My 2020 Update: The moment that started it all! This is a play by play of the first job that ever let me go. Posted 8 years ago, it still resonates with me today.
I remember the moment like it was yesterday. I was just coming back from getting awful work coffee in the break room. I’m not even sure I had put my makeup on yet (hey, I’m not an early riser so I put makeup on during my work break at around 10). Coming back from the kitchen, I ran into my boss. He says, “Hey, you have a minute?”
Famous last words.
I go into the meeting room and sitting there was our benefits representative. I thought I had forgotten paperwork when they had our benefits meeting earlier in the year. I sit down. She smiles. My boss sits next to me.
“Nicole, we have been reviewing your work load and we have come to the conclusion that we no longer are in need of your position. Today, will be your last day at our company.”
Boom.
There it was. I had just gotten laid off. Like a punch in the gut, I ask, “Are you serious?”
And like I had just asked him if the sky was blue, he says, “Yes.”
So that’s what the tissues were for. I grab one as tears well up. He explains that the benefits lady that I have forgotten the name of will explain everything to me and walks out of the room. Through tears I explain to the lady that one of my other family members had just gotten laid off as well. My boss knew this as well, by the way. I shouldn’t be surprised that this didn’t make a difference, but I am. Anyways, she explains to me the benefits details and I see her tear up as well. It reminded me of the movie “Up in the Air” with George Clooney and how the girl in the movie couldn’t take laying people off for a living.
The benefits lady left the room, and explained she would be right back. While she’s gone, I call my mom and tell her the news, asking her if she can pick me up (I don’t have a car). And then I am left sitting in the meeting room of a company I no longer work in, and wait for about fifteen minutes before anyone realizes I am still there. They obviously don’t think I’m gonna go postal on them.
The benefits lady returns, surprised to still see me sitting there. She tells me I can leave and get my stuff and say goodbye to people. When I walk to my cubicle, I pass by two of my closer coworkers who give me looks of sympathy as I walk past. Tears well up again and I head to my cubicle to pack up my personal items. It isn’t very much, since I don’t crowd my desk with many of my own things. I say goodbye only to two people. For the rest, I didn’t bother.
I heard later on that other people got laid off a few weeks after me.
This is my unemployment story.
If you liked this, check out these:
A Relocation and an Anonymous Unemployment Story
“We deserve a little more respect than being labeled lazy and looking for a handout.” [An Unemployment Story]
Job Hunting is Expensive by Ed Tsyitee Jr. (Twitter @GreenChileAdict)
The Reality of Being Unemployed at 58 – An Anonymous Unemployment Story
Followed you over from SITS. I had a knot in my stomach as I read your story and I feel for you. I hope that one day soon I’ll come here to read about your employment story!
Thanks Kristen!
Me too!! I’m hoping one of these says I turn this into “Lady Employed” rather than “Lady Unemployed.”
Thank you for following by the way! I was worried I was going to be the only one for a while! š
I’ve been there, so I feel your pain! If I can get myself to write it down, I’ll share my unemployment story with you.
Until you’re re-employed, take the time to rediscover the (inexpensive) things you love to do. You may never get this time for yourself again!
Definitely!! I’ve been thinking the same thing. I’ve been making sure to make time to write (my true passion) and work on my first novel (finished but I’m editing it). This type of time is so treasured. Although I can’t help but feel guilty when I do take time outside of looking for work!
my son git fired from his first job…I wrote a post about his experience too..he was devastated really! he is now gainfully employed..you will be too..don’t stop looking!!!!
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
good luck!
Yes! I’ve definitely kept hope alive, although it can be tough some days. I will definitely stop by your blog! Thank you for checking out mine!
Following from the hop. Great blog I like it a lot. http://mommaof3-littlebits.blogspot.com/
Thanks Julie! I hope to see you again!
Hi Lady Unemployed, I just finished reading your first post and when I was reading it, it was about to cry. I hope you find a new job soon. I will come here everyday and hope that you will soon change your name to Lady Employed.
Ohhh thank you!! I hope I will too! I’m hoping I find a job before the summer ends, it’s easy to keep my spirits alive when the sun is out. Thank you again!
Is it fine to place part of this on my personal webpage if perhaps I submit a reference to this webpage?
Yes, that would be great!
I think what happened to you is a blessing in disguise! It’s a bit mean how they told you everything but I think it’s for the best. Even if you’re still looking for work now, I know there’s a cool job waiting for you soon! š
Jen
Thanks! I hope so!! I wouldn’t want to work somewhere that treats people like that anyway!