Changes
If you follow me on twitter, then you already know that I'm sitting at home on my couch and that it's not for any of the right reasons.
Today the company where I have worked for the past four years informed me that my position had been eliminated.
I sort of expected the conversation, but I thought (hoped?) that it wasn't coming for a few more weeks. I worked there as the Training Manager, coordinating the professional development of our staff. I launched an online corporate university, successfully initiated a management training program, and managed a number of other really important and complex projects, but when a company is bleeding money as badly as that company is, training is often the first thing to be cut. It doesn't matter how valuable (and in some instances federally mandated) that training is, when something has to go, it will be on the list.
So I was on the list. Laid off. A few weeks before Christmas. Without any sort of severance. (But, hey! I'm looking like a genius for hoarding vacation days now! At least there's that.)
Mr. Husband and I are still sort of reeling from the news. Like I said, I was relatively certain it was coming, but certainly didn't expect it today. And, I'll be honest, I had no clue that a company which I thought cared about its people would lay them off without some sort of severance. That bit blind-sided me.
But, we'll figure it out. It's what we do, after all.
In the meantime, I'll just be sitting here wrapping Alexis' Christmas gifts and being incredibly grateful that I finished shopping for her a long time ago. We are committed to making sure she is not negatively impacted during this bumpy ride, and knowing that she will have the sort of Christmas we want to give her is a huge relief.
Oh, and a huge thanks to everyone who has left encouraging words on twitter. I am incredibly grateful to have so many amazing and fantastic and kind people in my life. And, yes, I am talking about you. So, thank you.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Reader Comments (64)
We love you. You know this.
Chin up, kid. Don't be shocked if I show up at your house with Sangria.
You know I'm here if you need anything. At all. Ever.
Like an impromptu lunch at Panera Bread in St. Clairsville. Because you can do that now? Yeah? Silver lining? Bueller?
I joke only because I so desperately want to make everything right for you and I can't and it makes me mad, so I flounder around and fail.
Love you -- sending so much love right now.
Thinking of you and your family right now. These days it seems like everyone is just one second away from this reality for their own family, so it hits home for everyone, I'm sure.
wowza. That is so crazy and I am so sorry that you have to endure this. I can't believe they didn't offer you a severance package.
(((hugs))
I'm so, so sorry. My dad has lost his job several times over the last several years (he works in a slightly-ridiculous field) and it never gets easier. But hey! Maybe now you can work on your photography thing more full-time for a little bit.
Hang in there!
Oh man, I'm so sorry. I hope you can make the most of the time you now have available and that you can get into something new as soon as you need to. Kudos to getting all the Christmas gifts early! At least that bit is out of the way.
Take care.
So sorry that you are going through this! Hope the silver linings to all this start showing themselves soon. Thinking of you,
When you are sitting in the muck, after bad news, sometimes its hard to remember that everything happens for a reason. Even when you dont know what it is, some opportunity is right around the corner. Hug your little girl and your hubs and know that something will come along soon. And if that doesnt help, my Gram always tells me, "It could always be worse." ;)
Wow, what an awful blow right before Christmas. There must be something absolutely amazing in store for you... but right now I'm just sending bug hugs.
anything i can do for you, just holler. even if it is just to bitch about the unjustness of it all or to not talk about work at all...i'm game for anything. in the meantime, i'll be telling folks about your photography business...
oh dammit, Life. This all just blows. Hang in there, eat some cookies, wrap those gifts. Something even more awesome is around the corner for you, there's no doubt about that.
I'm so sorry to hear that! I'm sure you have plenty of connections in the area, but I've recruited for Training positions before and know some folks who typically hire in that role. If you want to email me, I'd be glad to try to help you.
Getting laid off sucks anytime, but right before Christmas... that's just cruel. I'm glad it hasn't ruined the spirit of things for your family, though.
I bet there is a bigger, brighter open window for you somewhere else. Hang in there.
I'm sorry that they laid you off with no real warning and no severance. Wow, that just seems wrong.
Your have a great attitude though and I'm sure another company will snap you right up!
xo
Aww Man, So sorry. I have been there, and I know it doesn't feel good. But cheers to you for trying to take it in stride. Cheers to you for your commitment to making Christmas awesome for Alexis. And cheers to you for allowing others to see all of you. Because you can eventually encourage others and be able to say "It will get better" to those that go through the same thing.
Keep your chin up. If you want, I can bring over Buckeyes. They make everything better.
I am so sorry. Wishing I had the power to create jobs. Thinking of you.
At the very least they should pay you for those unused vacation days but I wouldn't really expect it.
Hey - here from a twitter link. Hang in there. We've totally been there. It happened to our family right before a major surgery, with lots of medical bills coming our way. Not Christmas, but it wasn't exactly fun.
Something did come and it was good. Enjoy the little things this holiday. Hand in there.
Sorry I don't tweet so I didn't know. I don't have anything useful or meaningful to say but I wanted to let you know that you, of all people, doesn't deserve THAT kind of Christmas "gift".
About you doing more photography, though...I was thinking of having my Grandmother's photos taken in the spring in her yard (even YOU would swoon at her flowers...). Any chance you might be interested? If so, we can talk about it more later (like AFTER the holidays) but just wanted you to know if you throw your hat into the professional photography pool I'm all over it. (Here's where I would offer a hug, but I know you don't like that...;)
So sorry to read this Michelle - keeping your family in my thoughts & hope for brighter days ahead.
I tweeted you hugs.....and forgot you hated them. How about support instead?
So sad to hear this, Michelle. Thinking of you...
There is no way you won't land on your feet. Not you.
Michelle, my heart goes out to you. No matter how prepared you are, being laid off is terrible and it makes you feel awful. I've been fired, laid off, furloughed and I've watched my dear friends get laid off while I was spared. None of it was ever less than nauseating.
Although I've only known you a short time, I can easily see that you are incredibly smart, talented and resourceful. And energetic. Not needing much sleep apparently. Because how else could you accomplish everything you do ;) But you get the idea, I know you can and will do this. Sending you good vibes and positive energy, lady!
I'm so sorry Michelle. The right before Christmas,no severence sucks, but I know you will get through it and find something even better.
This sucks! And anything I can do to help - just let me know.
I'm so sorry to hear this news. It sucks BIG time. Whatever you need, let us know, you have a big group of supporters who will help who however we can. And I don't care if you don't like real hugs, this is a virtual hug. Totally doesn't count as a real hug since no arms are involved.
I'm very sorry and think it's incredibly sucktastic that you can spend 4 years at a company that would just say goodbye with no severance. As I always try to find the good in even the bad situations, I wish you a fortuitous job search and that soon enough you'll say, I'm so glad I have moved on. I know what an incredible woman you are and I am SURE you'll be swooped up in no time.
Well....huh...that's pretty crappy. I'm really sorry. It seems to be happening so much, all over, lately.
Maybe now is a great time to get your photography business going.
Thinking of you!
Wow, they couldn't have waited until after Christmas?! So sorry, but I'm sure you guys will work it out.
If you want/need to sell R+F until another job comes along, let me know. There is no risk, and it only costs $45 to start.
Again, so sorry to hear it. Never easy but at the holidays is especially harsh. Yay for having Christmas squared away already.
And from "knowing" you for a couple of years, I'm going to guess you are the sort who bounces. You'll either create a new exciting opportunity for yourself or you'll find something else that totally works. You just strike me as that sort.
I'm so sorry, mama. That's such a blow. I know you'll be fine, though. Let me know if you want me to get drunk and slap someone. I'll do it for you. ;-)
Normally I am only a lurker on your blog but I wanted to pop in to say that I am so sorry that this happened. What a crappy time (but when is a good time really). I will be thinking of you and your family!
That so totally sucks!
It happened with me last year a week before Diwali (the biggest Indian festival!). The company that I was working for decided that they wanted to shut down the complete elearning division, and the Instructional Designers were the first ones to be laid off...
But looking back at it today, I am thankful for it, because soon afterwards I found a new job, much better and much more convenient, giving me plenty of time to study along with work... And today in addition to being in a job that I love, I am a university topper in the Mater of Journalism and Mass Communication program!
So, I am more than certain that something much better is in store for you too, which will make you look back and thank you starts for today! Wish you all the very best!
Thank your stars I meant...
these typos remind me that it's 1:45 AM and I should ideally be in bed, fast asleep...
What horrible timing! I'm sorry for the mess, but you guys have such an amazing handle on life that you'll get through this without a hitch. The only really bad part is that Alexis is now in school and you and she can't have fun days together.
Love you lady! You will bounce back from this, of that I am sure. You know where to find me if you need anything, even if it's just to talk.
Well, I'm just some random stranger on the internet who's enjoyed reading your posts, but I wanted to say what a bummer this is and that I'm sending good thoughts/vibes in your direction. And also wonderfully childish expressions of outrage in the general direction of any company that would lay off employees weeks before Christmas with no warning and no severance. I hope there's a silver lining for you & your family.
Think of all the time you have to bake, decorate, read...the stuff we usually try to squeeze in. I'm sure Alexis will love it! Hang in there!
When I was reading your post, my first thought was, "With her attitude, she's gonna be fine." It doesn't mean you're gonna be fine today, tho. Probly tomorrow :). When you are surrounded by your loving, supportive family.
I can't believe only one person told you to eat cookies! Altho I did see a few offers for cookies to be brought over. Eat cookies!
Getting laid off anytime sucks, but right before Christmas? And no severance? That is an especially dick move.
There's not much I can do from way over here in Nevada, but I'll be sending good thoughts and job karma your way. Hang tough girl! You can do this! Eat pumpkin cheesecake! D
Michelle, I was so sorry to read this on Twitter today. I've been through this (as so many have) and no matter whether you expect it or not, it's still kick in the gut. Instead of coming at Christmas time, mine came when I was 7 wks pregnant with my first kid. The shock can make you dizzy.
I'm hoping that in a week or so you'll start to feel more adjusted to it all and that a new job will be quick in presenting itself.
It's never a good time to lose your job, but right before Christmas is really low! I'm so sorry. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers and hope you find another job soon.
That does totally suck - because of the nature of my husband's job it has not been unusual for him to be laid off through the holiday season over the years, so I can kind of relate. I have little doubt that your skills [and your spork] will soon find you putting your talents to work elsewhere. One piece of advice from a "been there - done that" Mom - don't protect your daughter TOO much from the realities of this bump in the road. Kids can and are willing to be part of the team when you're dealing with adversity. She's gonna need to know how to do that when she grows up, right? Best wishes and few prayers that you find something new quickly. -D
PS - the cookies should all contain lots of chocolate
Oh my word! I'm so so sorry this has happend to you. I'm thankful you are finished with shopping for your baby as well. You are birlliant and will have a job in no time!
Wish I could help in some way. Dang!
Jackie
As a daily reader, but an almost-never commenter...I'm so, so sorry. I've been there and it just plain sucks. I was laid-off a few days after 9/11, coincidentally one week after I told my boss I was pregnant. I definitely spent a few weeks wallowing in self-pity and feeling sorry for myself. Looking back almost ten years later, it was one of the best things that could have happened, but I definitely couldn't see that at the time.
Just know that as a fellow mom, I am in awe of you. I have 9-year old boy and a little girl the same age as Alexis. I read your blog every single day and aspire to be the mom that you are. I can't seem to find time or the energy to do all the amazing things you do with Alexis, much less write about them. You have been an insipration to me so many times and I have no doubt you will not only land on your feet, but be a part of bigger and much better things.
--Melissa
I am so sorry. Being laid off sucks. Just before it happened to me, I literally walked in the office that morning and said in my head, I wonder if today is the day (the company was really hurting). It was (and is) hard, but there is something to be said for getting to spend this time with my kid. Forget when they are babies; they won't remember that you were there. But from maybe three or four on (definitely five), they will have these memories.
You are smart, talented, and resourceful. I have no doubt you will find another, hopefully even better, job before too long. If it takes awhile, see my previous paragraph. For now just embrace the Christmas/holiday season and the beauty of the snow that is sure to come for the next four months! :-)
I'm so sorry! Getting laid off is just the worst, and I know this from experience. It especially hurts coming from a place to which you dedicated yourself so fully.
At least you have that one big thing going for you... that you're incredibly talented in so many ways and there are a zillion people that know it. You're already networked out the wazoo!
I bet you're back in the game in no time... Good luck, my friend.
Oh sheesh. What timing! I'm so sorry. But it does look like someone was watching out for you with all the vacation days stored up AND the Christmas shopping completed. That's a relief! Still, I'm sorry. No severance package! Crazy!
I have no doubt you will land on your feet again. In the meantime, please don't drive yourself crazy, and keep your head up!!!
The timing completely sucks!! (((hugs)))
I'm sure you'll find something better soon, you're an amazing woman! Glad you got your Xmas shopping done already
sending all my love to you beautiful.
xx