Happy to be Working!

For anyone not living inside a bomb shelter with no contact to the outside world, (well.. except for my blog?) this economy sucks.

This week, one of the hardest weeks I have ever experienced as a professional.... anything.

This wasn't our first layoffs at work. Nor do I expect it to be our last. But the reason this one was different? Well.. I will paint you a picture...

The end of October came about with an email stating that Gannett was doing a straight across layoff of about 10%. And that it will effect EVERY department. So, of course, the anxiety kicks in.

Then the week of November 14, we were told the head people at my division was meeting to decide their recommendations. The future of 10-15 people was in the hands of pencil pushers that hardly know any of us. It really sunk in for me, that week. All that hard work.. didn't matter. We were all on the chopping block with a recommendation from people who we don't always see and then they send a list of people they think they can function without, and the ultimate decision is made by people I have never met.

Was I nervous? Yes. Was I worried? Yes. Some days were worse than others, but ultimately, I left it in God's hands.

So then, right before Thanksgiving, we were told that they would give those who are being laid off, the news and that they were expected to leave that day. And that they were happening the Tuesday of December 2nd. Nothing like ruining our holiday.

Then, Tuesday rolls around. The office is completely quiet. Not a person was thinking about the news, or the paper. We were all thinking... "What if it is me?"

At about 4:30PM, we get the news... they are delaying until Wednesday.. and it will carry on to Thursday.

So.. now we have to do it all over again... two more days.

It turns out, we lost about 14 people. Some I knew. Some I didn't. Some I wished weren't leaving, and some.. well.. I hope they aren't unemployed for very long. No matter how mean they are.

So yes, I am still employed. I know there are big changes for Michelle and I, but even so.. I am so glad I am still helping in the finances.

And maybe, just maybe... I might be able to relax a little bit for Christmas.