One of the things I hate most about the corporate world is that YOU as a person, just don't matter. No matter how much you work or sacrifice for the company, it just doesn't matter. When it is time for layoffs, how hard you work or sacrifice just doesn't come into play. You are merely a name on a spreadsheet somewhere. The people making the layoff decisions probably don't know anything about you, your efforts or your work ethic.
My job required me to be on "on call support" for nearly the last 20 years. That meant regular 2 AM phone calls dealing with system problems. Problems that could take several hours to fix. The phone ringing not only waking me up, but also my wife, my kids, the dogs. My job also required me to travel. I was on one project that required me to travel to Florida every other week for 2 years. We started early on Monday morning, which meant I had to leave on Sundays to fly down and be ready. The weeks were long and I flew back on Friday evenings arriving at the airport after 11 PM. The travel had a big impact on both me and my family. I bring all this up to show that none of this comes into play at layoff time. I was talking with a coworker the other day. It is almost like a big game of musical chairs. At layoff time, the music stops. Depending on what chair you are sitting in and if you have a chargeable work package tells whether you are safe or not. It doesn't matter if you are more dedicated or work harder than the person next to you. It is all based on the almighty dollar. The dollar that lines the pockets of upper management and funds their golden parachutes and their multi-million dollar retirement funds.
This is the 3rd time in 5 years that I have faced a layoff situation. The last 2 times, I had one foot out the door but was able to save myself by contacting everyone I ever knew and worked with over the years at this company. I work hard and I have a good reputation, which sure helped. But, if I left it up to management, I never would have made it through. They made no efforts to find me work elsewhere in the company,
If I do get laid-off, it could be a blessing in disguise. Working in an environment where you are always worried about being laid-off can be very stressful. And add that to the already stressful environment where it has become every man for himself. The backstabbing and degrading of others has become commonplace. People due it in hopes of surviving the next round of layoffs. It is pathetic,
I am still waiting to hear back from Greg. I contact him every day. But, I won't give up. "Cmon Greg, let's make something happen and get me out of here!"
"Here's To Your Success..."
Bill McManus
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