Life after my day job
Some people say you haven’t worked in advertising until you’ve been laid off, fired, escorted out or otherwise ejected from the building. Well, after 11 years in the biz, I guess I’ve finally worked in advertising. I wish I could say it was because I flipped over a conference table, or pantsed some smug creative director. But, alas, it happened pretty quietly as these things do — a stab at an explanation. A packet of stuff. A couple of dude hug-shakes. I’d seen it play out time and time again during my quirky career, but always managed to avoid the ax until last Wednesday. It was a far cry from the hero treatment when we won the Miller Brewing account, or the champagne popping when we landed BFGoodrich Tires. But my singular thought — sitting in a tiny room labeled Closet A — was a positive one: I am going to build the shit out of some motorcycles. I know I was smiling when I left the building. But honestly, I don’t remember walking out the door.
Perhaps it goes without saying, but this changes everything. Suddenly, I’m not an art director/copywriter who builds motorcycles — I’m a motorcycle builder who does advertising on the side. Bills will get paid. Ends will meet. And it’s harder each day to be too broken up about getting laid off.
So, here’s my plan. Keep building bikes for whomever wants or needs one. Make them cheap(ish) and fun and high on character. Keep making lamps, because I figure I only need to sell 20 more a month to consider it a real job. And within a year, be poised to open my first omnimotiferous location — probably in Richmond, but anywhere that makes the most sense. Just wait, we’ll all be rockin’ out to some killer band, eating BBQ and toasting the grand opening of Classified Moto. That’s my rubber-side-down outlook. Who’s with me?! (sound of crickets… long pause… owl hooting.) Photo and moral support: Adam Ewing.
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58 Comments
01 April 11 at 5:16am
1
I'm with you. We haven't met in person, but you can call me a friend. I'm sorry to hear anyone get laid off, but I'm secretly cheering because I know this will free you to do what you clearly love. And the world of motorcycles will be better for it. I can only hope my garage might be better for it one day. Build on, John!
01 April 11 at 5:51am
2
Damn, John. Sorry to hear that. I'm kind of in the same boat about right now, although I guess mine was a little more voluntary. But either way, I guess we both have plenty of time to get those wheels laced up. Just give me a call and we'll get it done.
01 April 11 at 6:59am
3
Thanks, Jeff. I'm glad you're with me buddy! I'm 100% psyched about focusing on this thing. I'm thinking an epic ride out West is in order. Adam and I keep kicking around the idea of a Bonneville or Pike's Peak adventure. Maybe we can meet up one of these days.
01 April 11 at 7:44am
4
John, it's always been said "if you do what you love, it's impossible to fail".And you were only able to do what you loved in your spare time and were a hue success. I cannot wait to see your success when you follow your passion and committ to this fully. I'm incredibly proud of you. For always knowing there was more to explore / espress your talents than through just one medium This is exciting. You have my full support. And I have no doubt where the Goodness this change will lead.So so proud ! Congratulations.
01 April 11 at 9:11am
5
Buddy,I wish you all the best for the future. Your bikes are an inspiration in a world of mundane daily rides!B
01 April 11 at 12:37pm
6
I'm with you. I have been considering the possibility myself. I am only on my first build (a '74 CB750 cafe racer/streetfighter) but I think I have been bitten by the bug. You create awesome bikes, and hope things go well for you.
01 April 11 at 12:55pm
7
It's awesome that you have a positive outlook about this. I too was layed off earlier this year in the design business, and it brougt great and new oppurtunitys. Now, I don't know what I would have done if it hadn't happened. Seems like kind of a blessing in disquise for some. Keep up the great work and as you can see, quite a few of us are chearing you on.
01 April 11 at 2:55pm
8
John, Devin told me about this the other day. At first I was shocked and felt really terrible for you but quickly changed that thought. This might be just what you needed. Nobody wants to leave their job that way but this forces you to do just what you wanted to do anyway. You might have languished there for years not really willing to take that jump into greatness. Let me know if you need any help in the garage with the bike or the lamps or just want the company.
01 April 11 at 3:02pm
9
John, sorry to hear about the layoff. Change is never easy especially when we are forced to change, but you have my support. I am sign designer so if you need a sign for your new business don't hesitate to contact me.Wish you the best,Carlos
01 April 11 at 3:12pm
10
Being a full time designer myself, I was a bit curious how you also ran a custom motorcycle shop on the side. I can barely find the time to build my own bike without neglect of something else important (...usually the girlfriend.)There's something to be said about merging your passions and skills into a single focused effort. This idea has been getting tossed around in my head for a few years now. Part of me is wishing to be laid off as well. It sounds more to me like the doors of opportunity have opened for you. I'm sure you'll do well. I'm a bit jealous.
01 April 11 at 3:33pm
11
John,I like your attitude. But in the meantime, "goosfraba.... goooooosfraba." Tomorrow is another day.
01 April 11 at 3:47pm
12
Best of luck. It's happened to most of us and usually leads to better things.
01 April 11 at 4:41pm
13
Way to go, John! I knew this day would eventually come. And even though I know from experience how scary and intimidating it can be leaving the comforts of the day job, I'm absolutely thrilled for you. Let me know if there's anything we can do to help Classified Moto!Welcome to the next chapter. :)
01 April 11 at 4:53pm
14
No doubt you will find success down the road.Take a look at this recent article from The Knee Slider blog, I'm sure you'll relate to it:http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2011/03/22/bob-the-builder-gets-all-the-bre...
01 April 11 at 5:58pm
15
Go after it Dude! Your bikes are real and beautiful. They will live on. You will be stoked once the business is paying your bills. I'll be following you here. Dig my Posterous Blog when you have time - www.mutantMOTO.com. Cheers!
01 April 11 at 8:44pm
16
And just like that a great motorcycle shop is born!!You do mind-blowing work and I am sure that now you are at it full time amazing things will follow!Good luck!
01 April 11 at 11:23pm
17
I'm definitely with you John.
02 April 11 at 12:33am
18
With the great attitude you have you will always be successful.Great job ~ love your bike.
02 April 11 at 12:38am
19
Good luck dude! Love your bikes. My day job doesn't seem very secure right now either (cube in corporate America), I start welding classes soon. Build on!
02 April 11 at 12:41am
20
02 April 11 at 12:41am
21
Righteous article:)
02 April 11 at 1:01am
22
Anybody who ever built an empire, or changed the world, sat where you are now. And it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.
02 April 11 at 1:17am
23
John--don't listen to these people!!!! Go and beg for your job back!!!!! Walmart needs you!!!!Aw, what the hell. Screw Walmart. I'll be there eating bbq and listening to the band next year with you!!! I plan on living vicariously through you unitl I can quit my job too!!!!!
02 April 11 at 1:34am
24
John, I don't know you, but reading this after coming home from my last day at my job (I quit, it's time for a change), your story is really inspiring. Sometimes you need a little push to go from something good to something truly exceptional. Sounds like you are on the right track.
02 April 11 at 1:35am
25
I'm secretly jealous of you my friend. Coming from someone who has a project that is getting neglected because of work and the girlfriend, I wish I had more time to put into my latest build. You will make it, and I know you will be much happier pursuing your passion.Good luck!
02 April 11 at 4:44am
26
The best things in life are sometimes the unplanned changes. I work in a highly volatile industry (mining) and I've found that the best parts are the layoffs, takeovers etc... Change is good... you just have to embrace it.
02 April 11 at 4:58am
27
Best of luck John! I really like the stuff you make - might even find a spot for one of your lamps one day! Best of luck in your new endeavours - hopefully this latest turn of events is just the cosmos giving you a nudge in the right direction.
02 April 11 at 9:10am
28
Doing what you love in life for a job is Happiness so keep going and I wish best of luck
02 April 11 at 11:32am
29
Sounds like a good news to me...Wish ya the best dude!;]
02 April 11 at 4:06pm
30
I am not in the least worried about your future. You have got style, taste and attitude. And your motorcycles have this special something that pulls a string not only in me.
02 April 11 at 6:07pm
31
Please tell me you at least did a smokey burnout when you left!
02 April 11 at 9:24pm
32
You were with me the first time I was shown the door by advertising. If you remember it was the best thing that had happened to me at the time. I wouldn't be in the editing bay today if it hadn't happened (maybe). Now it's my turn to be there for you. Probably with the carb synchronizer, a quick weld or just to hand you the 10mm wrench. I'm looking forward to it old friend. It will be great summer of bike builds.
03 April 11 at 7:05pm
33
You folks are amazing. Thanks for taking the time to respond and comment. I've been going non-stop on bikes since the whole layoff thing happened. Of course, I'll have to intermittently lend my attention to landing some freelance gigs to keep the grinders running, but right this second that can wait. Stay tuned for three new builds that will likely be completed within a week or two of one another. Then it's back to Adam's studio to immortalize them under the lights. Can't wait. Thanks again, everybody. JR
04 April 11 at 1:03am
34
Did you just watch Jerry Maguire, did you take the fish ?Good Luck
04 April 11 at 4:18am
35
Talking of flipping over tables...My boss in an ad agency in the 80's told of how he chain-sawed his office (not even sure what that meant). I suppose he can say he really worked in advertising. Strange but true.Cool photo & article.
04 April 11 at 7:19am
36
Good luck John and you build killer bikes. When I got laid off as a creative director in Boston I moved to Sweden and became a stone mason. When I got laid off from an ad agency in NC I decided to build my first motorcycle then I solo raced it in the Baja 1000. Change is good. Now I'm a creative director in San Francisco but I miss working with my hands and building tangible things.
04 April 11 at 6:00pm
37
hey john, just saw this on FB.getting laid off sucks, but to echo a couple people here, sometimes it's the best thing. when i got laid off i was finally able to do something i had only dreamed about. i know you will do really well with your biz, let me know if you need any help. and if you ever need some hold music for the biz phone, i know the perfect song. hint: you sent it to me. haha.
04 April 11 at 6:18pm
38
Columbus Ohio calls dibs if you need to move.Let me know when you decide to open your shop, I'll round up the crew here and we'll ride down for it!-Matt
04 April 11 at 9:02pm
39
Hey John,Congrats to this decision and your previous, present and future work. You will certainly succeed. Big fan of what you do and your whole attitude. With lots of respect and best wishes from Germany and another ad guy who is into customizing bikes, Robert
04 April 11 at 11:25pm
40
Right on!I work in advertising but built a few bikes before i got sucked into this hole 7 years ago. Outside of work, i try to avoid advertising. It's ugly and annoying. A billboard that you drive by at 65mph? A magazine ad that you flip past? Or a TV commercial that you fast forward through? A radio ad that makes you change the station? Or ugly product placement in some big budget fake hollywood film? But it does pay the bills however, if i ever got fired or laid off, i'd be wearing the same smile you did. I have been recently hired to build somebody a bike like one of mine and couldn't be happier to have it as a side job on somebody else's dime. www.beemersandbits.comI don't know you but i saw an acquaintance post you on facebook. Do what you love and you'll love what you do. Good luck.
05 April 11 at 9:57am
41
Plenty of friends got sacked these last two years. Middle age types who did everything right and went the extra mile for their employers. That did not guarantee them anything, most faced ugly negotiations and heard bosses they considered friends saying nasty things to them. A big wake up. What I have foundt is that after the initial shock is absorbed, it has done them good. They are and feel alive again, smarter and happier, except for one sad case. As we say, lo que sucede conviene: whatever happens is convenient... I am pretty sure your new life will be better than the one you left behind!
06 April 11 at 7:40pm
42
Sounds like you're happy things went this way. That's good! Keep on turning out masterpieces and enjoy life.
08 April 11 at 11:16pm
43
Awesome! I ride to Richmond all the time...if you ever need and extra pair of hands let me know. I don't know much but I am strong. Lol.
09 April 11 at 4:13pm
44
i wouldn't call this a bottom, but it's a good one to remember when it's time to throttle up... :)I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom.George S. Pattonhe's got some good ones
12 April 11 at 1:00am
45
Best of luck to you as a bike builder with some ad work on the side..!I sell Unix servers to the advertising industry... well actually I do the software training, and it seems so much like a cut throat and fickle business. I think you'll be in better company in the long run. -Sully
18 April 11 at 6:28pm
46
Awesome! I'll be checking back more. Love your spirit, and example. We all can learn. Thanks.
22 April 11 at 2:59pm
47
John,I am ad guy/motorcycle freak as well.One year ago I was laid-off (read fired) from an agency for the second time in 6 months. Like you, prior to that I had managed to avoid the axe for over 12 years. With a wife, 2 kids (actually at the time one and one on the way) and a mortgage; needless to say I was a little panicked. But also like you, i had the start of a plan to pursue a passion that fills most of my waking thoughts. One year later, we are making it work and making it, slowly but surely. I love your machines and your lamps. Advertising is a really stupid business, as I am sure you know. Don't look back. Onward and upward my man.God Speed.
26 April 11 at 2:14pm
48
We are with you!!! Great blog!
27 April 11 at 5:09am
49
John,Do you have a website so I can see your lamps?Thanks,Mark
27 April 11 at 6:47pm
50
Yes! Just saw you on CNN, but I've been an admirer since I first stumbled on photos of the 'Reciprocity' bike. Congrats on getting fired. Keep it up -- with any luck, you'll inspire me to do something stupid (like quit my job).
28 April 11 at 5:16am
51
28 April 11 at 6:05am
52
Great story. Inspirational!
29 April 11 at 6:41am
53
03 May 11 at 10:05am
54
John, I saw the CNN clip on a Spanish blog and discovered your webpage. I must say your story is both inspirational and reassuring as I'm trying to walk the same path after working 12 years on design and advertising in three different countries. Keep up with the good work, I'll following it on your blog from now on.Good luck.
10 May 11 at 7:53pm
55
I'm totally in, I will be at the grand opening with bells on or a Guitar if you want to book me in advance
04 June 11 at 11:15am
56
Just found your blog, gonna follow it. In advertising too, good luck to you buddy. Cheers.
04 June 11 at 6:46pm
57
Thanks man! Love your site and the work you do. Give me a yell. I would love to talk to you about how we could work together. I will be around Monday. 817-501-0273Dylan
26 March 12 at 4:07am
58
[...] change. New career/business/lease on life — extra large change.One year ago last week, I got my walking papers from the ad agency where I worked for 11 years. It was like being punched in the face and knocked [...]