Staying Grounded: Finding Optimism in Uncertain Times

When you work in IT—or really any department—for long enough, you see a lot of change. New faces, new technologies, new leadership… and sometimes, new owners. In my current company, we’ve gone through three changes in ownership over the last ten years. Each one brought its own wave of emotions, from cautious optimism to full-on dread.

I remember the first two transitions clearly. There was an energy in the air—a shared hope that fresh leadership would bring new investment, new vision, and maybe even a little excitement. Most people, myself included, saw those changes as opportunities. We adjusted, adapted, and kept pushing forward.

But this last one has felt… different.

It’s hard to ignore the change in mood around the office. The halls are quieter. There are fewer faces. One coworker recently told me, “It feels eerie walking around here now.” It’s not just the physical changes; it’s the emotional toll that uncertainty brings. Many friends and colleagues have already lost their jobs, and the rumor mill has been working overtime. From what I hear, the site I work at may soon shut down completely. People are saying the remaining employees will have three options: relocate to New York, travel there four days a week, or take a severance package.

None of those options are ideal. I don’t want to move. I don’t want to be on the road four days a week. And I certainly don’t want this job, or this chapter of my career, to end just yet.

But through it all, I’ve chosen to stay grounded.

Not because I’m naïve. Not because I’m in denial. But because I believe there’s always value in being the calm in the storm. While others focus on what’s going wrong, I do my best to focus on what I can control—my work, my attitude, and how I treat others.

This mindset is one of the main reasons I started MotoLinux.com in the first place. It was a way to express myself, to share stories from my career, and to stay connected to what I love about IT—even when the world around me felt uncertain. It’s also helped me realize how important it is to be a source of reassurance for others, especially during difficult times.

The truth is, I’ve been fortunate. The new owners have treated me with respect. I’ve had a chance to collaborate with them directly, and they’ve told me they appreciate the work I do. That means a lot to me. It reminds me that even when circumstances are less than ideal, people still notice when you show up, stay professional, and do your best.

No one knows what’s going to happen next—not really. But I believe there’s strength in showing up every day with integrity, kindness, and just a little bit of hope. Even when others around you are discouraged. Even when the road ahead is unclear.

So for now, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done: staying present, staying positive, and putting my best foot forward.

Because sometimes, that’s the most powerful thing you can do.