Saturday, November 8, 2008

woman and work: a follow-up

Today's post is a bit more personal than most, if you'll bear with me.

This past Thursday, November 6, turned out to be a much more unusual day than I expected. It started out like any other, DBF and I walking to work together. About two hours after we got in, DBF called me to tell me had been laid off. And within the hour, I met with my team lead and an HR rep to find out I also would be let go. So DBF and I packed up our desks, gave some hugs goodbye to our coworkers, and went home jobless - along with 70 other people from our company.

Unfortunately, an economy in bad shape means that the architecture industry takes a bad hit. No one wants to build when money is tight. We were fortunate that we were both provided with a decent severance package, and had set aside some money for a downpayment on a house. The reason we were let go was purely economic, not performance-related. But it still hurts, and we're still quite upset about it. We didn't have any notice, so we had no idea what we were in for on Thursday morning.

I am not sad to see the end of this week. Keep your fingers crossed for us that we both find decent jobs quickly.

Be well,
MJ

11 comments:

Leslie said...

MJ,
I'm so sorry to hear that! It can be really devastating when you are dealing with illness and then have to deal with other life happenings, as well. I hope things get better for you soon! If there's anything I can do, let me know!
Leslie

Debbie said...

MJ,
Sorry to hear about your losing your job. That can be devastating. I have been there, so I am praying for you,

Debbie

Maureen Hayes said...

MJ,

I just read your post and I am SHOCKED!! Bad enough to have one of you lose your job in this economic climate, but BOTH of you. I used to work in architecture, support work, and I can imagine it is taking a hit right now. You are both in my prayers and I will keep my ears open for any jobs.

Take care and be well,
Maureen

cicoach.com said...

MJ, I've been laid off for economic reasons. I was relieved it wasn't performance but it still left me really shaken. It's good you have support. I wish you well in finding your balance as you go through this. Warmly, Rosalind

Maureen Hayes said...

MJ,

I don't have a proper e-mill address for you, so I am leaving this in your comments. I awarded your blog the Lemonade Award today for your positive outlook despite difficulties. Please see my blog to read about it and pick up your award.

Thanks for being an inspiration to me!
Maureen
http://beingchronicallyillisapill.blgspot.com

Kelly said...

MJ, Just wanted you to know I'm still thinking of you.
Hugs, my friend.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your misfortune. I am a consultant and my work has basically flat-lined. It does leave more time for blogging, though -:)

Disability Blogger said...

I've never been to your blog before and I'm sorry that this was the first post I read. This is definitely a tough economy. I have a close friend who was laid off this summer just as things were beginning to slow down. However, he's just been offered a new position (strangely, a job he didn't even remember applying for). So, even in the worst economy, things can take a good turn. I'm sure you'll both bounce back. Good luck to you both.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry you both have to go through that. It would be stressful if I lost my job, but down right terrifying if my bf lost his as well, considering he pulls in the significant share of our income. I hope you both find something quickly. I know how worrying about finances can wreck havok on a person's health.

Princessa Con Problemas said...

My company did the same thing on May 31st. We laid off 171 people just in my office and 240 throughout the company. Devastating does not describe it. I was not one of the people effected but 2 of my employees were. HR tells you to remain steady but I cried through the whole thing.
I am sorry to hear this happened to you. I hope you both can find new work soon!!!

Amanda said...

MJ,

I read your comment on Andy's Jobless In Seattle blog. I am sorry to hear that you and your boyfriend both lost your jobs, difficult for one to lose a source of income, but tougher when both do.

I still remember a conversation with a couple of friends of mine who are in the same boat with the rest of us unemployed, we thought all of us should form a union and go to using the barter system until the economy picked up again.

The three rules of this union would be.....

1. You must be currently unemployed (duh).

2. You must agree to be cooperative in trading your services for goods or your goods for services.

3. You must agree that upon re-entering the work world, you are no longer remain a member of this union and must be willing to put up with a party to celebrate your new job.

In all reality, if our community doesn't pull together and help the other however possible until this economy gets turned around, we will suffer worse outcomes. We are not an island to ourselves, we are all in need for the other in this horrific times.

Please, feel welcomed to visit my blog to read and comment on my first post on how I am in this pool of the unemployed.

Well wishes to you and your boyfriend in finding work, I will be praying for the both of you.