On Notice
Posted By Kristabella on June 27, 2008
Look at me blogging on a Friday night! I normally spend every Friday night on the couch by myself because I have no life, but shy away from blogging because you don’t need to know that.
But today at work I got my 60 days notice. Come September 5 I will no longer be employed.
(pregnant pause)
Let me just tell you, I had no idea. When our VP (the one who just did this three months ago to the rest of the department and who is leaving herself on July 7) called me into her office, I assumed she was going to talk about something work related or have me write an announcement. So I marched my happy ass in there with my notepad ready to have something to do. Clueless, I has it.
She jumped right into the “we’re eliminating your position” and I think I actually heard the air escape from my chest.
I held back the tears as much as I could. Not completely because I’m a weepy mess these days. But it is hard because as much as I’m not surprised, I’m still surprised. And it sucks to get laid off. No matter whether you see it coming or not.
Here’s the thing, I have been bored silly for about a month. I have had nothing to do. There are still some other members of the department finishing up their 90 days, so I was optimistic that once they left, things would pick up. Apparently the new person in charge of our department thought differently. Apparently they just didn’t think it was viable to have two people in the Corporate Communications department, both with nothing to do. Once person can do nothing for a lot less than two people.
So because of that, I wasn’t terribly shocked. But again, I didn’t even see it coming.
The fact is that I haven’t ever felt safe since November when all these changes started. And I have until September to spend my bored days at work looking for a new job, getting paid to find a new job. And I will also receive a severance payment, which makes my stress level, right now at least, very low.
The worst part is that I have now been laid off three times in the last 3 1/2 years. I have had four jobs since college and have been laid off from three of them. Kind of depressing, no? I know this economy sucks and it is happening to a lot of people. I am beyond thankful at the package that I am getting and the fact that I have 60-plus days to start looking. But I still can’t help shake the failure feeling creeping into my mind because seriously, someone who loses their job this much has to have some fatal flaw, right? (Please do not point any of this out to me, especially right now. It does not make me feel any better.)
I’m doing rather well. I haven’t even drowned my sorrows in anything besides Sugar-free Kool-Aid and Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches today. I’m pretty sure it hasn’t completely hit me yet though.
I’ve had a lot of time to think about all this today. Everything happens for a reason. I know that for a fact, especially after getting laid off two times prior to this. I have always bounced back and moved on to something bigger and better. I have no doubts that I will be fine. I am resilient. I have been my whole life.
And also, it gives me that push to start working on things that I’ve been thinking about doing for some time but just haven’t had the motivation to do, namely writing my book. It is really what I want to do with my life. Thirty years and I’ve FINALLY figured out what I want to do with my life. And I think the way this has worked out may be my opportunity to put my nose to the grindstone and get going on my dream.
It’s about damn time I do something for me and not for anyone else.
About the author
CRAP. Really sorry about your layoff.
I like your blog though.
So there’s that.
Jenny’s last blog post..Modern Romance
Oh, Kristin, I’m SO SORRY. But yay for figuring out what you want to do in life! Maybe you can sometimes take a break from looking for a new job and write out that manuscript … all while being paid, of course.
Still, it sucks. And I know that sick feeling inside, that IS IT ME feeling. Not fun.
moo’s last blog post..moral dilemma
I’m sorry for you having to deal with this. You have a great ‘tude though … the fact each time you’ve found something better. ^5 Chiquita!
(((hugs))) … just cuz.
Nancy’s last blog post..Come Hither… Step into My Boudoir
I’m so sorry you have to go through this again. I’m glad you have some time to figure things out and figure out the next step.
*hugs*
Jen on the Edge’s last blog post..Open house
Poop!!! I was laid off 2 years ago. It was pretty humiliating (effective immediately/escorted out of the building), but definitely a blessing in disguise.
Weeee severance!
kir’s last blog post..Smog City
That sucks. Hope it lands you in an even better situation.
Neil’s last blog post..Lame Excuse to Show Photos of French Women in Their Underwear on a Friday Afternoon
Really crappy. At least they are taking care of you with a severance package and lead time to find a new job. Maybe a drink? Or bottle of wine?
ugh. sucko. but i agree with other commenters: you have a good attitude. plus, you’ve been here before so you know better what to expect, and some time and money to forego the freak out. i anticipate great things for you. if you need to hit the duluth, minn., spa for awhile, i’ll be your tour guide. plenty o’bars and fun and guitar hero. you’ll forget this silly thing called “chicago” even exists and you’ll hone your minnesota accent in no time.
PS: i have tivo.
christa’s last blog post..oh, the people you’ll meet …
Just read about this on your Twitter feed… Really sorry to hear about it – such a sucky thing to happen, but definitely not the work of a creepy curse, just a crappy economy. At least you’ve got three months to try and find something else – and, of course, to write the book! Gah, though.
Amber’s last blog post..Stuff. And nonsense.
Oh, i’m so sorry. But at least they gave you good notice.
jodifur’s last blog post..Parenting in the DC ‘burbs of Montgomery County means…
Wow, that sucks, lady. I’m kind of mad at them for ambushing you like that! Geez, couldn’t they have hinted or something?
But Kir is right, it’s a blessing in disguise. Because now I can’t wait to read your book!
Well damn, I thought you were safe. So much for that, huh?
Sending you good interview vibes and a hex on your current employer!
Melissa’s last blog post..Tattoo, Today…
Ugh!! I’m so sorry! What a bummer! This is definitely a blessing in disguise and blah blah blah, but still totally sucks!
Sending good job vibes your way!!
Erin’s last blog post..It’s my favorite drink…on a stick!
That sucks about the layoff. I don’t think it reflects on you personally, but it sucks anyway. I know you don’t need this right now and I’m glad you’re choosing to stay positive. (you could always come here to the region for a job) I think the book would be a WONDERFUL idea and can’t wait to read it.
Sarah’s last blog post..Goin’ To The Drive-In
Go for YOUR dream, sweetie. There’s a book in you (actually, more than one!) dying to get out!!!!
That sucks and I’m sorry to hear it. My company just shut down last week so I know your pain. I’m going with that cliché that you should take something you love to do and make a career out of it. So I’m going to be a full time crown royal drinker…if a new position opens up I will let you know. Godspeed Kristabella
Helmet’s last blog post..Grin and bear it
I’m with Mahnee – go for it! Just like you said, “things happen for a reason.” Here’s your reason and your opportunity all wrapped into one! Now, go write that first book 🙂
rye’s last blog post..constant craving
It’s not you, it’s just this horrible economy. You will find a job that’s the right fit – but you should also do what you really want because I would love to read a book by you! (Especially if I’m in it…I’m just sayin’)
Well what can I say that you have not already said yourself. Glad that you are handling this ok. At least as well as you can anyway.
=)
Ashmystir’s last blog post..Photo Friday… think peace!
THAT SUCKS! And NO it has nothing to do with YOU. If you had been FIRED three times, then I might have to think otherwise 😉
Good luck on the job hunt!
Angella’s last blog post..Keeping My Cool
Yeah, but don’t forget that it’s not because of anything YOU did…and you stayed longer than most!
Scarlet’s last blog post..Hot Stuff
You have always found something better after getting laid off. While I am sorry you have to go through this right now, I can’t help but be excited to see what your next step brings.
I am also excited that you are going to write more. Yay YOU!!
Thinking about you…and wishing I could help in some way. Love you!
I echo everyone’s sentiments about being SO sorry you have to go through this. Even though the situation absolutely looks better than it could, during times like these, we all need our moment to say “but THIS FUCKING SUCKS!”
So! That being said … I’m glad the company is giving you some time and money. As my mama and grandmother always say “all good lies ahead, it’s just a matter of taking the steps toward it.” I know that is true for you too! And if it includes writing? Sa-weet … i just started reading and now am addicted. (Reading your blog that is … not reading in general ; )
That scream of “WHAT” you might have heard in Chicago – sorry.
I’m not going to wax poetic on the addage, “everything happens for a reason”. However, perhaps the universe is going “Kristabella – you are an amazing writer. You keep doing Corporate PR stuff. No! NO! NO! You hang out with fabu authors. Hello – AUTHOR! Written by Kristabella? Go Write!” So three times must be the charm.
And if you write your book, you know I’d toss my hat in to help you promote it. I’m sure you have to get a 9to5 but you have your ultimate goal ahead. That, in itself, is comforting.
Just when you do your book signing, make sure you have whatever town I’m in on your list please. I’ll bring the wine.
Lys’s last blog post..Archiving The Past…
I love your blog and there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re going to land on your feet. Hey, you’re way ahead of me – I’m 47 and I STILL don’t know what I want to do with my life! lol
And, as cliche’ as it seems, I’ve always found that every time a door closes, a window opens. This can be an exciting new opportunity for you – you’ve just got to go out there and grab onto it!
Evil Genius’s last blog post..Dissed by a Fur Ball
I’m so sorry! Even if you maybe had a feeling, it is still so shocking. At least you have both notice and severance. Use this time to find something you love! Sometimes I wish something would kick me in the pants like this (so not trying to be insensitive there, I’m just saying….).
slynnro’s last blog post..Like everyone else on the internet, I love Rich.
Ugh – that sucks.
Cathy’s last blog post..Watch Your Mouth Haiku
Well, my dear, it happens to the best of us; three times, too… I am happy for you that you have some breathing room, financially, with the notice and severance. During my last time, several years ago, my supervisor says: “We’ll pay you through today, and that’s it.” My response was: “Well, that’s God Damn big of you; are you sure you can afford it?” There were others who got the same message that day. Nine and a half years, and that’s how corporate America treats their employees.
I wish you every success in your employment search! I have a few conections in your field up in the Madison area to your northwest in Wisconsin, if you consider going that direction; just let me know…
Coast Rat’s last blog post..WEEK #17 – MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BLUE BIRD UPDATE
I wish you bunches of luck finding something that tickles your fancy–or at least doesn’t bore you to tears. Hey, now you’ll have more time to work on that Bacon and Me memoir!
And if things get really bad, you can always dunk the skinny cow ice cream into a mug of Bailey’s.
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..One Wedding, 12 Phallic Straws and a Previously Buried Fear of Heights later…
I’m really sorry you are having to go through this, Kristin! I have been laid off before, and it sucks! But keep your good attitude, and you will come through this.
{{{{HUGS}}}} being sent your way . . .
Liz J in Central Illinois’s last blog post..Kitty Belly!
I can’t wait to come to your book signing — please save me a seat in the front row — and we’ll laugh about how you were laid off and we were like, “Woohoo! A severence check. Oh yeah, pay me to write my book bitches!”
And then we’ll go out to drinks and toast to Bacon. Just because.
Dingo’s last blog post..Taxes Not Included
Hey Man,
last Aug 1st I got fired, shit canned only 3 months after the crazy, and I mean fucking crazy, bitch that I worked for promoted me.
Fast forward to now…I make half of what I did last year and I am happy.
I have written 3 children’s books, a sitcom, have the beginnings of a memoir, and started a blog. I had been talking about writing for 30 years and now I do. I’m not published but fuckado, I just started. See, I just wrote a freakin novel instead of a comment.
You’ll be all good. Wendy
Wendy’s last blog post..Sales
I’m sorry to hear you got laid off. I’ve been laid off once before too, and it SUCKED. But shit, you’ve definitely got the right attitude. Good luck pursuing your dream of writing your book. If it’s anything like your blog, it’ll be kick-ass. 🙂
Mecca’s last blog post..Meccaloha!!! Vacay & other updates…
oh no! oh no!
maybe you need to move to Canada..:)
ali’s last blog post..swiper no swiping, ali is naked, and the mouths of babes
I’m really sorry you’re being given the flick from your job. It sounds like you know what you want to do and now you’ve got the perfect opportunity. So, wallow around a bit if you want, then pick yourself up – dust yourself off and get writing that damn book! I look forward to reading it.
jen’s last blog post..Now he is seven
Man, that stinks, but it sounds like you have a positive attitude and will be just fine. What kind of book are you going to write?
Kristie’s last blog post..Fuckity Fuck
2 things: (1) Rent “Office Space” immediately, (2) Since you are clearly going to be starting your own business from home, take the next 60 days to stock up on supplies. A post it here, a box of paper clips there, a red stapler, boxes of kleenex… You will be stocked in no time!
thecoconutdiaries’s last blog post..Inked
Just reiterating the other comments now, but despite the suckiness of getting laid off, at least you have the time to figure out what you want to do and the freedom of severance to do something for you. It sounds like you’re taking it really well. Good luck on the book!
I go on maternity leave on 9/12 so if you want to hang out with a former lurker, new commenter on your blog let me know! 🙂
Bailey’s last blog post..The World of Reality
Shitty, shitty, shitty! I’m really sorry!!
But I think you have a great attitude about it. Everything does happen for a reason and maybe this layoff will be the push you need to propel you to the NY Times Best Seller list!
Allison’s last blog post..He Don’t Look Like The Boss
Jesus Christ woman! I go out of town and this is what happens?I see 6 days was way too long!! *hug* I’m glad you know what you want to do with your life now, you are ahead of me in that one and I will buy any book you write!
Still in Fl, couldn’t resist checking on you. I’ll e-mail tomorrow.
Raven’s last blog post..drive-by
What would Bacon do?
Sorry that you’re going trough this (again). At least you got serverance and notice. Wishing you all the luck in finding something good that lasts.
girlplease’s last blog post..Code help
wouldn’t it be so nice if we never had to work at all and wouldn’t have to go through this kind of shit? work sucks. but you DON’T so don’t forget that!
I don’t think it reflects on you at all, more on the field you’re in, really. But, regardless, I’m glad this allows you to pursue some passions.
She Likes Purple’s last blog post..Searching
WOW LOOK AT ALL THE PEOPLE SHOWING YOU THE LURV!!!!! Everyone sayin the same thing lady. Put on those Sexy good shoes and take a new step forward!!! You’ll be OK
aw merde. but seriously, layoffs = NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU. zero implication about any failures on your part. it’s just freaking corporate america right now. and woohoo! paid job searches, plus plenty of time to do it in. that’s pretty sweet. i’m ducking the firing squad at my current job, as we’re currently getting divested.. but i’m hanging on to see if i get ditched or not, because i want the package if i’m leaving anyway 😉
Alice’s last blog post..pay it forward contest!
Oh Jeez…..I’m so sorry. But as far as you feeling inferior or something, hell, you were laid off–not fired or anything. You are intelligent and funny. And a very talented writer, something will come along. If not, let Bacon pay his fair share. He owes you dammit.
AMEN SISTER!!! I’m behind you 100%! I totally disagree with your “fatal flaw” theory. You’ve just been a victim of being at the wrong company at the wrong time. Do not point the finger at yourself, okay?!?!? Sheesh, you are QUALITY. Don’t doubt that.
Jules
House of Jules
HouseofJules’s last blog post..EXTRA! ENERGIZING!
BTW, I was “amen sister”-ing to your book thing, not being laid off!!! 🙂
HouseofJules’s last blog post..EXTRA! ENERGIZING!
Aw, that sucks … I’m sorry! But most important … what’s your book going to be about???
Swishy’s last blog post..Quickies
Oh, Kristin, what sucky, sucky news. I’m sorry.
Also, I am happy to punch anyone at your former employer if you desire.
Hugs.
Laurel’s last blog post..Today I Discuss Facebook…