Yesterday we got a message from the editor-in-chief announcing a mandatory staff meeting this morning at 11:30. Rumors started flying. My section is so small, we figured they couldn't lay anyone off. And I heard they were telling people before the meeting, so when I hadn't heard by 11 this morning, I figured I was safe. I told Miss Shirley by IM that it looked like I wasn't getting laid off. Actual excerpt of conversation:
11:03 AM me: I was halfway hoping I would be. :) make up my mind for me.
Miss Shirley: oh no! that puts someone else in charge of your life
it sucks but you should make those choices
11:04 AM me: yeah, whatever. :)
Miss Shirley: lol
About 15 minutes later I got a phone call, went down to HR, and learned from my boss's boss that my position was being eliminated. I came home, put on pajamas, and made many, many phone calls. Also I took a walk and went to lunch with She Gre. And S.Ball came over to hang out in the evening.
I'm really pretty cheerful. Something will work out. I have a good cushion of savings. I'm sure there are times of abject panic up ahead, but I hope they are few.
11 comments:
What? But you are TOWWAS! They can't lay you off!! Did you get to say, "You can't fire me, because I quit!"?
Heh. No, because I'd rather have the severance package.
Major blergh!!! I don't know what else to say. Blergh!
But did you at least think, "I'd be sadder if you guys didn't suck so much"?
WOW - although I have to say, that's the best I've ever seen anyone take that sort of news.
So what's next? A minor restructuring or a major life change? TOWWASing elsewhere, or opening a knitting store?
What's next indeed? First, I write a memoir subtitled "How I Lost My Job And Became A Better Person Through Knitting." Then I ride the fame wave on the professional knitting circuit, I think.
I'm thinking freelancing.
oh noes. i've been through that before, although it wasn't a layoff . . . i was too green to know how to leave when i wasn't happy. and for me, it was the best thing that could have happened. so, i have faith. but you're in a much better position career-wise than i was, so i *know* you'll do well.
yes, i started those last three sentences with 'and,' 'so,' and 'but' in honor of the occasion.
also - have you seen the hemorrhaging in the newspaper industry? i think [your now former employer] has been pretty lucky to have lasted this long without cuts.
I walked past the NG mothership (i.e. the Death Star) and flew the bird high and wide at it/them. And I shook my fist impotently. Are you still working or was it a "get out now and let me hold the door for you" kind of thing?
Condolences and congratulations!
As someone told me under similar circumstances, "The Hound of Heaven can lead us a merry chase." Sometimes it's better when someone else makes a tough decision easy! You're going to come out of this fine!
WHAT!!!!!!. But wow you have a great attitude. Didn't I read something about having an idea for writing a book from your blog? :-)
HOLY CRAP I'M LATE!
Such a bad blogfriend. That sucks that your position was cut, but I'm glad to see that you're still in a good place considering.
If you write a book about knitting, I'll buy it. Heck, I'll buy two!
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