I knew it was going to happen today, but that didn't make it any easier.
As I walked into the office this morning, a guy commented to me "today is not going to be fun", to which I replied "yah, today is going to suck".
Just as I was about to take the elevator up to my floor, I saw one of my colleagues walking out with the dreaded box of personal items. I stopped her, and found out that it was true. She was laid off. We said our goodbyes, and as she walked out, I noticed that there was a line of taxis waiting outside our office.
Oh God. It's real. It's happening.
After I got to my desk, I started getting email after email about people who were let go. One of my colleagues was instant messaging me about how nervous he was, when all the sudden his messages stopped. He called me later to tell me that he'd been let go.
So many people. Some I've know since the first day I started at my firm. Some I've worked with at my firm for almost 15 years. One who is one of my very best friends. We ate lunch together practically every day.
I spent a lot of the day comforting those who had left, and those who were still there.
I am so sad.
I feel like I need to be strong. Who am I to feel sorry for myself? I survived.
I'm so grateful to still have my job. Yet, at some point, all of this is probably going to hit me. Then, maybe I'll let myself feel it.
Right now, this economy can kiss my ass.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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11 comments:
Wow, what a crappy day. I am so sorry you are going through this right now. I am thankful for you that you are "safe" for now. I'm sure it's an empty relief. Keep your chin up.
love ya
That's terrible. It's hard to watch friends and colleagues get fired. Take care of yourself.
God - that must have been hard... And even though you are one of the lucky ones who wasn't let go, you are one of the unlucky ones who will pick up all of the extra work.
At the end of the school year last year, we were told that a bunch of us were going to be pinked. They started at the least senior teachers and went up. When they published the seniority list, it was a mad rush for the staff lounge to view it, to find out if your job was safe or if you were on that tenuous line between staying and going. It's sad and tragic and awful, even if you're one of the lucky ones who gets to stay.
We can only hope for better days ahead.
That really sucks. What a nasty reality check.
Sigh.
It. Is. Bad.
January 20th is next week though, and I'm so very hopeful that things will begin to look up.
I am so sorry to hear this. I can imagine how you are feeling right now.
I hope that is at least the end of it in your office and you can start to pick up the pieces.
Wow! So sorry to hear this. It is really, really tough out there. Hang in there!
Oh I'm so sorry. I'm glad it wasn't you, but that still sucks. I just heard that my old firm in LA did that this week.
Wow - this is so hard for so many people. I am so sorry for those that lost their job today and for those that were left behind. This is such a difficult time for everyone I know.
Thank you everyone for your kind comments!!!
After reading this post the next day, I was afraid it sounded like I'd just been through Columbine. I mean, no one died for God's sake. Still, it was an emotional day, and your comments were so soothing.
Thank you all!
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