My last post mentioned Umair Haque’s recent rage against old people who ruin the world. He’d like to break up with them (and their ways.) Actually, he suggests we’d like to break up with them. And when you read Umair, like I hope you do, you want to be part of the we.

But, when Umair came into my feed reader suggesting we all want change, I’d just been considering the extent to which it might really suck.

Maybe you noticed last week’s agency shakeups. Or people announcing new freelancing plans or news of their layoff. Without calling anyone out, we’ll just say things are changing for a lot of people who do what I do. Most of that change hasn’t come by choice.

When I see it, I say “congrats” out loud but think “ack” in my head. Some of these [people] have mortgages and leases and loans and personal guarantees. Some have spouses and children and/or employees with spouses and children. And some just really enjoyed their job.

The thing that got me writing on the topic (before Umair got in my head and started clowning about) was the fact that I’ve suggested the current economic downturn wouldn’t affect skilled web shops, long term. There’s simply too much need for what we do for the world to go without.

The suck of it is that being able to think long term is a bit of a luxury, regardless of your skill or talent. That’s why recession-proofing articles are crap. You don’t make it through a downturn by reducing costs or shedding commitments — those things just make it easier on you if you fail. You make it through a downturn by continuing to find and do good work. And that’s something that gets easier as your business gets more established.

So, I feel a little bad about suggesting talented web pros would be fine. Clearly, some are getting kicked in the nuts. The pain of which grows with commitments to mortgages and leases and loans and personal guarantees et cetera.

For what it’s worth, though, I really do think the wider view looks good. Those announcing moves will jump to a new shop and grow. Those who stick it out will find the bounce probably makes up for short term stress. And those who had no business building web things in the first place will go work retail. As per usual.

Anyway… good luck to those of you moving to new jobs or cities. I hope the excitement outweighs the stress.