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Today, I was immersed in work, as I usually am, even more so lately than anything. Looked like just an ordinary day. And I notice one of the managers hovering around Orlando's desk, and Orlando is moving things around. At this point, I'm a little confused, because neither of them is talking, maybe just a short word here and there. I try not to stare, and I keep on working.
But I had experienced this a couple times before, seeing the manager standing stoically by a coworker's desk as they packed their things into a box. But when these things happened, I knew what was going on. You can tell when someone is gonna get the can around here. I had NO idea what Orlando did, or if I even was sure that he was fired. And then he gets escorted out.
I shoot off an email to Sam, saying 'WTF? Am I missing something?', but he's busy working on a project. After a couple minutes though, he turns to me (he's in the cube next to me) with this really confused look on his face. 'Did Earl just get fired?' he whispers to me. I give him the 'I have no fucking clue!' look.
And then the news starts to spread. Orlando was laid off. As was my previous manager, Wayne (not the new one, the one I had before). I'm really confused. We're all really confused. Because the group Orlando was in was barely treading water as it was, to lose Orlando would make it REALLY hard on the rest of the team.
So we're called into a meeting. And our VP says that our company hasn't been making money, and we had to cut some people, and he named people who were let go today. Four people. I work for a small company. That's about 12% of our company right there. He said that we're in tough times, and they regret having to let people go, yada yada yada. It's all understandable. The sales haven't been coming in.
But I don't have to like it.
And I didn't even get to say goodbye. Didn't even get to have one last hug in. One last punch in the arm. One last slap in the belly. I've seriously been on the brink of tears. These guys are like my brothers. We've got a team back here. Every person makes a difference. I'm flooded with a million memories of my dear Earl (which is our nickname for him.) He always went above and beyond. If I would say I was hungry, he'd make a run to McDonalds. If I needed someone to call a client for me when I was away, he called. If I forgot software at work before going off site, he'd drop it off at my house. He's driven my drunk ass home many times. Earl's pharmacy had always taken care of me whenever I was sick or needed a pick me up. His mama made the best Puerto Rican rice and steak ever. He's our Tech Sup-puertorican. We're all pretty bummed. And a little scared for our job security, even though it was mentioned that we shouldn't worry.
Not only are Earl and Wayne gone, but so is Jason. And he's been here longer than me! Who's gonna roll his eyes at me when I find out I have a virus on my computer? And Abie, who was an awesome admistrative assistant, upcoming artist, pool player, pole dancer and all round cool cat.
So sad, so sad.
Man. This sucks.
Jason, Wayne, Abie, and my beloved Earl, I will miss you.
Posted by Yano at April 30, 2003 05:14 PMHe didn't even get to say goodbye? That bites. Well, perhaps he'll still come out and play with you every so often... =(
Posted by: Claudine on April 30, 2003 06:43 PMoh, man, that realllllllly sucks.
yeah, we're hearing the whispers here... we just got a new call tracking system... and the word is that it's not used to track calls... it's used to track time... and when it doesn't measure up, that means cutbacks on the groups that "aren't working." but dammit, we're all working! we're covering our asses left and right because other departments are slacking. we end up helping internal users more than external users. so who's looking bad now? but you know, they don't care... it's the buck. the big buck.
but as for your company, it hurts when it's already small, it gets smaller. i wouldn't be surprised if they get replaced with someone cheaper to pay. sad, but it's the truth.
Posted by: Kathy on April 30, 2003 07:48 PMthat's a lot of lay-offs...seems to be happening a lot lately, across everything...it's not good...but i guess things are like that sometimes.
Posted by: leesa on April 30, 2003 08:47 PMMy company has gotten smart and actually calling them before going into work to tell them they have been laid off; therefore, most send friends in to get their stuff.
We hire lots of temp or contract recruiters, I don't even bother to find out their names anymore.
I want my severence damn it, I'm sick and tired of work. So ready to start school.
Posted by: Mona on April 30, 2003 10:16 PMthat stinks. poor earl.
Posted by: butta on May 1, 2003 12:27 AMBeing unemployed, it sucks hearing more layoffs happening with companies. HR folks are very specific on who they hire these days, and I feel bad for the college/inexperienced folks who are trying to find work this summer. The sad part of it all is that those who fear losing their jobs or are waiting to get laid off and get their severance don't even wanna bother getting to know the new emps. Why should they? Makes the working environment crummy doesn't it.
Posted by: Mike on May 1, 2003 09:49 AMit's all about the medical package when you're an employee. it's so expensive. so Mona, that's why it's cheaper to hire contract. no medical benefits to fork over.
Posted by: Kathy on May 1, 2003 10:15 AMKathy, yup... that's why our clients outsource us. Because we're cheaper than paying for benefits.
Posted by: Mona on May 1, 2003 10:30 PM