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)
I'm so sorry. Fortunately, you are a very talented woman, and I am confident you will weather this. In the meantime, I will keep you and your family in my prayers. By sharing your experiences, you may be able to help others in your situation, too.
I'm sorry. How awful that they did this right before Christmas. If I have learned anything about you through your blog it is that you are a strong person and an amazing mother. You are one person I know will make the best of this situation and will be back out there in no time. I'll be thinking of you.
I'm so sorry to hear about your job loss, especially so close to Christmas. I just know this is going to be one of those situations where the job loss spurs you to go on to greater things. Hugs from Arizona.
Damnit, that blows. I feel your pain, my dad was laid off three years ago. He started his own business doing what he used to do before, and it all worked out. I hate that feeling though. Ugh. Wish you were NOT dealing with this. You're too nice to have this happen. Anything I can do? LOVE YOU! Not entirely sure what to say to make you feel better, but I'm here for ya!
What everybody else said. Hugs to you and gosh it just sucks that it has to be this time of year. In my thoughts and prayers.
I'll keep you in my thoughts... Hope you find something soon, and that your holiday is still as awesome as you've always intended it to be.
I'm so sorry! It sucks that they didn't at least give you a severance package!
I have every confidence that you will pull through this and make something wonderful come from it, but that certainly doesn't make it suck any less.
OMG I take some time off of the internet, and this is what I come back to. This totally sucks. Don't worry your awesome, I'm sure you'll find a new job soon.
I'm generally a lurker too, but had to say how very sorry I am to hear this. I went through this with my job in June. It was the most horrible feeling. As others have said, you're incredibly talented and have a lot to offer a potential employer who will appreciate your skills - or, to do even more amazing things with your photography. Things will work themselves out. It may not seem like it right now, but they will.
Just catching up on my RSS feed, and I am sorry to hear that your position was eliminated. I hope the sting of it all has faded and your holiday sparkles just a little bit more this year!
I'm so sorry. Best of luck finding something new and better!
I am very sorry to hear your news. I feel for anyone who is that situation. If there is a bright side, at least you'll be home during one of the most magical times of year:) I have no doubt you'll come out on top of this with something great! Hang in there and enjoy being home for your little girl :)
So sorry it happened, I know its cliché, but I firmly believe everything happens for a reason, so I sure you will bounce back in no time.
Whether it's expected or not, there is never a good time to be laid off and I'm very sorry. You are, however, very resourceful and clever. There is no doubt, as mentioned several times above, that you will come out of this better than ever. You don't seem to be a wallower so I bet with the little time that has passed already you've working on something great. Positive vibes and good thoughts being sent your way!