openscarf | (no subject)

Last year, the big layoff at work took place on the last Friday in January. Most of us are fully aware of this and think it will happen again in a few weeks on the last Friday. Several top execs have left for great jobs, Levi Strauss, Bare Escentials, Amazon. Yes, AMAZON. My most hated person in that place got a job there, they're moving his family to Seattle. I am thrilled for him and thrilled for me. A big negative force will be gone in a few days and he's going to something good. Hmm, did my metta meditation pay off for him? Man, can you imagine Amazon knocking on your door? I imagine it, sigh.

My good friend works in IT and last year, she got the list the day before, which is a schedule in 15 minute increments, covering our 2 distribution centers and corporate. She had to cut off access, on time, for about 8 hours (had to come in early for the east coasters).

I decided to start de-personalizing my work space a little at a time, so I don't have to worry about a lot of packing or coming back to get stuff. I have over 3 weeks of vacation, some sick time, and 6 years, which should be a little over 9 weeks of pay.

When I was chatting with one of my other good friends who is higher up than me (who isn't now? Although the company roster has not changed, I still have my title!) she as emphatically as she could, said I wasn't on the list from everything she has heard. She said I looked disappointed! I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. I guess I am a little! I know, I know, better to have the job while looking.

I had an interesting interaction with Netflix, they contacted me, but they were looking for a position like I'm doing now, not what I was. My recruiter is still with me. I just have to be upbeat and positive and confidant about it all.

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I hope the right thing happens, whatever that may be!

If a Netflix job becomes available jump on it. I think that company has a bright future.

I can understand the mixed feelings you have about being on that list. You seem ready to move on. They could do you a favor but it's hard to see a layoff as good news.

Many years ago I was comforting a coworker who felt he was on the layoff list. I told him he was a valuable employee and shouldn't worry about seniority. There was plenty of older 'deadwood' the company would cut before the younger people were let go. He did not get laid off but I was wrong about one thing.

I was laid off at the end of the week. Everything was decided by seniority. In the end there was good news. They called me back when they realized my deadwood supervisor couldn't do my job. They made me the department head the day I returned.

Sometimes a layoff works out for the better.

Whatever happens I hope it turns up roses for you.

Wow. Isn't it bizzare how no one ever really knows until that day and how still, the powers that be are often unable to determine who is a good contributor. How strange that you were asked back so soon! How did you react?

Believe me, the days of Netflix communications was thrilling, exciting and wondrous; I would not have hestitated for 1/10 of a second. I'm still just optimistic that they got in touch with me. And it gives me hope and confidance that something good is coming.

Thank you for the future roses!

They did not call me for six months. I was working for another company. I reacted by saying, "No thanks, it really hurt when you laid me off. I have another job.", but I was just playing the game. I had friends there. I knew my old boss was screwing the pooch. He was under intense pressure but he was old, lazy and unable to perform without good people working for him.

I actually hated my new job. I held out for a raise and a guarantee that I would be department head. I was 24 years old. They gave me both. I worked there another six years (13 total).

To this day it is one of my proudest moments in the workplace. I felt they shafted me and I did not care to crawl back with merely a "Thanks for my job back." I practically made the G.M. beg. It was sweet. He did not regret giving me what I asked for.

Sorry for boasting in your blog.

Pretty savvy for a 24 year old, I'd be proud too. I've seen several people get rehired which only emphasizes corporate's infinite wisdom - hah!

And feel free to brag or whatever in my blog, that's why I'm here.