Wow, what a way to finish off a contract! The designer threw changes at me all day. In the end though, I prevailed and the chip was sent out. I think it helped that my former boss left at 11AM. I could be a little more focused on my task after that. All this morning, my former boss and I chatted, which was great — he can be very friendly when the pressure is off — but it still slowed me down. He hinted that I might have another contract with them some day, but I think he was just being nice. I don’t really expect to be back. My replacement sure wants me back whenever the next bipolar chip comes along. She has little interest in doing anything in this technology. Still, I know that working with me was difficult for her because I was so particular that I wound up redoing all her work — she wouldn’t follow any of my instructions! I think there might be one transistor she layed out left on the entire chip. In a week or so, she might decide that it’s good for me not to come back.
At 3:30, I packed my box of stuff, took one last bittersweet look around, and headed out the door. So many employees had already left the building (three day weekend) that I really had no one to say good-bye to! Even the designer had bolted already.
… And so Tuesday starts something completely new: new company, new chip, new process, new tools.
I sure do prefer the end of a project to the beginning of one, but it’s also nice to have work to do… even if company #3 isn’t paying me. My good friend did point out last night that even though I’m not getting paid, I am still invested as a part owner, so in a way, whatever I can do to help this company succeed will also help me out in the end.
Day 145 mood: Bittersweet