I had to confirm to a good customer and wonderful friend that I would not be working with him in a few months. It is very hard to know that your work is good, that you've been instrumental in developing a friendship that makes you feel good, and that as a result of your friendship and integrity, there's been a financial reward. This particular customer could have been a small account, and I would have worked my butt off for the gentleman. He is good and kind and smart in both business and one-on-one friendships.

And he sounds like he's not too happy with the new ideas and thoughts of going forward with the new company. I'm doing my best to let him know that things are supposed to continue as they were...but it's very difficult. I had the oppportunity to relocate, and I could have even applied for a couple openings that would allow me to stay on, but I don't know if I want to work for such a large company that de-personalizes things. It is so large, though, that it almost has to if it wants to operate with any kind of efficiency. I just hope all the relationships we've built over the years are not somehow irrevocably severed due to it all. These are good friends as well as business, and I hope all that we've dealt with know that we want only the best for them.

It's a difficult situation, but I hope we will continue to keep in contact.