Getting called into the Assistant Commissioner's office is never a good sign. Having the Director of Human Resources sitting next to her is doubly bad.
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"I think you know what we're going to tell you, Dean."
My eyes scanned the document placed in front of me. 'Budget cuts, termination, and layoffs' were the words I saw first.
As they took turns talking to me about the financial crisis the City is in, I put my hand to my face. In a sort of shock I blocked out most of what they said, thinking to myself, "Oh my God, I can't believe I'm going to lose my job!"
And that's what happened. Our dear Mayor Daley announced this past Friday that multiple city departments in Chicago would experience layoffs. Hundreds of terminations to be exact. And one of those hundreds was me!
Oh super fucking crap! No, let me emphasize that a bit better. ****OH SUPER FUCKING CRAP!!!****
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Part of my "pink slip" which I decorated in shades of pink marker
with yellows and greens for contrast!
If you read my blog you'll note I often complain of my dead-end job. Yes, it most indeed sucks working there but it was a steady source of income (not much though).
Now I do NOT know what I'm going to do. Where will I get money from? I'm so scared I won't be able to find another job to replace this one. So many people are unemployed right now and there is soooo much competition.
The silver lining to this story is that our union is supposedly going to have a meeting with the Mayor's office in hopes of negotiating a deal. If both sides can agree on certain financial terms all the layoffs could be rescinded.
So I'm technically working until July 15th of next month. If no progress is made regarding talks between our union and the Mayor it's bye-bye dead-end job.
Needless to say, I could not sleep well that night. It was raining out and at two in the morning I sat in the backyard and cried as the rain danced on my skin. It was almost lovely.
I guess it's true what they say....."You don't know what you got 'til it's gone."
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27 comments:
1 - sorry to hear that you may be unemployed soon, but hey at least it gives you a chance to look for something more fun and promising...
2 - sitting in the rain and crying sounds pleasant.
California Shy Guy!
Thanks for for stopping by!
You're right, the one thing I'm thankful for is at least I have a solid month to find something else....if I can.
And yes, sitting (and crying) in the rain was quite nice.
-Dean
I feel sorry about your job,
But, loosing it doesn't mean that it's the end of the world for you, I know how hard to find job at this days but rest assured that you could find another job more better than you had
always think positive
It's their LOST not yours.
smile :->
Dean, I am so sorry to hear your job is going.
You seem to be a very resourceful person so, once the initial shock is over, I am sure you will be finding other opportunities for earning - hopefully in a job that you prefer.
Best wishes.
This could be a blessing in disguise, Dean....
Yeah, being unemployed is even worse than a dead-end job.
I assume there will be unemployment compensation if you don't get a new job right away. It's even less than what you've been getting (I think) but it's some cash.
So between the month to job-hunt before the layoff, the possibility of successful negotiations, and unemployment compensation, it's not hopeless.
But still, it must be very unsettling. I hope however it turns out is ultimately for the best.
Oh. another comment.
It was good of them to give you the news in person, instead of just sending a bureaucratic letter to the people being let go. Small comfort, perhaps, but it was the decent, human way to do it.
Oh Dean, how scary! I could go on about how when one door closes another one opens, but I'll just say 'what if this is the best thing that could have happened to you???' Because that's happened to most people at one time or another...you lose a job only to find one that is sooooo much better, that you never would have found if you had stayed where you were working. And you end up being so thankful that you lost that crummy job. :-)
Damn, Dean. Sorry to hear this. I'm hoping you can find something you like more. But it's certainly a kick in the gut not to have a job while looking. damn again. hang in there.
Oh Dean, I'm so sorry. That's so horrible. I will you all the luck in the world in finding a new job that you will absolutely love! :)
Oh, Dean, I'm so sorry this is happening to you... This kind of thing usually happens for a good reason, you have a great (not easy though) opportunity ahead. Here we are to support you...
Best regards
Carolina
I am so sorry to hear this, Dean, and I will keep my fingers crossed that things will work out - hang in there!
Days and night!
I'm definitely trying to think positive and hope for the best.
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marancat!
We'll find out how resourceful I can (or can't) be soon enough!
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Tracey!
I agree with you!
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naturgesetz!
It's definitely not hopeless as you said. Our union is negotiating for our jobs this week. There is always a chance the layoffs will be reversed.
And I agree about the HR comment. They handled it quite professionally and at least gave us plenty of time to prepare.
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Kathleen!
Let's hope you are right!!
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Liz (L. Holm)!
Thanks, I'm definitely hanging in there.
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Meeko Fabulous!
Thank you as well!
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Carolina!
I appreciate the support!
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Anna T.!
I'm crossing my fingers too!
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Thanks to ALL of you for the thoughtful comments and the wonderful support! You are all AWESOME!!
-Dean
Thank goodness for a social safety net in the form of unemployment benefits; don't feel guilty/ashamed in using them. You paid your taxes, right? RIGHT.
Dean, I'm sorry about your job situation, but this can be a great opportunity for you to find a job you really enjoy. I think that the best thing right now is to be POSITIVE!
Justin!
Yes, I pay my taxes.
The pittance I receive every two weeks called a paycheck is soooooo little already that unemployment benefits will seem next to nothing.
Something but very little.
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Akiko!
I'm definitely trying to be positive (some days better than others).
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Thanks you two for the kind words!
-Dean
Wow that really sucks and I know how you feel. I was "layed off" in January. Here is a song I really identified with http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-2qXmEhYhQ. Hope you like it hope it helps
Hi Dean,
I noticed your comments on my blog only today.I missed seeing them since they were on my older posts.Thanks!
Also I felt sad for your job.But may be its for your good.It may be a chance to get another much more better job which you'd like.There's always something good in whatever He does.So hang on!My good wishes to you!Cheers!
Yikes!
Dean, first of all I am sorry you got laid off. It STINKS. But you have a LOT of company, and no future employer will think your job loss had anything to do with performance, so that's good. You are resourceful, and you are stronger than you think, so gird your loins, guy, because unemployment is no picnic. But you will prevail.
Message from my departed mother: God never closes one door without opening another. Just don't stare at the closed door so hard and long that you miss the open one.....
You're in my prayers. Go for a new direction!!
Anonymous!
Sorry to hear you're in the same boat as me.
I appreciate the song link. Not exactly my type of music but it's the thought that counts!
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Ramesh!
Thanks for noticing my comments. It's about time!! LOL, just teasing.
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Susan!
That's exactly how I feel!
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Kelley!
I will definitely try and go for a new direction!!
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Thank you everyone for the well wishes!
-Dean
Wow, my goodness! I hope this turns into one of those cool "wow this sucked at the time but I'm so glad this happened" kinda moments ...
Thank you, Erika!
I'm hoping for that too!
Only time will tell!
-Dean
It's about balancing budgets, and not about you - be certain you are clear about that!
I have no clue about employment opportunities where you are, but I am hoping somebody out there will realise how much they need a sensitive, articulate and literate employee, right NOW!
Namaste.
G =]
Doomed But Cheerful!
Oh I know.
HR told me specifically that I was being laid off and not fired. That my work record was perfectly fine and that it was due to the city's budget cuts and nothing more.
Still doesn't make it any easier to digest though.
Thanks for the well wishes!
-Dean
Grrrrrr. That sucks! Love what you did with your Pink Slip. That had to give you a little satisfaction. Although it sucks at the time it usually means life is about to hand you a great opportunity so keep your eyes open and keep creating!
Gwen!
Let's hope so!
I'll definitely keep my eyes open for new opportunities......and WILL keep creating!
I appreciate your thoughts on the subject!
-Dean
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