How To Survive A Layoff

...or... Never Saw THAT Coming!

"Can I see you in my office?" Innocent enough words, until, once you're behind closed doors with the HR Director and you hear... "we're very sorry but, the economy being what it is..." That's what I heard today. After 1 year and 18 days with "UNITED UNDERWORLD MEGAGROWTH NEGASOUL ENGINEERS."

I actually did see it coming, felt it in my bones, saw it in the eyes of my coworkers.... "Did you see who went into that office?" "Did you see who they've let go now?" "who's next?" But honestly, I'm just that optimistic to have believed it when the executive managers told me there was nothing to worry about. Yeah right.

So, I called Downtown Dad at 9:27 this morning and replied to his cheerful "what's up?" "I'm laid off." Being the gallant and caring husband he is, he met me at the house, where I dumped my box of personal belongings on the kitchen table, along with my pent up frustrations.

We ran through the 7 stages of grief in about an hour, over a bagel and some coffee, and we both ended up admitting we were actually relieved. This place had been sucking my soul for the better part of a year and we'd been so blinded by the money that we were ignoring the signs that now, we realized had been pretty clear. Yeah, he's had to cut the salaries of all of his employees, including himself. And yeah, both kids drive now, and legitimately need their own cars. And yeah, and yeah and more yeah... everybody needs money, and nobody can afford cut backs and layoffs. But really, what is ultimately important? Happiness. Thats what.

I'd quit writing here, fearing that someone from work would read my liberal, prolitarian, and God forbid, humorous thoughts. Well, I'm back. I have to recognize my self, and my needs. Yes, it is wonderful to have a steady income, and to have that income be in the upper double digits is fabulous. But if payment for that income is your happiness, and ultimately your well being... it is NOT worth it.

To paraphrase Gumby... I'm me dammit! We'll get by until I find another job. I'll learn from this, and be a better person on the other side of where ever I end up.