Some of you know (though none should really care) that prior to real estate I worked in Corporate America for 23 years. The last 2+ years as a Human Resource Manager all I did was shut down semiconductor factories and lay people off. I had the distinct displeasure of personally exiting over 2,700 people. There's not much that compares to having a grown man crying in your office, wondering how he is ever going to support his family after working for the company for 37 years.
Well, maybe terminating the young lady who is seven months pregnant and has no clue that her husband is three doors down getting the same message was worse.
Then there is the horrific story about the guy we laid off who went home and committed suicide. That was a really bad day. Talk about a guilt trip that will completely screw with your head.
Sheese, what a depressing post. On the bright and cheery side, I can't tell you how many people that I ran into later that said getting out of that hell hole was the best thing that ever happened to them. I count myself in that group.
This evening I found out my old pal Scott was just let go. He lasted longer than anyone else I know. And he's pretty bummed about it. Hang in there Scotty, it'll be all right. This clip's for you…
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St. George Real Estate 09.08.07 at 9:42 am
Wow that is some funny stuff. It also reminds me of the days when I worked in a 6×6 cubical. Getting fired really can be a blessing in disguise some times.
John L. Wake - Realtor 09.08.07 at 5:44 pm
My regret is that I didn’t become a Realtor 20 years ago!
It’s nice to know, at least, that I’m making more than the guy that canned me in the 1990’s.
There was one hell of a rough patch there but I wish it happened earlier.
Jennifer Steck 09.09.07 at 9:11 am
I was laid off twice, many years ago, as a mortgage loan processor when the interest rates were in the high teens. It is such a horrible feeling. It did teach me that I am more resilient and that there are amazing opportunities out there that I would have ignored before. Scott will bounce back better than ever!
Daniel Rothamel 09.09.07 at 11:40 am
That is some funny stuff (the video, not your job). I don’t call them cubicles, I call them “soul destroyers.”
Bonnie Erickson 09.09.07 at 2:02 pm
The video wouldn’t load for me. I’ll try later.
Our family is currently in this situation. My honey came home at 9:30 AM after getting the “we no longer need you” story. It’s not true, but the proof of eliminating a key position that the company used to expand their business and win new national contracts won’t be discovered for months or maybe years yet. Two years to set up a function. My honey was ever loyal. When he was solicited by head hunters, he always declined as he was loyal and his “job wasn’t finished yet”. Ah, well, moving right along with the ups and downs of life. The irony is my business started to pop so the powers that be are taking care of us for now!
As for me, the thought of a cube and 9 to 5 creates a true visceral reaction!
Thomas Johnson 09.10.07 at 12:08 pm
The crap people put up with just for “benefits” like non-portable health insurance and worthless stock plans.
Jay - The Phoenix Real Estate Guy 09.10.07 at 12:25 pm
Thomas - I still hold hundreds of stock options from my previous employer. My option price is $73/share. I haven’t looked at their current price lateley. Stand by……
Yeah, pretty much what I thought…. $17.02/share.
I think they expire next year. I’m not holding my breath.
Late Night Austin Real Estate Blog 09.17.07 at 10:17 pm
That video was pretty funny. What band was that? Also I love the term “soul destroyers”