Fools! You Will Not Be Rid Of Me That Easily

"Stef Schrader" (stefschrader)
06/28/2018 at 20:00 • Filed to: Maximum Parsh, Puffalopnik, Buyouts

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Rally Chicken forever!

Yes, I took the buyout. No, I’m not actually leaving. You thought getting rid of me would be this easy? Ha!

Anyway, some of you !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on the hints that I might be leaving, and I figured I owed Oppo an explanation when it was official.

I am sticking around to freelance at Jalopnik because I like getting a paycheck while I continue to get a paycheck. Yo dawg, I like money. Besides, you can’t bring in someone to cover race cars and not expect them to look for a loophole of some sort. That is against the Eternal Command of Smokey Yunick and I won’t have it.

Anyway, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is friggin’ cool and needs to continue, even though it’s been on and off lately as I’ve been trying to figure out how this buyout deal will work and have also been sent to cover some truly incredible stuff I’ll post more about tomorrow. (Our regularly scheduled Friday dose of what-the-heck-is-that? resumes next week.) Thing is, I can say what I want to say here without fear of pushback from the commercial side, and the editors give great feedback that I’m constantly learning from, so I want to keep writing here.

I already planned a ridiculously good trip back to Germany to do stuff like watch a WRC round, parsh harder than anyone has ever parshed before around Stuttgart and camp out at the ‘Ring, so some of that, too, may end up pitched back here. I’m also getting pro rallycross back in my backyard, which rules hard. I’ll still be adequately busy in my time off.

I really didn’t want to leave Jalopnik so much as I needed a break. The past couple years have been straight-up garbage on a personal level with barely a moment to breathe, take better care of myself and actually fix the Volkswagen 411. This gives me four and a half months to get that break in, take things a little slower with freelance work and hopefully figure it all out.

This does mean I’ll have to look for a full-time job somewhere to start after the four-and-a-half month buyout period is over, and that’s something I’d rather find sooner rather than later. Honestly, I’d love to just go back to Jalopnik full-time, but it’s not a given that they’ll be rebuilding their staff back up in the next few months.

So, let me know if you know of a good place that’s hiring, or even if you know of any decently lucrative freelance opportunities to pick up in the interim. Remote work is preferred as I just moved to a new place in Austin, but I’m open to really, really good stuff elsewhere. Especially if it’s at the Nürburgring. I like this place. (They’re racing trucks here this weekend. Trucks!!! ) Oh, and I also need some weekend time so I can race my own parsh.

Lastly, to give credit where credit’s due, the union did a phenomenal job of fighting both for this group of sites’ survival by arguing down the number of personnel cuts the company wanted us to make, in addition to making sure that those who wouldn’t be riding out a potential layoff and other uncertainties about the future were well taken care of. I’ve never been so glad to have been straight-up wrong on a subject as I have on the idea of unionizing here. The buyouts are still a bad situation and I’m gutted to hear about some of the other folks who are leaving entirely, but this would’ve been much worse if the union hadn’t worked overtime to salvage what they could.

Oh, and I’m still going to post Puffalumps on Oppo, as always. Puffalopnik forever!

DISCUSSION (100)

For Sweden > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 21:45

I am sticking around to freelance at Jalopnik because I like getting a paycheck while I continue to get a paycheck.

OK good you had me worried. First for the possible end of good #content and that Univision would be foolish enough to stop publishing your #content.

DipodomysDeserti > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 21:46

Congrats on the hustle! My brother is the e ditor of a newly formed publication in AZ (part of a large local paper) If you’re down to melt in the desert I’ll pass your name along. Not auto related, but if you can write, you can write.

Spanfeller is a twat > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 21:46

Holly shit.

You pulled it off! Congratulations! I’d love to be able to tell you I know a lucrative opportunity but as far as Mexican media goes I basically burn noticed myself back in my Parentesis.com days so I’m worthless in that sense.

MarquetteLa > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 21:46

Glad to hear you won’t be entirely gone! Hope you can find something permanent soon. I saw you around a couple times at 6H of COTA last year. I’ll be there for World RX this year too so maybe I’ll say hi this time!

just-a-scratch > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 21:58

Stef leaving? but will keep writing aboutcars and racing amd stuff?

Stef Schrader > For Sweden
06/28/2018 at 22:04

2 Puffalump 2 Quit

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 22:11

As long as you still post rally ducks.

E90M3 > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 22:13

I really didn’t want to leave Jalopnik so much as I needed a break. The past couple years have been straight-up garbage on a personal level with barely a moment to breathe

When I got laid off from my oil job the first emotion was relief; I was almost elated to be free. While it has taken me almost two years to get back to where I wanted to be, it’s going alright now. I wish you the best of luck.

wafflesnfalafel > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 22:22

well.. gdmfpos, etc - but great you can to freelance. Let us know when you land full time somewhere else.

Stef Schrader > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
06/28/2018 at 22:29

SHE’S A CHICKEN!

Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 22:32

I can’t speak for everyone, but I am certain that I echo a general consensus that is glad that you are staying, no matter what shape it takes. I especially glad that you are able to keep contributing to the FP.

I hope your search for Austin-based employment is more fruitful than mine was. Granted, I went hunting in 2010 and 2011, whilst the country was still in the throes of recession...and you have a better personality, too. Got a feeling you're gonna be fine on the job front. Talent is hard to keep down.

Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
06/28/2018 at 22:33

Beat me to it. +1

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 22:41

Im glad you will be sticking around! I enjoy your writing and overall presence on Oppo and Jalopnik.

Hopefully we see lots of you still! Take care of you, you only get one shot at life!

Did anyone else on the Jalopnik staff take the buyout?

aquila121 > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
06/28/2018 at 22:55

#teamduck ftw.

Stef Schrader > Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious
06/28/2018 at 23:23

But she is a chicken!

Stef Schrader > aquila121
06/28/2018 at 23:23

#TeamChickenForever

Stef Schrader > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
06/28/2018 at 23:25

Not to my knowledge of the regular writers, but they’re letting people announce it on their own terms so I couldn’t say either way.

It’s deeply weird how secretive the whole buyout process was to me, but I guess they had to be mindful of those who weren’t up to sharing their own situation.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 23:26

Kinja'd!!!

Chuckles > Stef Schrader
06/28/2018 at 23:42

Congrats and good luck with whatever comes next! Keep us posted around here so we know where to find your work.

Mercedes Streeter > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 00:49

I think you have one of the best attitudes about this. You get to work on you, do the things you’ve been wanting to do for a while, and take a deep breath. You’re an awesome person and writer and I’m sure we’ll see you around here and likely in other places! :)

Take care of yourself and have the time of your life!

MatisyahuSerious > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 01:14

oh, no, no no no.

this has ensadenned me.

i have been, am, and will continue to be a big fan, stef - best of luck in this next phase, you will be missed.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 04:37

Best of luck and keep Parshing!

CRider > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 04:41

The old ‘We can still be friends!’ post? These never go well. I’m gutted to hear you and your stuffed ducken won’t be around as much, but hopefully you stick around Oppo. You’ve been one of the best parts of Jalopnik for years, and it’ll be weird to not see a constant barrage of racy Volkswagens any more.

duurtlang > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 05:25

Glad you’re not leaving! It’s always a frustrating feeling when things blow up without you having had any control.

I found this interesting, as it’s describing our Oppo meet in September quite ac curately. Watch an endurance race on the Nürburg ring on Saturday, drive the ‘ring ourselves on Sunday and head to Stuttgart later that day, explore some car-related museums in Stuttgart on Monday, leave for the Alps later that day and tour the Alps for the rest of the week days .

Hoccy > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 06:21

Good luck finding something new and exciting, I’m sure the opportunities will line up nicely ! Four and a half month is also lots of time to find something .

Depending on the work situation, I’ll also be at Rallye Deutschland . Would be nice to say hi!

damnthisburnershitsux > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 06:59

great to hear you won’t be completely gone!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 07:45

Definitely glad you’re still sticking around Stef! Hopefully you can keep up your presence on Oppo at least, plus some articles on Jalopnik. The more the merrier around here! :)

Also, quirky classic air-cooled cars must be fixed because that is my jam , so get on the 411. :P

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 08:13

I’m hoping that things go hilariously well for you and the Puffalumps as you make this transition.

AuthiCooper1300 > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 08:19

Full steam ahead and damn the torpedoes, F r äulein K o m m a n d a n t i n Schrader!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > For Sweden
06/29/2018 at 08:24

Jalopnik right now:

Kinja'd!!!

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 08:33

What buyout? what happened?

Takuro Spirit > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 09:51

I heard they’re hiring over at Autotrader.DougScore/Puffalump.Hoovie/Hooptie

MonkeePuzzle > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 10:21

ahuh, ok, yes.. I’m extremely glad you won’t be stopping writing and attending race events.

but, let’s get down to business (#mulan) did you, or did you not acquire and consume rocky mountain oysters at during PPIHC?

dogisbadob > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 10:57

Good luck in your job search

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
06/29/2018 at 10:57

Kinja'd!!!

Stef Schrader > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
06/29/2018 at 11:02

Just because you press a button doesn’t mean you know my chicken. She’s a chicken.

Stef Schrader > Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious
06/29/2018 at 11:04

That stupid recession still owes me for being only able to find a crummy internship with no benefits after a year-long search straight out of college. Grumble.

Stef Schrader > CRider
06/29/2018 at 11:05

Ahem, she is a chicken. Haha. (Thanks.)

Stef Schrader > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
06/29/2018 at 11:05

*shakes fist*

Stef Schrader > duurtlang
06/29/2018 at 11:06

Ah, man! Yeah, this one includes the Ringmeet a bunch of folks from FinalGear put on every year. Head to the ‘Ring for the Oldtimer Grand Prix weekend , drive some laps around it.

Stef Schrader > Hoccy
06/29/2018 at 11:06

heckin’ yes

Urambo Tauro > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 11:06

It ju st wouldn’t be the same without you, Stef! Thanks for the update, and for sticking around, at least in some capacity.

Stef Schrader > MonkeePuzzle
06/29/2018 at 11:07

I did! They were disappointing, though. Tasted like they forgot to season them and fried them in old oil or something.

MonkeePuzzle > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 11:10

there’s a joke about disappointing balls in here.

I’ve tried them a few times, my response has always been lackluster also. I suspect that testicles just don’t taste very good, and most places fry them beyond belief to cover up for the fact that this novelty food isn’t actually very good.

Stef Schrader > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
06/29/2018 at 11:13

This led to this , which apparently led to the dude who allegedly? oversees? us?? to ghost on us completely and take a lengthy vacation in Mexico . Figures.

AfromanGTO > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 11:16

Good luck and enjoy the somewhat break. Since you’re in Germany writing for Jalopnik.

Chariotoflove > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 11:16

I’m glad to hear you want to keep writing on Oppo. I’d feel funny if I was the only person posting pics of stuffed animals.

Good luck!

Stef Schrader > MonkeePuzzle
06/29/2018 at 11:21

Lucy’s Fried Chicken in Austin rules for that.

offyatindy > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 11:22

I’m shocked. You’re the best Stef. See you around, I’m sure.

WilliamsSW > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 11:41

Well, this sounds like good news - both for us (continued Puffalump content) and you (a little freelancing, some $$ from the buyout, some time to re-set and find the right gig).

Best of luck finding something permanent - and make sure that we all know where that is, when it happens!

William Byrd > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 11:50

Dude. WTF. Sorry, hadn’t heard about that. :(

H i t m e u p v i a T w i t t e r o r e m a i l w i l l a t r i g h t f o o t d o w n d o t c o m m m m a n d I c a n p a s s a l o n g f r e e l a n c e s t u f f a s I s e e i t . I k n o w o f o n e g u y t h a t ’ s n o r m a l l y l o o k i n g f o r p e o p l e w i t h g o o d q u i r k s a n d f e a t u r e s .

CB > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 11:50

Jeez, that’s a doozy (I’ve been in a bit of a bubble from the outside world for the last three months, so this whole buyout thing is a bit of a surprise). Here’s hoping for the best, and that you get a good writing gig. Your articles have always been excellent.

duurtlang > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 12:04

So, this Fi nalGear Ringmeet, is it any fun? Some of us live within a few hours of the ‘Ring, so could stop by.

OracleAnne > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 12:39

Let’s be honest, Stef, I will read anything you write anywhere on the internet, so keep us apprised of what happens next for you. Keep rallying those chickens, and I wish you SOOO much luck!

Donkeyshins > MonkeePuzzle
06/29/2018 at 12:41

I don’t have to worry about trying them as I’m allergic to nuts.

Kinja'd!!!

Kahless > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 14:54

thankfully a lot of jobs are available if youre staying in the austin area. everyone is hiring here. they gotta pay that 1800$ a month for their 500sqft apts.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 14:54

Ah man, sucks that you’re leaving but I’m glad you’re sticking around. If you were still in NY I’d ask you how much do you know about baseball, our working remote policy is kinda murky these days... sigh.

benjrblant > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 16:09

Mmmm... Lucy’s.

I wish Denver would get a P.Terry’s and maybe a Tacodeli.

Herr Quattro - Has a 4-motion > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 16:10

I want to become an automotive journalist- I’m about to enter my first year of college this fall, and I geared much of my classes towards being relevant in becoming a journalist.

But, between this, and the pages and pages of problems facing the news industry- I’m becoming more and more nervous of fully committing and majoring in Journalism. I love writing, but I love the ability to at least live a modest life more... and job security.

Spridget > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 16:18

I’m glad you’ll still be around; you should contribute to Oppo even if you’re on FP less.

Who from Jalopnik is leaving?

MX304 > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 17:25

I hope everything works out very much in your favor, and am glad you will be sticking around. You truly are one of the good ones!

BrownManualWagon > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 17:42

I really hope you stick around for years to come. I don’t work in journalism or even cars but I’ll definitely keep an eye out if either of those fields throw me something.

Stef speed!

Curiousplay > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 17:45

Damn it. At least we still get Stef articles, easily my favorites. (Crazy-Cousin-T orch articles are a nice second.)

fennelbreath > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 18:04

Good luck, girl. <3

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 19:57

Stef you’re one of my favorite writers on this site . Have a great time wher ever your adventures take you!

#teampuffalump4lyfe

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 19:59

Are you jarglus tho?

Dusty Ventures > MonkeePuzzle
06/29/2018 at 21:19

Relevant

f86sabre > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 22:28

As odd as it sounds, NASA has had some interesting media/social media stuff posted over the last few months. It isn’t writing like this, but it is government cheese with full benefits.

Best of luck with the search. We are pulling for you.

codfangler > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 22:43

As I said when I took a buyout, “There is not enough money in the w orld to buy me, but it did not take much money to buy me out.”

Nibby > Stef Schrader
06/29/2018 at 23:03

NOOOOOOO

OOOOOOO

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO