End of the Line

So my line manager calls me into his office this afternoon, to tell me two things.

Firstly, they are very happy with my work these past six weeks. Extremely happy. Apparently, I've had glowing reviews from my project manager, which is commensurate with the fact that I'm about four days ahead of my work schedule right now (and will probably be 7 days ahead by the end of the week).

Despite that, they're not going to renew my contract. I have a little over three weeks left until I am no longer required to attend the Firm day in, day out. My project manager has also been axed; in his case, his contract has been shortened by six months.

If I lost my job a year ago, or even four months ago, I'd probably be overjoyed. The Firm has been tightening the screws for eighteen months, and it's not enjoyable to work in an environment where everyone lives in fear of a noose slipping 'over their head.

But the funny thing is that these past six weeks - when I've had proper development work, and it's been properly managed - have been hands-down the best weeks of the past three years. I love the irony of it all. And I especially love how life likes to wait for a moment when everything is peachy to throw me a curve-ball. Or am I missing the point? Is life meant to be a constant trial?

At least my exit is to be conventional. Recently, one employee disappeared one afternoon without explanation, never to return, just like a John Grisham novel. About three weeks later, everyone in the department received a one-line e-mail from the general manager saying "After nineteen years with [the Firm] _____ _____ has decided to leave the firm for greener pastures". That's it. No explanation. No presentation. No leaving gift. What's that about?

Anyhow, I'm trying to be upbeat, and I know it's going to be very important to do so in the coming weeks, but right now I'm finding that a little hard.