Up in the Air, With Millions of Others…
Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010
by Brianna Popsickle
Sorry if I mislead you. This isn't about George Clooney and his latest movie Up in the Air, in which he plays a man whose job it is to fire people. This is all about me. But just for fun let's take a moment and think about George Clooney shall we? Visualize George Clooney. Hmmm. I feel some better. How about you?
Your job's been eliminated, we have to let you go' are words no one wants to hear. I heard them for the first time eight years ago. My supervisor took me out for lunch and just after she'd broken the news to me the waitress came over and asked, "What can I get you?"
"How about a job." I said smiling. "No, seriously, how about a gun and two bullets. One for me, and one for her," I added, nodding towards my supervisor.
The waitress looked puzzled. My supervisor looked stunned. Maybe next time she gave someone bad news she'd have the sense to wait until after they'd had their lunch.
My boss promised to bring me back, and true to his word he did six months later. He'd sold the company and had a vision for a new one. I got to be part of it, seeing it built from the ground up. It was exciting to see an idea come to fruition and become a success. But with the economic turmoil that took place a few years later, plans to expand were cancelled and layoffs were looming again.
I'd learned from my first experience. It had become known in the company that whenever someone was going to be let go, they were taken out for lunch. So when my boss called, I was prepared.
"We should go out for lunch." he said sneakily.
"No." I replied, proud of myself for seeing right through him.
"No?" He seemed puzzled.
"I don't want to go for lunch."
"What do you mean you don't want to go for lunch?" he asked.
"Does lunch mean lunch?" I asked.
"What?" He seemed totally confused.
"I'll meet you anywhere anytime, just not for lunch." I said firmly. I couldn't bare the thought of making small talk over soup and a salad, knowing what was ahead.
We agreed to meet for coffee. I was on pins and needles the entire time. It aggravated me to see him so calm and relaxed. Just get it over with.
As it turned out he wasn't getting rid of me, he was actually creating a position to keep me on. I was never so relieved. But having said that, here I am years later with my hours slashed.
I'll admit it. I'm in denial. I still get up at the same time, go to the gym and then directly to my computer where I work most of the day as if nothing's changed. I will confess however, Happy Hour' is starting a little earlier each day.
Losing a job, especially one you love, is like losing a friend. There's a grieving period. Unless someone has been in your situation they have no idea what you're going through. They can appear insensitive at times.
I've always looked forward to meeting new people, until now. The first thing I'm asked is, "What do you do?" Because for most people, what you do, is who you are.
There are those who are already aware of your situation. Each time they run into you they put on their most sympathetic face and ask, "How's work. Any change?"
Frustrated, I feel like saying, "No, not since I saw you yesterday but you'll be the first to know when it does."
Then there are the morons who say things like, "Bet you're enjoying the time off, or, how did you finagle that? To which I want to reply, "Yes, had I known dining on Kraft Dinner and hotdogs was going to be so enjoyable, I would have quit my job long ago. You should try it." But instead I smile and envision my hands around their throat.
Some have good intentions and want to make you feel better. They say, "Well you're not alone. There are millions of people looking for work, people half your age fresh out of university with two degrees, who can't find a job."
Great. Just what I want to be reminded of, people half my age, more qualified than me, can't find jobs. And on that positive note
People closest to me know my work was much more than a job to me. To see the company succeed would be to see someone's dream realized and I wanted to play a part in that. In my mind and in my heart, it's not over. My family understands this and each of them are supportive in their own way.
My son for instance, has given me suggestions on places to apply for work to fill my time until things return to normal. Oddly enough, I'd have to wear a striped uniform and a little hat to work at any of the places on his list. I asked him why he'd suggest those places to me.
Completely serious, he replied, "Because that's where women your age get jobs."
He was a great kid, and I'll miss him dearly.
My husband's been very supportive. He knows I've been on an emotional roller-coaster and realizes he's riding it with me.
Sadly, when he arrives home and I ask him how work was, he thinks I really want to hear about it. Once he complained a little too much, and I dissolved into tears saying, "Do you know how much I miss my job? Do you know what I'd give to have yours, to earn your salary, to have your benefits?
He's learned that until my employment situation turns around, he can never complain about his work again.
Yes, losing your job is like losing a friend. I feel a little lost and at loose ends. I feel like my present and my future are up in the air.
Up in the Air. George Clooney. Hmmm
O.K., enough with the daydreaming, I have to get back to work.
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)Bosses do pink slip employees as do spouses sever long marriage ties by an invite over lunch; in a large public feel-good place with people eating and all within close earshot the socially trained inclination is to react to bad news prohibitively and quietly.In very public places one tends to deal with such disappointment, anger and shock with whispers rather than with shrieks.This is well understood by bosses and spouses who hope that the 'fired one' will just accept quietly , or at worst maybe just get up and leave.Severing such a relationship in a private space where ,without any public social prohibitions, one can give vent to anger and throw one's voice and objects is never a preferred scenario.Well they can hope you'll take it quietly. One never knows.That's the gamble when dismissing someone or breaking their heart, in a public place. Thanks for your comment Paul.
You've done it again, Brianna. Another great article. How's it going with George Clooney? :)Don't get me started Joyce. I have work to do. :)
Very good article, Brianna. Your ability to tell your story with humor is part of what makes you one of my faves on SW. I am with ya, I feel the same way about my job. I pray for the company, the owners and coworkers. I am very thankful for my job. I've invested myself into the company and it has become a part of who I am. Keep all of us posted; and in the meantime, I will pray that something even better comes your way or your company recovers and you regain your hours...soon!Thanks Lorrie. Your comment made my day. I appreciate the prayers, I know they work wonders. I feel fortunate in that I still have a job, as part-time as it is. I'm hoping things will work out. No. I know things will work out. Thanks again!
Hi Brianna.I didn't think anyone could make being cut back or losing a job funny, but you did.My husband just lost his, but he's handling it fairly well. We have our little (and I mean little) side business making jewelry and he is keeping busy with that. But he will need to find another regularly paying job soon.Oh and thanks so much for George Clooney. The thought is like a little ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.Great job!DianneI'm sorry to hear about your husband's job. I hope he finds something he enjoys doing very soon. It's not an easy time and it certainly isn't funny, but I'm glad I was able to make you laugh today Dianne! Oh and you're welcome for George Clooney, anytime! :)
Brianna, what a beautifully written ugly story. I suppose the world is chock full of insensitive people. Over lunch, eh, hope they choke on a hard roll. As a former (many years ago) corporate H. R. Director, you've got me "up in the air" stewing already. Attitude isn't everything on this little blue marble but it's way ahead of whatever is in second place. My hunch is yours is terrific and any setback is only temporary. I'll be listening for a beautifully written pretty story. George Clooney, hmm, is he the guy who sells the little mini-grills?My absolute best wishes to you.John BrazellThank you John. I'm hoping things will turn around and I can write an article which includes a happy ending for myself and the company. I appreciate your kind words.
I had pretty much the same experience, Brianna. Macaroni and cheese and hot dogs are now one of my favorite meals!I'm with ya Janet. As long as it's home-made macaroni and cheese! Thanks for reading and commenting and for joining my fan club. I appreciate it!
Great article Brianna. I'm in the same boat...40's unemployed and no real prospects!I know it can get discouraging but hang in there Richard, things have got to turn around eventually. Thanks for reading and commenting. I wish you all the best!my pleasure.
Good article and many. many are walking that road - I beat the rush and was laid off in 2005 (was working for a ministry and they all got hit after 9/11 for some reason). I HEAR you! MarijoI knew there would be many that could identify with this one. Thanks for commenting Marijo.
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