There is no spoon

Well, leave it to The Matrix to fuck with my reality once again. How many times have I seen this film? Nine? Ten? Still, that little section after Neo takes that trip 'down the rabbit hole' resonates with me. When Morpheus explains to Neo that anyone who protects the construct of a fake and sinister land, despite innocent appearances, is actually his enemy, it made me think of a dream I had during my last job search.

I had been pinned to a wall by an invisible creature and barely escaped. It was a labyrinth, a maze. My feet kept slipping. Just when I thought I found a door, I flung it open to see I was trapped in a cage. I woke up with four words blaring in my head, "Never trust your captors." It was my mantra that allowed me to push harder for better interviews and eventually leave. This "me vs. them" attitude is what guides our little Keanu to win, as well. Things are NEVER as they appear. What do I mean?

Two wonderful co-workers were fired without warning this week. Just "clean out your desk, please" is all the warning they got. One was there 10 years, the other about 5 or 6. My take on this? Both were making too much money, and thus, had to be cut. It's all about the bottom line. You can't run a non-profit like a corporation with tons of cash, so casualties are part of the game. Just like Neo's sadist landscape, no one is safe. It protects those who fit into the structure by design, not function. Make waves? Break ahead? Tell the truth? Well then, you're next. Just put your head on the chopping block and no one gets hurt. Please don't spatter any blood, we fired the person who used to clean that up. Be quiet now, this won't hurt a bit.

I can do much better than this. My fervent dream is that Reuters, our main competitor, will hire me. They've been kicking our ass on business news and sports for so long, it would be a wonder to join the opposing team. If that happens, I will brag. If not, I plan on not telling anyone where I'm going. There are two agencies I need to contact, and one who's fax number is out.

Ah, yes, kiddies. More work to be done. They cannot bend my will.