So there is that
January 31st, 2009Monday started like most Mondays for me. I woke up, scrambled to get ready for work as fast as possible, raced through the Metro to make my transfer, and skated in the door just barely on time. Little did I know that was the last time I would have that same morning. I soon joined the 50,000 other people in the US who were laid off that day.
I have never been laid off. It feels a lot like being dumped except with the added bonus of worrying how to make the rent. Of course, I didn’t have someone assigned to watch me pack up my belongings the last time I was dumped. That was a particularly pathetic indignity. I would expect that kind of action if I still worked at a corporate job, but non-profits are supposed to be a bit more sensitive. That, and there was no similar action when a finance person was laid-off the previous week, so I struggled not to take it personally.
There was also the scramble to change passwords (makes sense, I was the IT manager), but since it was poorly communicated, I had people asking me for help. I took a perverse satisfaction in saying to one man, “Well, I was just canned, so they have to make you change your password so I don’t steal or destroy anything.” I needed someone else to have that dumbfounded and shocked look on their face.
I realize that wasn’t my finest moment, but I quickly turned to one of my (former) technicians and said that he could assist the man in changing his password and then explained to that technician why this man’s situation was different and how to handle it.
The technician mumbled on his way out the door, “Who is going to explain this shit to me when you are gone,” which gave me a small smile.
Friends helped me to carry out my sad little boxes of stuff, and we made plans to meet up later that night. One cab ride later, and I was back at home. I quickly showered and made some food because I needed to look pretty and be able to handle the wine I was preparing to drink.
It was really…rewarding to see how pissed my now former co-workers were on my behalf.
It is surprising to me how upset that I have been over losing this job. I didn’t particularly like it, especially since my beloved boss left in the summer. I have been job-searching off and on since then. The economy being what it is, I had decided to just try to stick it out. I suppose it is for the best because I get severance this way and qualify for unemployment.
I have spent this week mostly hiding out in my apartment. I have been cooking and cleaning a lot. I made lists of belongings that I had been meaning to sell but now have time to do so. It is funny when simplifying my life becomes something different then a philosophical pursuit. I filed my taxes. I applied for unemployment. I tallied up the coins that I have been rolling and stashing since I moved here. I searched for coupons on food items that I buy regularly. I found recipes to use up items I already have in the house.
I went back on Thursday to return some keys that they forgot to ask for and I forgot that I had. I got to see my co-workers again and say good-bye to one of my technicians who was moving back to California.
There was also a humorous moment when one of my vendors called. I was standing at the front desk, and the receptionist answered a call then set down the phone while he stifled laughter. He said that it was for me. I presumed it was one particular vendor, so I took the phone and explained that I was laid off and would no longer be working with him. Luckily, my replacement (a former technician) was also standing there, so I turned the phone over to him so that he and the vendor could make connections to speak another time.
I will be back on Monday too because my Roomba is set to be delivered then. I ordered it before I was laid off, and I am quite desperate for it to arrive. My old Roomba, Robbie, has finally given up the ghost, and the floors are getting nasty. I can only do so much with a broom when I have four fluffy mess-makers. Since I am spending all day in my apartment right now, the floors and their filth have greater power over me.
My assigned bouncer (the woman assigned to watch me pack up my sad boxes) suggested that I make lunch plans with co-workers regularly so that I would have an excuse to come back and make the bosses feel uncomfortable. That is just evil enough to make me smile.
