I’ve always said that you know the situation is bad if you’re called into a meeting and both your supervisor and the head of HR are attending.
That was exactly the case today. I was just about to grab my things and head out to lunch and my boss came by to ask me if I could meet with him for a moment. My first thought was “Am I in trouble?” but couldn’t think of anything I’d done recently to piss anyone off. (actually I’ve been on my best behavior for the most part lately, trying to be a better role model employee and all that … pity)
I sat down at the table and could read the upside-down print on the paper being held by one of the HR people sitting across from me. I read the word “severance” and knew instantly that this wasn’t a good thing. Sure enough, the division has started another round of cutbacks and I’m one of them. I don’t remember much about what all was said to me, but I think I understood most of it.
I remember what irritated me the most: my name was misspelled on the documents. I commented that I knew I was low on the totem pole because half the division could never learn (or make the effort) to spell my name properly. I was assured that wasn’t the case, this was not a reflection of my work, et cetera, et cetera, …
It still stings though. And to be honest, when the state started cutting back last year and then the hiring freeze came, and then they said no raises or bonuses, et. al., I knew that a “low level” position like mine (as compared to the rest of my department) could possibly be cut.
So now here I am … again. Jobless. Feeling a little down, yes, but trying not to be.
I’m sitting here looking over my resume, but honestly I keep thinking about all the designs I did for them that will probably never be used — I really wish I had had the chance to back them up on disk first! :(
Oh well, at least ONE of my designs are on a public site, and I can put that on my resume.
So … anyone who had my work email address, please email my gmail or nickifaulk.com address from now on.
Oh … and I need a job. :down_tb:
Mara
I’m so sorry honey! You haz talent, I know you’ll land on your feet.
Nicki
Thank you, dear, I really appreciate that.
Wade
That bites. Trust me, I know the feeling.
Nicki
Hi Wade, thanks for stopping by!
Monica
Sorry for your lay off. It bites. What are your skill sets? We seem to be forever looking for a warm body to fill the seat of the ever revolving secretary. The latest hasn’t been let go but I bet if they could find someone better…that comes to work…and on time, they would jump at it.
Monica´s last blog post: Brick Walls
Nicki
Hi Monica,
I’m a web designer, so X/HTML, CSS, some graphic design, maintaining existing and creating new websites, … I can get you a proper resume if your company can use me.
Thanks for stopping by!
Jane
ouch! the way they sprung it on you isn’t that nice but you’ll rebound I’m sure.
Nicki
Hi Jane, thanks, I appreciate that!
Janette
Nicki,
You’re an awesome person and a great designer. I’m certain that a better opportunity is on its way to you!
You’re in my prayers!
Nicki
Thank you, sweetie, I really appreciate that!
Scott Allan
oh crap :(
That sucks. I’m terrified every day I’ll be next.
Thankfully you seem to have a wonderfully supportive husband. I’ll sure you’ll land on your feet quickly.
Scott Allan´s last blog post: We’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse
Nicki
Thanks, Scott! Yeah, Jim’s been great. I have a few leads, so hopefully I’ll find something soon.
Thanks for dropping by!
Julie
Nicki, I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope they gave you a nice severance. If you want to email your resume to me I will be happy to talk to anyone & everyone I know who might can help.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Julie
Julie´s last blog post: Degree of Ignorance
Nicki
Hi Julie, thanks! I’ll fire off an email to you in a little bit.
Thanks for stopping by!
Don
I can’t offer you a job that someone with your skills deserves because what I need and can’t even afford is someone to care for my yard, pool, and garden. The best I can offer is a few sympathetic HUGS and my best wishes….PLUS the thought that sometimes the deepest darkness comes just before the dawn of a beautiful day with new and better opportunities. BEST WISHES!!!
Nicki
Thanks, Don, I really appreciate that!
Rick
Dang, sorry Nicki. You do great work, so I have to believe you’d be a top candidate wherever you apply. I look forward to hearing about what’s next in your life!
Rick´s last blog post: What does your future look like?
Nicki
Thank you, Rick. :)
David Edgington
Nicki, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been laid-off. I’ve been laid-off since August 2008. It really sucks because it was my first job in a new field that I had gone into debt(for school) to get into it! And to add insult to injury, they kept a less qualified person and later regretted it! Can you say “Sweet irony”? Of course, they never did call me back, but that’s they’re loss!
Any way, Good Luck and trust that He will put you where you need to be!:)
Godspeed to you and yours. :)
Pozycjonowanie Poznan
I’m so sorry to hear that :( I’ve been laid back before and it has always been a horrifying experience. You seem to be handling it pretty well – and that’s good. I’m sure you’ll find something soon!
I’ll email you if I find anything that would suit you (from the little I know about you so far ;))
Pozycjonowanie Poznan´s last blog post: Gry dla dzieci
John
Sorry Nicki. Something will come up, even in this stinky ass economy.