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March 13, 2005
Shakabuku
A swift spiritual kick in the head. This past Wednesday I was laid off from my part time day job of the past 2 years, 8 months. Morning: job. Afternoon: no job. It was that swift. (If not entirely unexpected. We'd lost major business this past fall. Everyone knew the ax was coming, just not when and to whom).
I have to say that it was one of the most brutally cold and efficient things I've ever witnessed. My boss called me at 1 o'clock (she worked from both Boston and New York) and asked me to pack up her office. She'd just been let go. I'd heard rumblings of lower level employees getting the ax earlier in the day, but this was a senior executive and head of a group of 14 employees in 2 cities. As I was her NY assistant, I began to realize that I was probably the next to drop. Sure enough, around 3 p.m. I received the call from Human Resources. "Could I stop by...". I was told that the company was making a change in strategy, etc. and that I was unfortunately being let go. (It seems they ultimately laid off 60 people. One sixth of the staff.) I was told that I didn't need to finish up the day (or any of my work), and that when I returned to my computer it would be locked. IT would contact me to retrieve any personal files. Someone from HR would give me a call in a few minutes to discuss my severance package. When I got back to my desk the office manager stopped by to say that if I had any personal items that I couldn't carry home, they'd be happy to ship them to me. Wow.
As an artist living in NYC I've had a variety of supporting income. It's mostly been temp. positions (cater waiter, office work, etc.). This is the first time I've had an opportunity to be with one company for an extended period. (I was a research assistant for a major media planning/buying company...). I have no doubt that the past 2 years, 8 months have been extremely valuable. I made some good friends with whom I plan to stay in touch. I had a terrific boss and a group of co-workers that I respected and enjoyed working with daily. I gained many valuable skills that continue to help me in the pursuit of my career. I also have no doubt that this is one of the best things that could have happened to me. It is time to move on and use these skills in the pursuit of what I really want.
July 15th, 2002 - March 9th 2005.
One door closes, another opens.
Shakabuku
Posted by Thomas at 12:53 PM | Comments (2)