I lost my job on Friday...

[vhoffman]

My sympathies to you on your job loss. You'd think at least thery'd give you some warning or something. And to escort you out like some sort of criminal! But here's the story to end all--mine. Several years ago I was working in the accounting dept. of a Catholic hospital. I came back from lunch one day to find a security guard standing in front of my office door who said I couldn't enter and was to go to HR. I was totally bewildered. I'd just had a performance review three weeks ago that was excellent in all regards. Well, HR tells me they're eliminating certain positions, including mine, due to budget cutbacks. Nothing to do with my performance. However, I wasn't even allowed back into my office to get my things. I was escorted out of the building by two security guards like a criminal. It was the middle of winter and below freezing that day and I was literally kicked out of this good Catholic establishment without my coat or purse with my car keys! I was told to come back the next day to HR and they'd have my things packed up for me. I walked across the street in sub-freezing temperatures and knocked on a door and asked to use the phone to call my mother to pick me up. Fortuantely I kncoked on the door of a kind lady who let me in, gave me a blanket and some hot tea while I waited for my mother to pick me up. Needless to say, I was hysterical when my mother cames. Oh, BTW, when I came home there was a message for me from the good sisters at my former employer telling me that I had 24 hours to remove my car from their parking lot or it would be towed. I'd be glad to remove my car if they'd let me get my purse and keys! I did eventually reclaim my property. Oh, I also did manage to collect unemployment although they tried to block that, saying I'd resigned! They couldn't have s--- on me more if they tried. Well, we've weathered all that and are secure now, but I know how lousey employers can be. And, just look at the Enron scandel, all those people with nothing to retire on after a lifetime of service. Good luck to you and I know better days are ahead. You'll stay in my prayers.

Oh, BTW, I've learned ALWAYS to carry my car keys with me while at work and some emergency money. You never know when it could happen again!

 

[Pat]

I wish you the best of luck in your job search.

 

[wdwstar]

pixie dust to you and your family, and most of all pixie dust to your new interview and hope you get the job, and you are right god has a better plan in life for you

 

[chell]

vhoffman That is just horrible! I can't belive they wouldn't even let you get your coat or keys.

 

[DebbieB]

Sorry to hear you lost your job. I work for a major insurance company and even though the company is making big money, they still regularly go through offices and "staff adjust". Our company has a 2 week per year worked severance package, up to 26 years. Can also collect unemployment. A friend of mine got "staff adjusted" a couple of years ago and got unemployment for a year and was never questioned why she hadn't found a job (she decided to stay home with her son). Good luck in your job search!

vhoffman - I would have called the police. I don't think they can hold your personal belongings like your purse & coat and throw you out on the street in the middle of winter!

 

[crazelion]

I understand what you is going through completely. I was working at Pretzal maker and I got fired just taking a break a 15 minute break. The guy told underemployement office that I was not doing my job and taking unnessary breaks. I worked 8 hours without a lunch break and 15 minute break.

Fast Forward to 2004 the Pretzal Maker is no long in business. That proves that God do not like uglies.

If need someone talk PM me and we will talk about.

Things happen for a reason. You will get another job.

 

[RitaZ.]

Elisabeth, I'm sorry to hear that. It's their loss and I'm sure that you'll find another job soon, a better one too!

 

[vhoffman]

My unfortuanate incident happened 20 years ago in Ohio. I never thought to call the police. I just did the first thing I thought of and knocked on someone's door. It was just my great good luck to find a decent person who helped me. I was putting myself in danger just going to a strange house. Don't forget, 20 years ago we didn't have cell phones and I didn't even have a dime for the payphone (payphones took dimes then). The real irony of that incident was that that particular order had several homeless shelters that operated at over capacity during the winter so people wouldn't freeze to death on the streets. So where did I fit in to all that? My mother really chewed out the "good sisters" about it but, of course, they denied that I wasn't allowed access to my coat and keys, said I chose to leave like that. As though anyone in their right mind would walk out into the freezing cold without a coat or car keys! But, a word to the wise, it can happen like that! Always keep your keys, some money, and your cell phone on you at all times.

 

[helenabear]

Elisabeth, I am so very sorry to hear this It is their loss and I do wish you all the best in your search. I am so glad you have a good supportive family and just remember when one door closes another will open

 

[janette]

So sorry about this Elisabeth I've been downsized before and it does seem unfair. Although it feels very personal it rarely is, usually the actually cuts are done by people who have had not contact with you. To them it's just a line item on a balance sheet.

In today's corporate world I would say that there are very few safe jobs.

Something better is waiting for you

 

[annemariec]

You have a lot going for you, Elisabeth. You have your head on straight and a good perspective on the situation.

It sounds like they didn't give you a fair shake all the way around. Having you do the work of an upper level position without the pay...stringing you along...rehiring someone else & giving that person a promotion (so to speak). It almost sounds like they are doing a "CYA" of sorts. It isn't fair and it certainly does stink.

I think you'll be better off not working for these people. I hope you find a job where people will recognize your work ethic and value what you contribute. (And pay you accordingly!)

I hope you find a much better job! Keep us posted!
Annemarie

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I want to add my PD and prayers to you. I am so sorry that people are treated like that in this new millenium.

 

[Serena]

It sounds to me that they are going to miss out on a great employee.

 

[TeresaNJ]

So sorry Elisabeth. Employers really stink sometimes. I believe what goes around comes around, and they'll get theirs someday. Good luck on finding a great new job.

 

[Jockaroo]

I'm sending happy thoughts your way, Elisabeth. Hold your head high and be proud of the work you did. My entire marketing department was eliminated due to a corporate merger and I lost my job--and I really liked my job. It really hurts. You have 2 things that will get you through this. A strong bond with your family--cry on their shoulders. And a strong faith. Trust me, this is what will get you through this. All my best! May better opportunities be heading your way!

-Jockaroo

 

[PamOKW]

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your being let go. It really stinks but very often the hardest working person is the one who gets the short end of the stick. Don't take the escort personally. That's pretty standard practice whenever you work in a sensitive area (like marketing) and also when they are doing downsizing. They don't want to give you a chance to talk to other co-workers who may be getting the same news that day.

Hang in there. Like Robin said, everything happens for a reason even if we don't know what that reason is.

 

[Dan Murphy]

You'll be better off in the days to come, Elisabeth, you'll see. You and Colin will do just great, both of you. Knowing you, you will soon be a valuable asset to another firm, better than what you left yesterday. Your family is great.

Looking forward to seeing you in a couple weeks.

 

[Mishetta]

My heart goes out to you Elizabeth. Just the shock alone of having no idea that they were going to "downsize" was painful to say the least! Not to mention the humiliation of having someone stand over you while you packed up your desk! I do believe that God must have something much better in store for you my dear. Hang in there. You do have a great attitude about all this & that will see you through....

Rose

 

[Planogirl]

I've been through a downsize and I know how much it hurts even though I did get notice at least. I learned at the time that it's important to mourn a bit because you have suffered a loss and it's also good to keep reminding yourself over and over that it's not your fault.

That much, much better job is just around the corner, you'll see.

 

[Keli]

I'm sorry Elizabeth. Things like this are just hard.