05 November 2009

The promised details

I was ready to get laid off when I dressed for work this morning. I just felt it would be today. My office's dress code is very casual, but something inside me said "I am not going to look like a schlub in front of these human resources people." So I put on my best slacks and a colorful top and makeup and accessorized appropriately, just in case.

And I was right - by 9:30, I had gotten the speech ("the economy, necessary streamlining of operations blah blah blah") and the big green folder of paperwork and had to make the Walk of Shame across CubicleLand.

I almost wanted to write "UNION" on my notepad and hold it above my head just for fun, a la Norma Rae.


When this journey toward layoffs started, I was scared to bring anyone along with me, but now that I have officially gotten notice, I am so glad I was honest here on my blog.

The support and warmth of people on the internet is incredible. It makes me feel like I am part of some magical community.

Of course, I don't know how magical it will feel when, sometime in the spring, I show up on y'alls front porch, asking for lunch and then have you tell me to get lost or else you are calling the police, but still...for now, it feels great.

And then there's my family and local friends. Also lump-in-the-throat great. Nothing like adversity to make those bonds clear.

And to tell you the truth (slap me if I begin another paragraph with "and") it wasn't all that adverse.

As I said in the post previous, my team was decimated. Out of five in California, two are left.

But we took it with grace and humor and a good bit of joy.

We made the human resources layoff lady cry. Twice. And this is a woman who lays people off ALL DAY LONG. She cried because we were so great and because we comforted our boss instead of asking to be comforted. Because we laughed and joked and looked each other in the eyes.

We were released for the day but we didn't want to leave. We had a potluck planned for lunch, so we hung out and bitched and laughed and then ate a long, slow, delicious lunch topped off honest-to-God Snickers Salad.

I will indeed miss the people I worked with. They were truly the finest kind and we made an awesome, work-doing machine.

Team 350px
Only 3 remain

That our efforts were not good enough for the company we worked for speaks more to the impatience and cruelty of modern corporate life than to anything we did or didn't do.

All things come to an end, and it was time for an ending. Time for me to bust out and to move on. I have no idea what I will be doing, but I have no doubt that my life will be more creative, more zany, and more fun-filled than it was before. With quite possibly a good dose of struggle and angst thrown in for good measure.

Of one thing you can be sure: I will keep you posted. My rollercoaster is yours.

Thanks again for your kind words, hopes and prayers. You're the best.

24 comments:

Dave2 said...

Best of luck as you explore new options in a world full of possibilities!

Nancy said...

Holy cow, I read your comment this morning over at my place and gasped at the news.

Sounds like you are handling all this with grace and humor and perspective, which is just awesome.

FYI, if you're ever in DC, you can show up on my doorstop anytime and I'll feed you lunch, dinner, cocktails, and a wide assortment of snacks.

Hugs to you.

Unknown said...

Sending you positive thoughts.

mayberry said...

All this talk of lunches ... You should go on a Bossy-style tour of blogsylvania! Come visit us!

Andrea said...

Your rollercoaster is mine...and my lunch is yours. I'd love to have you.

And the blogsylvania tour? TOTALLY! But only if you come through St. Louis.

Andrea (@shutterbitch on twitter, formerly Little Bald Doctors)

Angela said...

Actually, I believe YOU'RE the best.

Lynnea said...

I've got a standing ticket for the rollercoaster, happy to ride along.

I'm thinking of you and feel good that you sound very positive. If you're feeling not so much, than spout it out and we'll all rally as you mentioned.

I think you're one of the kindest, most thoughtful and wonderful people I've met here on the nets. I think the universe owes you a good one. I'll be telling it that constantly.

Piece of Work said...

So are you, Suebob, so are you! Anytime you need lunch, pop on by, L.A. is not very far away.

Average Jane said...

I doubt you'll wander all the way to Kansas for a free meal, but you're welcome to do so any time! :)

madge said...

Lunch in Maine is on me.

Sending the good vibes...

mar said...

doorstep & lunch are both available here in iowa! the grover dog would love a visit from the goldie girl, too!

super des said...

aw, you're welcome at my doorstop for lunch any time! I know you'll come out of this even stronger and more awesome than you already are.

LittlePea said...

Stay positive. Free lunch at my house anytime.....

Ericka said...

well, i'm sorry it happened, but at least it's out of the way.

if you find yourself in north carolina, i'll feed you! and goldie!

Suzanne said...

I am so sorry Suebob. But you can show up at my apartment any time. Any time.

San Diego Writer Girl said...

Suebob,

Found your blog by happy accident. Fellow writer, here, knows your pain. Your writing is delicious and I'll be back for more. I'd feed you lunch any day and I promise never to call the cops. So sorry for this. Millions everyone are walking the Walk of Shame. Keep on, Norma Rae. Tomorrow is a new day.

Karen Bodkin said...

I love how you left it though - the long drawn out lunch. Here's hoping many doors open and you can pick and choose what you what to do!
Love you lots, and my door is always open for lunch...tho you do live 30000000 miles away. Or kilometers if you want to get technical.
xoxo

Mana Tulberg said...

Best of luck to you and others who were laid off.
BTW: It was a pleasure meeting you face to face.

Redneck Mommy said...

Your grace in such a shitty situation is amazing. You can knock on my door anytime you find yourself in the buttfark of wilderness up in Canada.

I'll always have some moosemeat or something to feed you.

Wink.

Goodluck in your next endeavour.

Avitable said...

Good luck with the next step of your career. I'm sure it will even be an improvement over what sounds like a great group.

2princessmama1012 said...

Good luck for what you choose to do next.

Karl said...

I firmly believe that every job is a stepping stone toward the next. Sucks to be laid off, but I think what's coming around the corner will be better for you.

Fingers crossed.

Jessica said...

I format my computer and all Hell breaks loose!
Glad you are taking this turn of events in stride - and you are welcome to show up on my porch anytime! You can even sleep there - it's enclosed and has TWO beds!
xo

Kizz said...

Oy, SueB0b. Good on you for your good attitude and for already making money elsewhere. Goldie will be thrilled to have all that company.

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