The Layoff Bomb

The only thing I hate more than looking for work is losing a job in the first place. Thus, I tend to wax emotional when I have to watch good friends get laid off. It’s like a mortar shell narrowly missing you. On the one hand, you’re relieved that it didn’t hit you, but you also can’t help but lament the fact that it hit somebody else.

It’s a harsh truth that being employed is like being alive. It’s ultimately a temporary condition that nobody likes to see brought to an end. I’m not suggesting that anybody has died, of course, but it’s difficult to tell the difference when you look at the faces of your coworkers. There are stifled tears and pale, shocked stares as everyone comes to grips with the situation in their own way. I admit that I fall into the latter category, although I probably would have been in the former if I had been the one under the axe.

I’ve seen too much of this in my career to be surprised. I’m always left wanting to place blame, even though I can’t logically direct it anywhere. Business is business, and when business goes bad one simply has to adapt to stay in business. I have no expertise in this area, so I can’t really criticize the decision. Even though I don’t like it, I accept it as a necessary evil.

As always, life goes on. Those of us who weren’t let go get to come back on Monday and soldier on, nurturing the hope that nothing like this will ever happen again despite its inevitability. Like others, I have my doubts that the company as a whole will last much longer. Foresight, unfortunately, is a luxury of those in charge. The rest of us can only guess when the next bomb will be dropped.

To my unfortunate work buddies who may be reading this, keep your chin up. You’re all wonderful, intelligent people; I’m sure you can bounce back. If there’s anything I can do, as a reference or in any other capacity, please don’t hesitate to ask.

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[…] Garrett French Returns | Home | Family | Web Design | Gaming | Entertainment | Thoughts | Boredom | | Web Development | Search Engine Optimization | Website Promotion | October 31, 2006As those of you who read this blog are probably aware, last Friday was a bad day at work. It marked the third round of large-scale layoffs in the past year. I’ve already gone into as much detail as I care to on the subject, save for one additional point. Unlike the other layoffs, the last one involved terminating several individuals who I would describe as the heart and soul of the company. […]

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