Sunday, January 25, 2009

Irony . . . It's what's for Breakfast

'So, what's new Shopgirl?' you ask. Well, lots actually.

Hmmm... where do I start? Oh yeah, I'll give you an update on my
stress test. Good news! My ticker is A-O.K.!! Guess I am a good test taker after all (and I didn't even study!) Can I get a woot woot?

But . . . I got that news on Tuesday, January 20th. Heart all good on Tuesday.
Wednesday, however, was another story:

January 21, 2009 (just 3 days shy of my 9th anniversary at work) I'm called into an office to be told that I'm one of the 114 people that my employer is laying off due to the economic downturn. Hmmmm.... might want to check my heart-rate.

Yes, just 3 days shy of my 9th year anniversary, I was let go from my job. At 9:30 am I was a member of the recruiting "team." At 10am - I was an 'ex con employee' and was being watched as I quickly packed a few of my personal belongings from my desk before I was escorted paraded out of the building. The entire "getting rid of me" (and two other of my co-workers) took less than an hour. People, I'm a recruiter - and an interview with our company takes about 3+ hours, but to give you the boot? Roughly 45 minutes from beginning to packed up and in your car driving out of the parking lot. NICE. Way to keep the "HUMAN" in Human Resources.

To be honest with you, I'm a little relieved. I hadn't been all that happy for the past 6 months or so. I did like my job, I just didn't LOVE my job. I will miss the people that I worked with. Nine years is a long time and I met and made a LOT of friends there. I will also miss the travel (which ironically, I wasn't going to do much this year anyway - because of the economy). I will miss MOST - the jewelry DISCOUNT - I have no other words than, now, I have to pay retail. : (
But I won't miss the political BS that is all to common in the corporate work place.

I'm a little fried to say the least. I never really expected to make a career in Human Resources. For those of you that know me personally (and those that know me really personally) you know that I am SO-not the HR kinda girl. But, I have to say that I found my niche' there for awhile, in recruiting. It was a rewarding job to go out and meet new people and introduce them to a new career that could possibly change their livelihood for the better. I took my job to heart, I wasn't just looking for a "body" to fill a position (no, that's my dating life, oopsie - that's another post.) but I truly wanted not only a good candidate for my company, but I wanted the company to be a good fit for my candidate. My numbers proved that too. I hired many, many employees and had the lowest turnover (candidates that left or were fired) rate in the group. I was good at my job. So, why did they "let me go?"

Well, I asked that same question. And this is what I got:


"Due to the economic downturn, the company has had to make some tough decisions and has decided to perform a company-wide reduction in force."

Or something like that. But she literally, read it from a script. Never looking us in the eye as she said it. I don't blame the person who actually had to deliver the news to me - it wasn't HER decision - she was simply the messenger. And, really, I don't blame the company either. I went to college - even took a business class or two. I know that when times are tough, you cut back. I have in my personal life - I am no longer the Shopgirl I once was. This is also "not my first time at the rodeo." Ironically enough, I was laid off from a previous job at the EXACT SAME TIME OF YEAR about 11 years ago. Why can't these things happen in June or July when the weather is perfect for working on my tan?

But, what I want to know - is why did I lose my job (someone with 9 years seniority, 18 reviews that were ALL "above expectation," and the recruiter with the MOST hires) and not my co-worker who had less seniority and less hires, etc. etc.? Of course I didn't get that answer and to be honest - I really don't want it either. I am just letting it go. They let me go - I'm letting them go. Well, a few rants and raves here and there - but I'm entitled - yes?

I have to keep moving forward and not look back. I made it through my last lay off 11 years ago. That company even paid for my breast reduction - after I was gone. Talk about a severance package! Ha!

I did receive a decent severance package this time around too - which hopefully will keep me going while I look for another job. I know I'm talented enough to get another job, but the problem is - so are the 100+ people who were also let go and the other 100's out there that have been let go from the 100's of companies around here and the U.S. So, while I'm trying to be positive and keep my chin up, it's a little scary right now. But hey, on the bright side: my friend Dave and I are on the Atkins diet and cheese is allowed on the diet right? Didn't the government used to give out that box of cheese to the unemployed or something like that? Hmmm.. that will come in handy now. Ha ha - just kidding. Well, ask me in a couple of months. . . .

I know that I'm not the only one out there in the blogging world who is and has gone through a layoff recently - it is a sign o the times right now. Life will go on (it will be different) but it will go on. The sun did indeed, come out the next day. (Seriously, it was a GORGEOUS - although cold, sunny day in Ohio on Thursday.) And I got to enjoy a walk with my pooch instead of sitting at a computer searching for resumes.

I am going to take some time for myself over the next couple of weeks and do a little soul searching and try to figure out what I want to be "when I grow up." I've even come up with a few ideas and I'm taking suggestions - so feel free to comment with any career ideas. Here's what I've got so far:

1. Dog Walker - but really, I only want to walk MY dog - do you think anyone other than the State of Ohio Unemployment Agency will pay for this?

2. Personal shopper - of course - I have to find clients who actually STILL HAVE JOBS and can afford to keep shopping and then also pay someone else to do it for them. Minor obstacle.

3. Channel Surfer/Couch Potato - hmmm.. No potato's on Atkins.

4. Blog reader and now commenter - since I won't get in trouble at "work" anymore for blogging. I think this is the winner.

5. My own boss - of what, however, I don't know.

And, I think there's a boss already here at home - Daisy Dog. While she's OVER-JOYED that we've been able to walk every day and during the day, no less. I think she is displeased that I'm also "here" all day too. This was HER domain from 8am-6pm M-F. There's going to be quite an adjustment over the next couple of weeks!!

Well, that's all I've got so far . . . I'll keep you posted on anything else I come up with.

Ciao!

18 comments:

  1. Great news about your heart! I love your list of potential jobs, but I see you left off "independently wealthy" off. Common rookie mistake.

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  2. first, good thing your heart is good! ;) but damn, that sucks getting "let go". But I DO think that the blog thing could work out...look at that chick "Dooce" she makes a living from her blog...so can you! and I think Daisy will adjust! ;)

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  3. Oh, sister, I talked with Mandee last week for a while and my heart just broke for the both of you. I'm so very sorry to hear this news. I like your take that you're letting THEM go. That's the spirit!

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  4. So sorry to hear this, every day I arrive at work, I wonder if this will be the day. I hate this economic climate. Best of luck in getting back out there and giving Daisy-dog back her time turf!

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  5. Marinka - Thanks for stopping by and OMG - how could I make that mistake?? I'll have to do an update!! ha ha!!

    Beth - thanks for the comment - yes, DD will adjust - or I will, and you bet your "blind bat butt" that I'm going to try to make this blog thing work - I do LURVE it!!

    SB - THANKS chickadee! Dee told me about your job as well - glad you made it though - times are touch all over the place 'eh? And yes, for my health and sanity I have to let them go....

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  6. Thank you SK! Yes, it's a sad time - but I'm choosing to make lemon shots out of my lemons!!
    Good luck with your job - it's a sad sad time in the US right now.

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  7. Sorry about your job loss. At least take a few days for you since you have been working 19 straight years. Glad your heart is working just fine.

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  8. Blog reader/commenter would be the best job ever.
    Good luck on the job front. I've read this on so many of my favorite blogs and it makes me heartsick each time I do.

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  9. Laufa and Shonda - thanks so much for your thoughts. I really needed them today! Cleaned out my desk yesterday and that was TOUGH - it had REALLY set in - I am NO LONGER EMPLOYED THERE - or anywhere right now. Yes, it's a sign of the times - I really hope this econ picks up but I fear it's going to get worse before it gets better.
    Thanks again!

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  10. I think one positive out of this is that we've gotten even closer. For as much as you deserved to stay... I don't think I'd be making it through if I didn't have you to vent with.
    Thanks for being awesome. You'll find an amazing job with a boss who respects you!!!!!!!

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  11. Dee - I have to agree - having someone else to go through this with really does make a difference! And, ummm - we were good friends before this crap and we'll be friends through and after!! You too, sister, are going to find a great, no better, job and all will be good!! It will!! You are an amazing recruiter and talented individual - just look at all the positive feedback you got from your DM's - it took me almost 5 years to build those kinds of relationships and you did it 2 or less! You are AWESOME and future employers will be BEGGING you to work for them! And then of course, you can hire me! ; )

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  12. I feel like blogging has become a full time job lately. Too bad the pay sucks, LOL!!!

    (And so glad you stopped by. Totally steal the book idea-- it's so fun to hold on to!) :)

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  13. Well, I hope you and Dee are having a ton of luck out there!! Sorry a/b the work situation. That just sucks.

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  14. Yikes, I hear you on the job loss. I too was made redundant (from the newspaper I worked on) but I actually opted for it because I'd had enough and thought there was more out there.
    And if you are talented you WILL find something.
    If you are seriously interested in exploring other options and setting up in business, I cannot recommend the book Career Renegade highly enough to you.
    i am just reading it now and am hugely inspired.
    I wish you the very best of luck. x

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  15. I'm so sorry to hear about the lay off. It really sucks and as I you mentioned on by blog, EVERYONE is getting affected by this economic downturn. You read about my stress on my blog as well. This is probably the hardest time to be a recruiter... that's what I do as well.

    I like you're option #5 btw, but I may be a bit biased :) I wish you all the best. Some things happen for reasons we don't understand yet (cliche, but true).

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  16. That totally sucks! I'm sorry. But you know what, honestly, it will turn out better for you in the long run, I promise. You will find something awesome!

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  17. Glad to hear your heart is okay, and SO SORRY to hear about the job. You are certainly not alone, but that doesn't make if any easier!!!

    Hang in there...better days are ahead.

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  18. Thank you everyone for your positive thoughts! I really needed them this week. Another rough week - I'll write about it all soon - as soon as I can put a "Positive" spin on it!!

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Like what you've read? Leave a comment and tell me how FABULOUS I am - and of course,I'll agree with you! Disagree or have a different opinion? Leave that too! But play NICE in my sandbox - or I'll have Daisy and Sassy get (lick you to death) you!