We had a department meeting at work yesterday and my boss told us there would be more lay offs and this time our department would be hit. I kinda got this feeling it would be me. He went on to say he’s enjoyed working with all of us, etc. Ok, fantastic it’s going to be soon.

We all left the meeting rather depressed and went back to our desks trying to decide which of the 7 of us would be laid off. Sarahk and I guessed there would be at least two of us going- the new girl and someone else. Which one of us? We went through each one of us and determined it could be any of us. The other department that reports to my boss was also going to get hit. We thought for sure Kiki would be let go and then maybe one other person.

Around 2:00 Sarahk commented it was time for her to go. She works at home every afternoon. Sarahk said something will probably happen since she’s leaving because the lay offs always happen when she’s gone. I checked my e-mail and had a meeting request for 2:30. I looked to see who was all invited to the meeting. The new girl and Kiki were on it. Are you fricken kidding me? I’m getting laid off!

I asked the other girls in my department if they got the meeting request. Nope. They were safe. We shut the door to our office and all started crying. Through my tears I asked, “What are we going to do? I’m getting married in 7 and a half weeks! The military doesn’t pay very well.” So on and so on.

We all cried until it was time for me to officially receive the news. I was the last to arrive of the people getting laid off. “How are you doing?” a co-worker asked. “Well, not great. I’m getting married in 7 weeks.” My boss, another manager, and a lady from HR came into the room. The HR lady handed us a letter about our termination in employment and read the letter to us. “BLAH BLAH BLAH” is what I heard. “I don’t care about your stupid letter” I wanted to scream. She asked if we had any questions about our benefits. We found out we’ll get paid out our PTO and not be getting any severance. EXCELLENT! We might be able to keep our computers if we want. I don’t need it, but hell yeah, I’ll take it.

I spoke up in the meeting. “I don’t know what is a better way to inform people they’re getting laid off, but for a lack of better words, it was really crappy to get an e-mail to have a meeting with a group of people. I would have preferred if my boss or the other manager would have come and talked to me directly.” The HR lady thanked me for my feedback and said they’ve tried it both ways in the past and they didn’t really know what is the best method either.

I left the meeting pretty much feeling worthless. I went back to my desk to gather my things and was informed the rest of my department had a meeting at 3:00. Sarahk also told me a guy that’s technically in our department was also laid off. His wife just had their third child and he’s their only income. Oh man. I feel for him. I went to talk to him and we exchanged contact info and wished each other luck.

I was just about finished packing up my stuff when the other girls came out of their meeting. My boss came over to my office and apologized. Sarahk got onto him about not telling me himself. He said it wasn’t his choice. He said he’d write me a letter of recommendation and do anything he could to help me find another job. I invited everyone to the wedding and hugged each of my co-workers wishing them all the best of luck.  

Sarahk is such an awesome friend. After the department meeting in the morning, she went into my boss’s office and asked if it was too late for her to volunteer to get laid off. I know she only did it so I would be safe. That was so sweet of her!

Sarahk invited me over to her house for dinner and a glass of wine. I had two glasses- hey, I had a rough day. I tried calling Jesse on my way over to Sarahk’s but he was already at work and didn’t answer. I didn’t want to send him a text about my current lack of employment. I called my mom and bawled like a baby to her. Why is it that Mom’s have that effect on their children?

I was finally able to get a hold of Jesse and let him know. He asked if I was okay and if I wanted him to see if he could get off and be with me. Of course, I said yes. I got home from Sarahk’s and Jesse was cleaning the kitchen and had gathered all the trash. We stood hugging and crying for awhile and he reassured me we’ll be okay.

He continued to clean the house while I was on the internet sending out my resume. I’ve sent my resume to 5 places so hopefully, I’ll hear back soon.