This is going to be quick.. and ugly.
I was fired today. Well, let go. Sounds nicer that way, not to mention you qualify for unemployment. 8.5 years at the damn place and not so much as a warning that it was going to happen. Bastards. My boss told me the following:
"We don’t have much work (not what he said a month ago when I asked him for something to do) and based on the goals that he set for me last year (um if he set any he never ever communicated them to me) I hadn’t made any changes, so if there was work, he didn’t think I had the bandwidth to do it. It would be better for both of us if we just parted company now."
Better for whom? Certainly not me and my kids.
Screw bn.com. Shop at Amazon. Their prices are better and I suspect they treat their employees better. 8.5 years I was there and I was branded by association with a particular project that turned out not so popular. I was banned from working on other projects because of it. They set me up to fail, stuck me off on the side where there was nothing to be done.
I’ll work on my resume tonight, have myself a margarita and start job hunting tomorrow. I can’t say if I’ll be posting updates to the WIP Wipeout tomorrow, I hope you all understand.
Damn.
51 responses so far ↓
1 Nancy J // Mar 14, 2006 at 7:41 pm
I’m so sorry. You feel like you’ve been punched in the stomach and lost at the same time. Apply for unemployment tomorrow. (There’s a week waiting period after you sign up.)You already know to check with all competitors first, if that’s still the field in which you want to stay. If not, there is some kind of reason for this which you can’t see now, but it’s for you to better your situation. Honest.
2 Nancy J // Mar 14, 2006 at 7:43 pm
P.S. Hugs and chocolate to you. Group hug, too.
3 Carole // Mar 14, 2006 at 8:02 pm
Well this just sucks, hon. I’m so sorry and wish I could do something. Looking back on this, at some point, I hope it feels like it’s for the best – but right now I know you’re just reeling.
4 Rachel H // Mar 14, 2006 at 8:32 pm
Big Hugs, sweetie.
5 Katy // Mar 14, 2006 at 8:44 pm
I’m so, so sorry.
I can’t believe they just dropped it on you like that.
Big hugs to you, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that some wonderful opportunity comes your way soon.
6 Norma // Mar 14, 2006 at 8:53 pm
Oh, Risa, that STINGS. And stinks, too. I’m soooo sorry, and send big hugs your way.
7 Lola // Mar 14, 2006 at 9:06 pm
Oh, I’m so sorry about this. I certainly understand this, being in somewhat the same position (only I got laid off when company lost contract). Best of luck getting something that work out so much better for you.
8 Kathy // Mar 14, 2006 at 9:14 pm
I am so, so sorry. That just stinks. I’m sending positive vibes your way.
9 Angelia // Mar 14, 2006 at 9:45 pm
Oh Risa, I’m so sorry! That sucks so much. I can relate to how you feel – I was fired from a job when my daughter was less than a year old. As a single parent, that’s a very scary thing. Hmmpfh (not sure how to spell what I’m thinking)! I may have to boycot bn all together! Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you – I, too, will be sending good vibes your way!
10 --Deb // Mar 14, 2006 at 10:18 pm
What?? Oh no! I am so sorry!!
11 Rosa // Mar 14, 2006 at 10:21 pm
Ohh, man! I am so sorry. I wish you the utmost luck in finding another job.
12 Marina // Mar 14, 2006 at 10:45 pm
So sorry about that. What they did sux big time.
13 janna // Mar 14, 2006 at 11:03 pm
Oh, sweetie — so, so sorry……
14 mamacate // Mar 14, 2006 at 11:34 pm
Holy crap Risa.
I’m so sorry. Screw them. That bites. I don’t know what Rhys’ schedule is like tomorrow, but she’ll be in NJ, and well, you know, they’re always looking…
Hang in there. You can do better anyway. I’m hoping this is one of those moments you’ll look back on and say “thank goodness.” I’ve got one of those. Felt like hell at the time, but looking back, well, thank GOD.
15 margene // Mar 15, 2006 at 12:02 am
WTF!? Can’t help but think there is something better around the corner. I’ll send good thoughts your way for a quick turn around!
16 Brenda O'Brien // Mar 15, 2006 at 1:15 am
bn.com just lost a customer, a frequent customer.
17 Cathi // Mar 15, 2006 at 1:49 am
Big hugs to you. I am so sorry about your job loss. It sucks they did that to you. As I was told recently when God closes a door he opens a window for you. You will find that window and better things are to come from it although it is hard to think about that now. My thoughts are with you and your twins at this difficult time for you. I am thinking of you and praying things turn out for the better for your family.
18 Claudia // Mar 15, 2006 at 8:01 am
Oh man, I had to read the post twice before it really sunk in! What a rotten thing to do and have happen to you!! I am so sorry, Risa!! I wish I could do something to help! I wish you all the best of luck in your job hunting.
19 Susan // Mar 15, 2006 at 8:13 am
Well, there’s nothing to bring someone out of lurkdom like some big news, and this sure is big. It really pisses me off when supervisors don’t give people who work for them any feedback and then want to take a negative action based on the inability of an employee to meet expectations that were never communicated. I’m going to stay out of bn.com and their bricks and mortar stores, too. I hope that things work out for you — I’ll be thinking about you and sending good thoughts.
20 Eva // Mar 15, 2006 at 8:20 am
Oh no… I can not believe that!!! But as others said, you’ll find something else and probably better too!
I can’t get over the fact that in the US you can get fired or let go from one second to the next… that sure doesn’t happen over here.
Crossing my fingers that you’ll find something new soon!!!
Hugs, Eva
21 Christine // Mar 15, 2006 at 8:42 am
I am so sorry to read the bad news. I will keep you and the twins in my prayers. I’m sure there is something better awaiting you out there. Hang in there… and remember we’re all here with you!
Big Hugs,
22 Chris // Mar 15, 2006 at 8:47 am
Oh, shit – what a shock for you! I’m so sorry. And joining everyone else in sending out the good thoughts and wishes for an easy job hunt. Hugs, Hon!
23 Danielle // Mar 15, 2006 at 9:25 am
Oh, no! What a terrible shock. But, since I know you will look on the positive side … this will give you the opportunity to find a better place where your talents will truly be appreciated. And more time to pack for your impending move!
24 hillary // Mar 15, 2006 at 9:28 am
I am so sorry to hear that. I’ve only been let go once, about 15 years ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday and how badly it hurt. By way of encouragement I can say that it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. I got really pissed off, filed for unemployment and, as a result, wound up on a totally unexpected career path that has turned out really well.
Sorry if that sounds too sappy.
25 Cece // Mar 15, 2006 at 10:19 am
!!!
What the heck! I’m so sorry – but as others have said, hopefully this is one of those things that you’ll look back on as a good thing. But for now, not so much, right?
We are thinking of you. Have a drink for me.
26 Tracy // Mar 15, 2006 at 10:19 am
Oh Risa that just sucks monkey ass!!! Getting “let go” is never easy even when you know it’s coming(I had to wait for 4 wks to get “let go”). Everything does happen for the best though and somewhere down the road is an opportunity that maybe you never thought you’d get.
Lots of hugs, chocolate and wine !
27 juno // Mar 15, 2006 at 10:23 am
Oh dear. I’m so sorry. It’s a shocking feeling when that happens.
Want me to make a voodoo doll?
28 Tracey // Mar 15, 2006 at 10:26 am
Oh my gosh!! That is SO WRONG!!! I’m so sorry. I know…that doesn’t help the income any..but I truly am. (((HUGS)))
29 Allison // Mar 15, 2006 at 10:47 am
Jeez, Risa, I don’t even know what to say. I’m so sorry. Bastards.
30 Helen // Mar 15, 2006 at 11:24 am
Oh Risa, I’m so sorry! I hope things start looking much better on the job front very soon! HUGS!
31 Nancy // Mar 15, 2006 at 11:26 am
Oh my god, that’s horrible, although not that different from the way I parted ways with Barnes and Noble. I feel for you. I’ll let you know if there’s anything here at NYU. A free college education for the kids is a great benefit.
32 Liz // Mar 15, 2006 at 11:39 am
It’s SO shocking to have that happen. It’s only happened to me once but that was one too many times. When companies stop being part of humanity, there’s just something very wrong, and they’re all bastards.
I am so sorry. But if it helps, most people who get laid off go on to get much much better jobs, it’s s statistic that my sister sent me when I got laid off a few years ago. ALL good thoughts and wishes for you.
33 amysue // Mar 15, 2006 at 11:42 am
How awful, hugs and good thoughts to you and your family. The workplace has become such an evil environment for so many workers-no one has any job security and that just makes a stressful life that mich more crazy. Take care of yourself.
34 Jennifer // Mar 15, 2006 at 12:11 pm
I’m so sorry. I know that when I was reduced to half-time it was like falling into a black hole. And don’t get me started on having to look for another job. Hang in there. Drink lots of alcohol (but not too much) and stay positive. I’m sure all of us out here will be thinking good thoughts about you and your job hunt.
35 Judy // Mar 15, 2006 at 1:08 pm
Oh, Risa, I hate to hear that! bn.com won’t be getting any more of my business either, for what it’s worth. I know you’ll find another, better job soon, though.
36 Anne // Mar 15, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Sheesh – there’s not a lot to add – hope things work out quickly for you. Take care of yourself.
37 Ruth // Mar 15, 2006 at 2:19 pm
Damn. I’m so sorry to hear this. Here’s hoping that something new and much, much better comes along very soon.
38 JessaLu // Mar 15, 2006 at 2:19 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that, Risa. Good luck on your job hunting – I’m sure you’ll be able to find something even better than what you had
)
39 Teresa C // Mar 15, 2006 at 2:46 pm
Well that sucks. I’m not a Pollyanna type for the most part, but I’ll be looking for the better that comes out of this. It’s bound to happen.
40 Teresa C // Mar 15, 2006 at 2:47 pm
BTW-time to take that link on the left down and replace it with your Amazon.com wish list, don’t you think?
41 Sue // Mar 15, 2006 at 3:52 pm
Crap. So sorry to hear this, but maybe it will be one of those positive moving-on experiences, like leaving your apartment. Hang in there…
42 Elaine // Mar 15, 2006 at 4:49 pm
I’m sorry, so very sorry.
43 michelle // Mar 15, 2006 at 4:52 pm
What timing?? It does really blow, but your intelligent, tenacious, and resourceful – something better is on it’s way
44 Sara // Mar 15, 2006 at 5:30 pm
Damn, Risa. I’m so sorry. That sucks, no two ways about it. *I* trust you’ll come out smelling pretty rosy in the end – with a job you find more satisfying in lots of ways. But meanwhile – damn.
GL with it all – that’s a lot of changes you have on your plate in the near future. Which means a lot of stress.
45 Stephanie // Mar 15, 2006 at 5:50 pm
I’m so sorry. I hope they regret this every day of their tiny lives.
46 nicole // Mar 15, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Risa, I am so sorry to hear about this. It looks like it’s a big transition time your life. I’m glad to know that you have a good support system & lots of love from your kids.
47 pixie // Mar 15, 2006 at 9:02 pm
soomehow I missed this entry in bloglines, sometimes it eats them if I click twice… anways I’m sooo sorry how awful. I know how big copr companies can be, in partifular ones that work on websites and applications… It’s just one big old cluster BEEP and all you can do is hold on and hope for the best sometimes, least thats how I feel most days. My husband always says, you can’t feel bad at yourself for not doing well if they don’t give you the oppertunities and the leadership that allow you to be your best. I hate that I’m 27 and often think about NOT working for a living.
I give you all my good thoughts and love! Take care of you and yours, and know that once all of thise is over and done with and your in a better place, I hope you are happier for it all. I know that sounds dumb but you know what I mean!
48 Cara // Mar 15, 2006 at 9:17 pm
I’m so sorry! We’ve gone through this in my family and it’s not fun. But you will get through it. I know you will. Good thoughts coming your way!
49 Jessica // Mar 16, 2006 at 9:26 am
Hey – I worked for B&N too for several years (in the college stores) and don’t have too many great memories. I hope this is one of those events in life that you will later look back on as a good thing – an impetus for change. But gosh – right now I know things must really suck – Many good wishes speeding your way! I hope the dark days don’t last long.
50 Tanya // Mar 16, 2006 at 10:23 am
Hey Risa,
Wow. I am so sorry that you’re no longer here
I know you’ll be happy spending more time with your kiddies and it’s great that you landed the consulting gig with Bob. I wish you the best of luck with everything!!
Thanks for the knitting tips
I went out and bought new yarn and bigger needles, so I WILL FINISH THAT SCARF! Haha!
Take care!
Tanya
51 Lizzy B // Mar 16, 2006 at 10:32 am
Oh Risa I’m so sorry! Hugs to you, and hopefully this will allow you to step into something even better.