything will work out. I can't imagine having to close up shop at this point in time. We all know what it's like to pour in your heart and soul into a business. Almost like raising a child. In the end, though, you have to do what is best for the family. Best of luck for you and your family.

 

[Kitten Kong]

I echo the others comments whole heartedly. You have to do what's right for you and your family.

Thank you for everything you have done for the tn community. Please don't be a stranger around here.

Best of luck with your new position ( whatever and where ever) it may be.

 

[gadgetfixup]

So sorry to hear about your wife's health. Unfortunately with small business all it takes is one circumstance to snap us back to reality. Life is short, working 24/7 isn't what life is about (pot calling kettle here). Taking time for relationships, children and family shouldn't be forgotten. While I'm disappointed you're closing shop, I'm happy to hear you're taking care of your wife and making decisions with her health in mind.

I wish you the best of luck in the future but know you'll be a great asset where ever you land. It would be nice if you stuck around to lend a hand to those of us still in the ditches. Kind regards.

 

[lcoughey]

Being one who is business partner with his father who went through cancer treatment for a year and has spent the last year dealing with concussion issues, I can appreciate how tough it can be when you are down a man. I've been fortunate enough to push through, but certainly had those moments when I considered packing it in.

Anyway, I wish you and your wife all the best. May she have a speedy recovery.

 

[Porthos]

Cant say any more than what has been already said but I also wish the best for you and your loved ones. Your family will be in my prayers. You are valued around here.

 

[frase]

hard decision but health and family is more important - wish your wife the best.

 

[TechLady]

Oh no, so sorry to hear this. I hope she heals quickly. So many tough decisions to be made. Hope you will still visit us from time to time!

 

[frederick]

Thank you all for the support. Yes, my family comes first. It's pretty tough out there looking for a job, but so much easier than running a business.

 

[callthatgirl]

Some days I still dream about having a 9-5 job and how my life would be different. Not kidding either.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Not me. Working for someone else was always way more stressful then being on my own. I like being the boss. I hate office politics. Hate having to beg supervisors for time, money, changes in SOP.