Merry Christmas - Decade of 2020

Frankly, this is the most difficult blog post I've ever done. Way, way too much compacted into this year, which I think we all would like to trash, bury, disintegrate, nuke, destroy, and move on from as much as possible. And yet...you know I'm optimistic! So, a quick review of the most notorious year in my life.

It sure started out well! In reading my post from last year, you may remember that life was going along fantastically. But I did also note that I can't predict the future. In retrospect, no one could have predicted the current year, not even Nostradamus. 

I was chugging along with a super job, a great relationship, and a new city, when some whispers of a new virus from Asia first started circulating. You may remember (or you may not - it seems, indeed, like a decade ago) that in January, these news reports were very much intermingled with other news.

As things began to heat up in February, things still went swimmingly. I was working on great strategic projects for the company in Seattle, getting to know the city, and working with one of the most outstanding teams I've ever had the pleasure of leading. We cautiously monitored the situation at a nursing home just three blocks away from the office - not knowing at the time that the deaths there were the first of what would become 270,000 Americans gone by the end of the year.

Our office decided to go virtual "for two weeks" in late February. That stretched to six weeks; and then, after seven months of non-stop "We're so glad you're here! You're taking us to the next level! You're doing exceptional work!"...on April 10, the message was suddenly "We've reconsidered our position, and your position is eliminated." Literally, like a light switch.

In April, I was suddenly jobless like 30 million other Americans in a sea of COVID and uncertainty. Everything I had assumed and intuited about the company I was with was flash-destroyed in about 15 seconds of a phone call.

My response: Immediate networking and ensuring that the team I left behind was OK. I was fortunate enough to be able to help place one of my team out of that company and into a higher-level position at a competitor, which I am quite proud of. And I made the decision to return to Denver ASAP, where my most reliable and strong network of contacts was. Of course, because of COVID, all meetings were virtual, but by mid-May, I was in Castle Rock in a rental, working on leads and helping others as the unemployment rate soared, especially in my foundational industries of travel and hospitality.

In tough times, you find out who your true allies are. Morag Barrett is one of those; so is Beth Harmon, the boss from Aimco whom I had left to pursue the siren song of the company in Seattle (I have very few regrets in my life, but that's one of 'em!). And Bill Brubaker, and Kimo Kippen, and Meredith Masse, and Brandon Carson, and Wendi Miles-Boykin, and so very many others who scoped out opportunities for me, gave me support and encouragement, and made some very appreciated recommendations.

Obviously, not much travel in 2020, though I did see Nick in late August. His journey is going on a different path for now; I love him, he loves me, we're still talking. I'm hopeful as always.

And health-wise, it's all good. I have now tested ten times for COVID, all negative. And the four O'Neill kids did come together for the first time in six years over Thanksgiving - with the strictest protocols and a great turkey dinner outdoors. Believe me, the needed connection after about nine months of near-isolation was worth it.

It's also all good job-wise. I'm now at American Homes 4 Rent, a single-family rental version of multi-family real estate. The company is growing like a weed and wants to incorporate all the latest thinking about leadership, vision, onboarding, and training even in the face of the pandemic. I'm with a caring boss and the bills are getting paid. That, in itself, is reason to be thankful as this year comes to an end - not soon enough for most of us, I'm sure.

As I've told friends and colleagues, in years to come, I think most of us will talk about the great things that happened in 2019; and the great things that will happen in 2021; but 2020 will become The Year That Time Forgot. I think we all can celebrate survival this year; and if COVID did impact your family, I wish you nothing but good memories of the time spent with your loved ones, and my deepest condolences.

That's enough about this year. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Onward!