topic Re: It's time to say goodbye in Off-Topic

It's time to say goodbye

Chris_K — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:05:42 GMT

After a 15 year career with O2, now Virgin Media O2, where for 10 of those years I was directly involved in the O2 Community in a professional capacity, my role is unfortunately being made redundant. Because of my time here, because of what I do and because so many of you know me, I didn't want to leave without a proper goodbye.

I was made aware my role was at risk a few weeks ago which is why you may have noticed a decline in my activities here while I worked things out and explored options to stay within VMO2, but sadly as it currently stands I'll be exiting the business on 15 December.

What now? Will the Community change?
I'll be winding down activities over the next few weeks but I leave you in the more than capable hands of @Dave-O2, and of course @ColinO2 will still be here too to oversee things. It's unlikely you'll see much/any major changes after I depart but what the future of the Community looks like - that'll be something that Colin and Dave will look at more closely I'm sure. Trust me when I say, we all know how important the Community is, how vital all of your support is, and it's absolutely a huge priority for Colin - so I have faith the Community will grow and get stronger over time, and I'd like to ask that you also keep that faith.

What will I do next?
I've got a couple of weeks of employment left with VMO2 where I can hopefully figure things out. Over the years I've built a lot of skills outside of my job description so if I can find a role at another company where I have the trust and freedom to combine all those things like I did with my current role, then that would be the dream.

Will I stick around on the O2 Community?

Absolutely - but in a purely personal capacity, and likely nowhere near as much. I'm proud of the work I've done on the O2 Community for over a decade - and whether it's pride, or maybe even a little ego, I want to keep my name associated with the good stuff I've done here, like my annual Apple Megathreads that have become a tradition and institution not just here but across the business, or my Scams guide that has the potential to help and support a massive number of customers.

Didn't you manage the Social Media team? What will happen there?

As some of you know, there's not just one team within the VMO2 Social Media function. I managed one of the teams (the one Dave's in). Another Chris, who manages another one of those teams will be ingesting my team - so you won't notice much/any change from a Social Media perspective and it'll be all business as usual across on Twitter (X), Facebook and Instagram - but other Chris's role will be 100% focused on supporting his team, so it's unlikely you'll see him around here.

I'll still be around for a couple more weeks but you'll likely see much less of me. Until I leave, please only tag me into anything you don't feel Dave can support with, but in his short time so far on the Community I have seen how well he has been able to integrate so I have every confidence that you're in good hands with him.

It's been a privilege and a pleasure being part of your community for all these years. Thank you for trusting the support and information I have provided, and a special thank you from me to all of our regulars who provide such a valuable service while asking for nothing in return. You'll always be the true heroes here.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

Enlli — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:22:22 GMT

Really sorry to here this. Having, in another incarnation, been a senior shop steward and having faced members being made redundant, I know the raw emotions that go with such actions.

In the end it became my turn, again after a take over, but it turned out OK in the end.

Best wishes for the future, take this time to think, about what you REALLY want to do.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

Chris_K — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:29:27 GMT

Thanks Enlli. Sorry, I should have tried to say it in my first post - but the whole point of this is really just to fill everyone in. The Community has been a big part of my job for a long time and I feel a connection with it, the members and our regulars and because I've been part of the furniture for so long, I felt our regulars deserved a proper goodbye instead of me just fading away silently.

I've accepted what's happened and I'll hopefully find a new challenge to take on somewhere else - so yeah, this isn't me fishing for any sympathy or anything... I've had a good career with this business and I'll leave with some mostly fond memories. I'll also be leaving the business with absolutely no regrets whatsoever - which I feel is a good way to leave any business.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

BobM — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:57:06 GMT

Sorry to see you go @Chris_K

You've been an asset to the company as well as an asset to the community and I want to wish you every success in whatever path you choose to follow.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

jonsie — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 17:36:13 GMT

A sad day

All the very best for your future career @Chris_K and be in no doubt that you will be very much missed here on the community

Re: It's time to say goodbye

Mi-Amigo — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 17:55:05 GMT

Sorry to hear the sad news that you`ll be leaving @Chris_K

Many years ago I was made redundant from a lead position with a telecommunications company at Xmas time, so have some vague idea of what you have been faced with, Chris.

Having been part of the Community for so long [way before I joined], I know you will be missed.

I wish you well with whatever you take up in the future and hope you will drop by here as and when you can. Take care.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

Bambino — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 17:55:09 GMT

Very sorry to read this, @Chris_K. You've been a stalwart here for a long time, and this community will be much the poorer without you. Best of luck for whatever you choose to do in the future.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

MI5 — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:27:17 GMT

Words fail me so I'll just wish you the best of luck for the future Chris.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

madasaf1sh — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:39:56 GMT

Best of luck @Chris_K you will be sorely missed around here, and its VMo2's loss to lose you and all that experience ..

We are seeing the same at my workplace where people with all the experience are leaving, and thus leaving a big knowledge gap... But I am sure one of the other networks or ISP's will snap you up...

Re: It's time to say goodbye

Cleoriff — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:24:47 GMT

@Chris_K

I am so shocked at this news. Speechless that VMO2 would let someone of your experience go!

I want to thank you for all the support you have given me personally and professionally.

You have been a real asset to the community and the company.

You will be sorely missed. I wish you all the best for whatever you choose to do in the future.

Please keep in touch. xx

Re: It's time to say goodbye

Oxonian — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 20:39:06 GMT

@Chris_K

Sorry to see you go but I am sure that your experience in the role and the competencies that you have developed will see you back in work without too much delay.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

pgn — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 20:58:28 GMT

@Chris_K - wrenching news, but given the announcements in the last while from VMO2, unsurprising - such workforce reductions come in ways that usually defy any semblance of logic 🫤

All the best, and who knows what doors will open as this one shuts? The Forum is better for the time you gave it, and the void you leave behind, whilst significant, will slowly even out - in time. Good luck!

Re: It's time to say goodbye

TallTrees — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 21:04:42 GMT

Hi @Chris_K

Wishing you good luck for the future.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

RunrigForever — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 07:53:21 GMT

Sad to hear this news @Chris_K

Remember us having a private conversation about Glasgow when the Glasgow School of Art building caught fire ... I will have a Morton Roll when I visit the city hopefully sooner rather than later. There is a direct train service from Skipton to Glasgow Central.

Best Wishes in whatever you decide to do xx

Re: It's time to say goodbye

gmarkj — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:16:19 GMT

Shocked and saddened to hear that @Chris_K - as others say, you have been a force for good for the community and will definitely be missed.

There must be something going round - neighbour on one side has been made redundant (but has since found another job) and the other side are currently at notice.

Don't be afraid to pop in - I'm sure you would be more than welcome to take part in some of the games, and your experience will definitely make you an expert in some of the inner goings on with VMo2!

Re: It's time to say goodbye

Chris_K — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:25:35 GMT

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and well wishes. Again I'll still be about for the next couple of weeks and if there's any business news or announcements, it's possible I may still be doing some of those unless I need to delegate it to Dave due to other things - but yeah, deffo lean more towards Dave for any support that folk may required.

@RunrigForever - earlier in the year all of Glasgow woke up to a collective gasp when Morton's announced they were closing down. A short while later a group of Glasgow business-folk got together to take the company over so I'm very happy that a crispy (or chewy...) Morton's roll is still a thing! Unfortunately though I very recently moved away from Glasgow to buy my first home they're a bit more difficult to find.

Re: It's time to say goodbye

RunrigForever — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 11:01:25 GMT

@Chris_K

Thank you for your lovely reply.

I will have 2 Morton Rolls, eaten 'on the hoof' ... = ... one crispy & one chewy.

In Skipton = A Yorkshire Fat Rascal a sort of scone / flat fruited tea bread with glace cherries for eyes. gently spiced. I slather it with best butter if I can resist until I get home.

I look forward to the Charles Rennie MaCintosh work in the city - visit Hill House. I have CRM inspired jewellery and various household items.

Again ..... you will be missed Chris ..... Best Wishes for future success xx

Re: It's time to say goodbye

ComaChameleon — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:08:33 GMT

Sad to hear @Chris_K , especially during christmas time. But I'm pretty sure you will find a (better) new job. Fingers crossed for you 🫶

Re: It's time to say goodbye

Cleoriff — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:03:45 GMT

Nice to hear from you @ComaChameleon

It's been far too long xxxx