Monday, February 9, 2009

A big, fat reality check

I know the economy is bad. Really bad. But it's never really affected me before. I watch the news and see how terrible things are and how high the unemployment rate is, but I thought I was safe in my little Chicago copywriting bubble. 

Until today.

My company laid off 5 people this afternoon. For an office of only 22 people, that is a huge loss. Luckily, I was spared for now, but I feel completely shaken. This is the first time I've lived through a layoff and it's devastating. It was so sad saying goodbye to my coworkers. I felt guilty that I still had my job and so sad that I wouldn't get to see them on a daily basis anymore. I only really got to say goodbye to two of them—the others fled as soon as they heard the news.

I think I'm just in shock that this happened. I feel so lucky that I get to my keep my job, but it's so bittersweet. On one hand I'm relieved, but on the other hand I'm really unnerved. I still can't believe it. We have a company meeting first thing tomorrow to get the "official" word of what's going on. I'm not looking forward to it. 

This is going to be a long week...but hey, at least it's going to be "hot" tomorrow—over 60 degrees!

5 comments:

Alison said...

Yeah, that's tough. When my husband got laid off in June, all of his coworkers who got to stay were pretty much feeling the same way you are right now. They all said it's pretty much been a somber place since.

I really hope that your company doesn't have to do another round. Try to stay positive!

Anonymous said...

Being laid off blows. I'm sorry about your coworkers, but glad about you! x

The Dutchess of Kickball said...

I've been laid off twice. It is an incredibly emotionally painful experience. But I've been in your situation too, and that sucks just as bad. Layoffs are just terrible and should be outlawed.

Anonymous said...

That's horrible! I'm so sorry. I've never been through a lay off, I can only imagine the stress it brings. At least you were spared, and hopefully this will be the end of it!

Megkathleen said...

I'm glad you survived it at least! I hope the week improves...