Layoffs

In my first grown-up job everyone was laid-off.  It was one of those events where it just knocks the air out of you and you feel robbed and betrayed.  Yes, I realize that you never 'owe' anything to a company nor does the company 'owe' anything to you; however, I feel that if you place your heart into your work and all of a sudden you are told to leave the company… well frankly you feel betrayed.

Now today I rode out my second lay-off scene.  It is all over the Tribune, so it's no secret - my company is going through a transitional phase, which results in big time lay-offs.  Let's break it down: 400 jobs or 10% of Headquarters are happening this week.  Crazy, right?  There had been rumors over the last three weeks regarding this and today finally was 'notification' day.

In the morning we received a special invite in our e-boxes stating that there was going to be a meeting at 9:30 for the entire US MKT team.  As I walked in the massive group to the room I like a person walking to death row.  This meeting was going to provide the insight of whether or not we were 'safe' today.

About 150 of us crammed into a room where the new VP delivered his first speech to his massive team.  He talked about the company's strategy, the upcoming events and than said "there will be no layoffs from this group.. today."  Hot Dang, was I relived that I had a job for the day!  However, my happy heart quickly stopped when I stepped out of the room.  Reality hit.

Four hundred people were going to go on a different path soon.  Four hundred.

HR books rooms on various floors and towers because the idea is that they do not want you to be on your floor when you are told that the company no longer needs your service.  Glancing through the available rooms, many were booked for all day with HR.  Once the rooms are booked HR will either send you a 'special' e-vite or tap you on your shoulder to tell you to report to X place.  And when you reach the room there is an HR rep and manager... and you knew that it wasn't a promotion that they are giving.

You cannot live in fear; however, you do jump when someone steps beside you or you receive an 'invite' to a meeting.  Pray for the people that are facing the turmoil and pray for the leadership to not make a stupid mistake.

My manager always has the best lines to sooth my crazy-worried feelings,
"Welcome to Corporate America, Emily."