Mixed blessings

#1 09-13-2001, 01:43 PM

Monday, I was off work with a sick daughter, but I went into work at 7 PM and worked until about 3 AM.

Tuesday was a day filled with the most horrible scenes of my life. But I went to work at noon anyway.

Wednesday, I was home sick.

Today, I went into work and was there 2 hours before my husband called to inform me that our daughter was sick again. As I was preparing to come home so that my hubby could go to work, the owner of the company came in and told me that I'd been laid off.

In a way, this is just another grief in what has been an ncredibly bad week.

In others, I am happy to know that I no longer have to deal with a co-worker who was one of the biggest jerks (if not THE biggest jerk) I've ever worked with in my life. Plus I won't have to be working those stupidly long and late hours because someone screwed something up or just didn't plan appropriately.

I'll miss some of the people there, and I'll certainly miss the salary. But in other ways, I'm glad that I can spend time with my daughter when she's sick and not feel guilty. And that I can take this time to make my daughter's Halloween costume and work on my sister-in-law's Christmas gift. Most of all, I'm glad that I'm still breathing.

**soxfan**[$] · #2 09-13-2001, 01:51 PM

Oh no, Grace! That sucks.

At least you're out of that horrible environment. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

Ailsa

hypotenuse · #3 09-13-2001, 01:52 PM

Damn Grace.

I know you've pretty much hated that job, but still, being laid off is never pleasant. I've been telling everyone else, but I think it bears repeating. Go enjoy your family. Will make you feel better.

{{{Grace}}}

Lynne

theeye · #4 09-13-2001, 01:55 PM

Oh, Grace, I'm so sorry. I'm just at a loss for what to say -- the last few days have been so emotionally draining. I'm just going to leave it at "I'm sorry" and "good luck".

And hugs, too. {{}}

Redlass · #5 09-13-2001, 02:01 PM

I really hope they handed you a big, fat severance package. Not that even that would begin to recompense you for what you've had to put up with from them.

I'm really sorry.

erik_kosberg · #6 09-13-2001, 02:07 PM

<pardon_my_french>
That sucks. The proto-lawyer in me says sue the bastards.
</pardon_my_french>

**taurusmoon** · #7 09-13-2001, 02:08 PM

((((Grace))))

Please take this in the spirit in which it is offered: I'm actually happy for you.

Your work situation was way beyond unhealthy. You needed desparately to get out of there even if you were unprepared to leave on your own.

This is a good thing.

You have loads of talent and a lot to offer. Things can only get better.

Sara

**amykhar** · #8 09-13-2001, 02:52 PM

That sucks Grace.

Amy

**jgibson2**[$] · #9 09-13-2001, 03:08 PM

Grace,
I'm glad you can see the good in this - and I'm sorry about the parts you'll miss. Sounds like the kick you needed to get out of there and I'm sure something much better will come of this.

*emeleel* · #10 09-13-2001, 03:43 PM

{{{{{GRACE}}}}}

afropuff · #11 09-13-2001, 05:23 PM

{{{{{Grace}}}}}}

I'm sorry that you had to work around people who were so mean to you. You're too sweet and good for those bastards, anyway. Keep looking to the positive, and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Joy

sylvanb · #12 09-13-2001, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by taurusmoon
((((Grace))))

Please take this in the spirit in which it is offered: I'm actually happy for you.

Sara

What she said. When I think of the last two times I was laid off, what I remember is initial anger, then the enormous relief. The financial difficulties passed, the emotional recovery took time, but was much needed. You will land on your feet!

theeye · #13 09-13-2001, 05:35 PM

Can I also chime in to agree with Sara? I thought the same thing when I read your post, but was too emotionally drained to express it without the fear that my wording wouldn't come out right.

Talented computer professionals are highly valued even in a tough job market and I'm really confident that you'll not only land on your feet but find yourself in a much better place.

In the meantime, take a well-deserved break.

murasaki · #14 09-13-2001, 07:10 PM

Theeye has it: you will have no problem finding another job because your skills are much in demand.

I hope you enjoy this impromptu holiday! And I'm glad you're away from that creep.

--naomi

Trebor1415 · #15 09-13-2001, 09:57 PM

Grace,

I can definately sympathize with you. I left my job this week also, and while it was mainly my decision ( I didn't expect them to want me back after I told them I was going to Hawaii all of October to be married), in the end they did screw me out of a couple weeks wages and my insurance benefits. (So much for being nice and giving them 4 weeks notice. Next time 2 weeks notice, max)

In my case, I wanted, no needed to get out of there because the job was affecting my health, my relationship with my fiancee, and my happiness. Leaving is the best thing that's happened to me in years. From what others have said, it sounds like you are in a similiar situation. Make the best of it and find someplace where you will be appreciated and treated with respect. For me, I will never again work for people who I can't respect.

Rob

rich2003dm · #16 09-13-2001, 10:03 PM

Grace,

Hang in there, pal!

Enjoy a nice little vacation, then pick yourself up and find an even better job.

Rich

**slick4591**[$] · #17 09-13-2001, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Please take this in the spirit in which it is offered: I'm actually happy for you.

Couldn't have said it better. :Hug:

Flamepillar · #18 09-14-2001, 12:40 AM

Also keep in mind that their loss will be ten times what yours will be, in the long run.

Keep the faith!
FP

**AuntieEmma**[$] · #19 09-14-2001, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by erik_kosberg
<pardon_my_french>
That sucks. The proto-lawyer in me says sue the bastards.
</pardon_my_french>

Ditto.

(And you can do that while you're enjoying your vacation and then your next, new, much better job.)

adonna · #20 09-15-2001, 02:41 AM

Sorry too, Grace. I know how that one feels, and on top of all the stuff this week. It's hard.

I know. My racoon came back last night. It was about the last straw.

But leaving a place that's toxic is good in the long run. I remember when I was working in a corporate environment, how I'd sit in my office sometimes and just cry. It was the pits, the people were the pits, and when the company reorganized and wanted to toss out everyone who was allies with the old owner, out I went. (But not without rigging up the PA system to blast Johnny Paycheck's "Take This Job and Shove It" all over the building.)

Do remember the friends, but other than that, breathe easier and find a place that deserves you, but first, rest.