The time has come: leaving the Shuttle Program
Cross posted and adapted from original at the SpaceTweep Society
Note: I am posting this because I want people to see a realistic view of things at NASA, not a sugar-coated version. This is as real as it gets.
This week I volunteered for an upcoming layoff from my job as a space shuttle technician. I will be leaving after 8.5 years of service on October 1st, 2010. Since many people would give their right arm to work on the shuttle program, you might think I’m crazy to volunteer for this. Leaving the shuttle program is a tough decision for sure, but it really isn’t a matter of if, only when. I am not choosing to leave, I am just choosing the time it will happen. Ultimately, the vast majority of shuttle workers will be let go. So why go before I am forced? Here’s an explanation so you can see it from my perspective.
One of the biggest reasons I am taking this layoff is that it will allow me to plan for my future. It is nearly impossible to make plans or look for a new job when you have no idea when your end date at work will be or what the future holds. We hear a different story every week about what is happening with the program, or with our benefits/severance. The uncertainty is exhausting. I’m not blaming my management for this- I think they are in the same boat. By volunteering for this layoff, I now know what is going to happen to me and when. Crazy as it seems, that feels good. Now I can start figuring out a good strategy to move forward.
Along the same lines, morale was a big push for me to self-nominate for this layoff. You can’t imagine what it is like to be at work surrounded by constant doom and gloom, now with a dash of panic. It is not pretty. Once the people who are to be laid off involuntarily are notified- which will be at the end of July- I expect that it will be even worse. As far as the work goes, we are finishing up with Discovery’s right OMS Pod now, and will deliver it for reinstallation this week. After that I have a few thrusters to bench test for Atlantis, which is being processed for launch on need (in case of emergency). Once that is complete, the bulk of the work we will have left in my area is decontamination of our facility for shutdown, or Transition & Retirement as NASA likes to call it. I started working on the shuttle program because I wanted to contribute to something incredible, human space exploration. I don’t find decontamination and shutdown very inspirational. In fact, it is downright depressing. For many workers, it is just a job and they don’t care what goal they’re working towards as long as they are paid. To me, it makes a difference, and I would much rather try to find work I can feel good about again.
Other reasons for taking this layoff are more practical than emotional. Leaving early gives me a better chance of finding a new job or pursuing other options because the market won’t be flooded with thousands of others doing the same. Also, it makes sense for my particular situation, because my husband works on the shuttle program as well. He will have work to do up until the last launch because he works at the launch pad. We figure that it will be best for us to take a phased approach rather than both being laid off at the same time. This way, hopefully I can get something figured out and can carry him once his job is complete, sometime next year.
So, that’s basically it. This is the reality of the situation. It is sad to see it coming to an end, but it is also a new beginning in so many ways. I am hopeful for the future of NASA, it just isn’t quite ready for me yet, so I’ll make my exit now, gracefully. I’m not looking for sympathy; I’m not feeling sorry for myself and you shouldn’t feel sorry for me either! I am looking for my next great adventure, whatever it may be…
nhale on July 12th, 2010
Jen
This is very sad; best wishes for you of course! I am sure you will find fulfilling work elsewhere, both you and your husband. I am just sad because it is the end of something great and to see people that I care about facing this decision is excruciating. All the best to you in the future.
flyingjenny on July 12th, 2010
Thank you. It *is* sad, and not just because we’re leaving, it is because it is all coming to an end. That being said, I don’t know how or when it could ever end without feelings of sadness. It is a tribute to an amazing program, one that I am honored to have been a part of.
sarahmworthy on July 12th, 2010
I met you briefly at the KSC shuttle launch this summer and am amazed by all the things you have done so far in your life. I doubt that you will have trouble with your job search and will have companies competing for you with your brains and experience and on top of that, you are a truly nice and genuine person. I am disheartened by the number of people that will have to find new jobs and relocate most likely with their families to do so and wish them all the best luck. Thank you for everything you have done to help us reach space!
flyingjenny on July 12th, 2010
Thank you, Sarah. I appreciate it!
jmcgarry on July 12th, 2010
Good luck! Thanks for all the sharing you’ve done from your job there. It’s been very inspirational.
My sons kindergarden program chose Space as a topic and I’ve been trying to share the books and pics and paraphenelia that I have; I don’t know that I would’ve done so enthusiastically before. Until I found the SpaceTweeps, I didn’t know very many people who were interested in Space; who were excited by launches and ISS passes; who stared languidly at the latest CICLOPS pictures. You’ve contributed a lot to human space exploration beyond your job at NASA.
So, thanks. And really, I hope things work out well for you.
Justin on July 12th, 2010
Jen,
All of us Space Tweeps are indebted to the leadership you’ve provided the group. It’s a privilege to have shared this endeavor with someone as passionate as you. I have every confidence that your future will be bright.
Tim846 on July 12th, 2010
Jen-
Thanks for being open about the demoralization of the workforce at KSC. Although we feel like the aerospace workforce is special, many specialized industries experience workforce contractions and massive layoffs. Feelings of entitlement run rampant everywhere (“I love this, I *should* be paid to do it–right here!”) and tend to hinder people from moving to a new job. Many other industries could benefit greatly from an infusion of talented workers, even if those industries aren’t conveniently located next to a NASA center. Change is rarely described as “convenient”.
I echo the congrats on taking control of your future and charting your own course forward. I look forward to the expansion of your outreach work now that you aren’t ‘burdened’ with a 9-5 job
~Tim
tbearlive4u on May 11th, 2011
I remember the first flight of Columbia in 1980. I was fortunate to be parked on the banana river the night before being waken very frequently to the announcements. Then the first orbiter takes off, then a feel of the shock wave and then the silence and emptiness. An experience worth living! Thanks for your contribution!
kv1t on May 14th, 2011
The leadership of the United States has betrayed the country’s best interest in almost every field – its constant battle against funding such essential scientific research programs stuns and appalls me. I am deeply sorry that you are being forced out of such a vital job while my tax dollars wasted on abusive policemen, stunningly inefficient social programs, and wars of pretense for personal profit.
I hope you find a deeply fulfilling and meaningful career for yourself, wherever you may roam, and I thank you honestly and sincerely for your service to mankind’s one noble quest.
kchuvala on June 23rd, 2011
Thanks for sharing your story. Sadly, yours is not an uncommon one. I lost two veyr good people in my department in the last layoff cycle for very similar reasons.
I’ve expressed my personal frustraction in a parody you might enjoy, or at least relate to!
http://music.chuvala.com/songs/nasa_town
kgc