I've got to talk about it...

Last Friday morning we had a bldg meeting at work. Everyone expected it to be the run of the mill state of the company type of thing. A press release has came out the day before where one of our customers had blamed their failing company on one of our products that they claimed didn't work. We have proof that it works just fine, but they needed to pass the buck somewhere, and that turned out to be us.

Anyway, after some talk about being very late in delivering our newest product (over a year), the owner dropped the bomb on everyone and told us that the company was in very bad shape financially and would have to be cutting back on some employees. He then broke down in tears and it took him nearly five minutes before he could compose himself enough to continue. He apologized in advance to those who would be let go. He said they (the senior staff) would be deciding who would be getting the ax (excuse the term) some time this week. My boss is on vacation this week and is due back next Monday.

I've been trying very hard to keep a positive attitude and think that I'll be one of the ones that they'll keep. I've been working my fingers to the bone since the day I started, and I know I've proven myself to be an excellent employee. But deep down inside, I know I'm going to lose my job. I keep thinking that it's the last one hired, the first one fired. My dept only has two people, and my boss has been there two years. He has set up the dept from scratch and worked very hard for the company. If a choice is to be made, I can't see them choosing me over him. If I do lose this job, it will be devastating to my family. I don't know how we'll get by. My design business isn't making enough for us to survive on.

I'm scared to death people. I took a cut in pay to go to this company because I was told it had a solid future. And I had a chance to get away from the guy who treated me so poorly at my last job. Now I wish I just would have stayed. I hope I'm wrong and they keep me, but my gut tells me that at the end of the week they'll be letting me go.

I don't know what to do, and I know you don't either. I guess I'm just pathetically looking for some sympathy. I remember the days that as long as you worked real hard, your job was always safe and secure. What ever happened to those days?

Greg



"Beauty is truth, truth is beauty - that is all you know on earth, and all you need to know"

Hi ((((((Greg))))))): Gawd = the waiting to find out must be horrible.

Is it possible that middle or upper managers, (who draw much larger salaries), might be let go before you, as a new hire, might be?

I'm so sorry that this is happening. Sending you positive energy...

No matter what, I know you'll land on your feet, but still, this sucks...

Warmest regards, Peanut

<font color=blue>HI FROM PEANUT</font color=blue>

Greg,

I am glad you decided to talk about it. People here care about you so much, there is no reason for you to bear this alone. I only wish I could offer something more than sympathy and prayers.

Life just seems to be so unfair sometimes. And it can be very hard to stay positive. But one thing I know, you are a strong person, and have overcome every obstacle thrown your way. And I know you will overcome this.

All my prayers are with you.
*hugs*
Jo

<font color=green> If she spins fast enough then maybe the broken pieces of her heart will stay together, but even a gyroscope can't spin forever</font color=green>

Greg - Ugh! I'm so sorry! This is one of those moments when I wish I could come up with that magic sentence which would make it all better. Haven't quite managed to find it! A lot of us have been through similar stuff, so we know that ache in the stomach. Just know we are all pulling for you. I'm hoping for the best. Keep us posted on how things are going.

Take care!

Emmy

"Compassion is my religion" - The Dalai Lama

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Bp}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Here's a REALLY BIG HUG. I wish I knew what to say, but I feel for you. I've been there, and I'm there now. You may have just gotten that job not long ago, but I have faith in you that you've made a very good impression on them. Maybe it's not your time just yet. Try to think positive, dear. It's hard not to worry, but do what you can to stay focused on the here and now. Being scared won't change the future, but it can affect your work and personal self. Hope you are okay.

Greg,
You're in my thoughts and prayers; please keep us informed.
Hang in there,
Jon

KICK THE CABLE HABIT!!! http://www.vmcsatellite.com/?aid=84152

(((((((((((((Greg))))))))))))))

I am so sorry hun for all this that you are going through. Please keep thinking positive and we will all do the same here for you.

Love you xoxo


Heather

I'll give you some positive insight:
1- People with senority costs more money to the company! Some times, when there is a financial crisis, it makes more sence to get rid of the "expensive employee" than the new ones that cost less.

2- The fact that your boss contributed to set up the department is great, my question would be, what is his current contribution since the department is already set up, would he be considered a key emloyee now that "setting up the dept" is already done?

3- Your boss and you are not the only choices when it comes to thinning down the payroll cost. I bet you there are other positions that are not quite as critical.

I am sure the waiting is hard, but don't worry too much. Being new may be a good thing for you. (you are probably one of the ones that costs them less!)

gab

((Greg))

This is some sucky news indeed. My heart goes out to you. However I do remember that you've gotten through some very rough times and knowing that I know you can do it again.

Nobody wants to have to go through job loss or the job hunting again but once you really know that you've done it before so you can again can help.

I don't mean to be trite. I'm so sorry this in on your plate currently. My prayers are with you.

<font color=purple> --zh </font color=purple>

((((((bptoo))))

Sorry to hear of the situation you have been put in....at times like this I think I would want to know then and there, as the wait and wondering can seem worse than just knowing for sure. Whatever the outcome, I wish you the best and strength during your wait for the news...and what it may be, I wish you the best to keep on keeping on, and for you the strength to cope either way in a positive way. Sending positive thoughts and the best of hopes to you and your family during this uncertain time.

______________
~KRIS~

If you think you have totally gave up, you haven't, because you are here!

you know Greg, I used to remember those days too, when I got my frist job, that is what I was told, as long as you work hard, your job is secure and you will never be let go..

What did happen to those days.
Today you hve to to have a degree to take out the trash at a company
and if you dont do that right they will hirre a differnt company to do it for you, till you learn to do it correclty or do what your owner is doing,

I am so sorry you thougth this would be the last "paycheck" job you would ever have to take, thill your design company took off. I know how you feel.. I am hoping and praying that your little dept, wont be the one axed...

Keep us posted ok

<font color=purple>
take time to heal thyself before trying to help others, or you will never get better

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Greg))))))))))))))))))))))))) I am so sorry! I know how very important this job is to you and I feel for you so much, this waiting must totally suck. As you know, Mike was axed from his job a few months ago, and he was a director there, and had worked there for over 20 years. He was very good at his job, and very well liked and respected. He never thought that would happen ... he was an extremely hard worker and very efficient. He is still devastated, but he is strong and a survivor, just like I know you are. I think that it could well be that in your company, just like in Mike's former company, the very senior people drawing the highest salaries will be more likely to be let go before the newer, but excellent employees like yourself. Whatever happens, please know that you are in my thoughts, prayers and heart, and always will be. It was great talking to you on the phone the other day ... you really cheered me up even though you are going through so much ***** yourself. That is a very special gift you have, one of many

All my love hun,
Bear xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Im sorry that you live in a time when
the crack of the old American whip
will hit possibly close to you or on you
my advice to you is if you become a product of
downsizing then your life must reflect it
you will not be able to afford the things you
once did and your family has to understand that it will be a change
and it is nopt your fault
......Tell them" its the way of the world at this time, but things will be looking up in the future"

<font color=red> Be Frank Not Mizzy </font color=red>

Those days were good days, my dad had his job for 40 years, my grand dad too, that was to be a great thing back then to work up in seniorority (sp?) sad to say it is all in the past now, my husband , like others all sit on the edge, times are no longer secure, and when you reach the age of my husband, like you, it is unfortunately the thing we all have to deal with, it stinks, but never allow this to make you lose faith within yourself, and try to keep a positive feel out there, I am sending you positive thoughts and energies, dear friend.
Take care and please hang in there, I know what a rough time this is, we been through it and are most likely going to be through this crap again, possibly end of year or 2005, who knows, it is like spinning the wheel of fortune at a casino.
Sorry for the dark reply, but we are all cheering for you.

((((((((((((((((((((( bptoo )))))))))))))))))))))))

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Greg))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) So sorry to hear that. I'm sure that if you're going to lose your job, you'll be able to find another one. You're a hard worker and have experience. Will the company help by getting a career consultant for you? What about compensation such as termination pay?

I've been unemployed several times. The company I'm working for isn't doing as well as we thought. My boss (owner) is trying to cut my hours, and I'm on wages. I'm afraid that sooner or later, the company will fold, so I might be standing in the unemployment line myself.

You said you should've stayed with the other company - that might not have been a great idea. I've been there too, except that I stayed as long as I could. The problem was that I got sick - physically and mentally. I had a really bad boss, and I wish I had left earlier to avoid what happened. I ended up having to hire a lawyer, go on disability, and a mental breakdown.

Trying to figure out which is the right decision is extremely hard, and I know that you want to make sure that whichever you decide - you won't 'regret' later. Nobody knows what the future will hold - can only make the best decision at that time. Talk to us here, talk to your family.

You're in my thoughts and prayers.

{{{{{{{Greg}}}}}}}} To say that I am sorry would be an understatement.

I know what it is like to be unemployed, to take a pay cut and then get unemployed again.

I also know what a sweet, sensitive, highly intelligent person you are. You will make it, you will continue to provide and support your family. The strength and faith within you will help guide you to doing whatever you need to do in order to hang in there.

I also believe that the more expensive execs will disappear first - that only makes sense. You've proven yourself and your capabilities. If you are passed over and stay, I would still start looking for another position somewhere.

I am constantly searching for a job that is secure with a large, growing company. My prayers and love go out to you and your family. Please let us know what happens.

xoxoxoxox

<font color=purple>The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance - and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.
Oprah Winfrey (1954 - ), O Magazine, September 2002<font color=purple>

I'm sorry about the strees this situation must be causing you. Ugh As I was reading your post, that's all I could think. A couple of things I do in situations like this are to take it one day at a time. Today you have a job, a roof over your head and a good family. Second I try to remember that everything happens for a reason and some how God or the Universe or whatever you believe in, find a way to make things work out for the best. You made a good choice moving out of a job where you were being mistreated. The fact that the owner cried shows that you found a company that is run by a very compasionate man. I know this situation must be very scary, but I belive that it will all work out in the end, no matter what happens. All my best to you!!!! Hang in there! Annie

iwas so saddened to read your post.....but "its not over til its over"....so hang onto hope...........you seem like a wonderful family man.and a very nice human being........i know its hard to see through the fog right now but it will lift and there will be better days ahead...julia

(((Greg)))

<font color=red>~</font color=red><font color=blue>S</font color=blue><font color=green>u</font color=green><font color=blue>n</font color=blue><font color=green>d</font color=green><font color=blue>a</font color=blue><font color=green>n</font color=green><font color=blue>c</font color=blue>[gree]e</font color=green><font color=red>~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>

Thanks so much to everyone for standing by me thru this trying time. It's so stressful, and I can use all the support I can get.

About 12 employees or so were let go today from the Fremont office. It was done very discreetly. So much so that most people didn't even know it had happened. There were one or two middle-management people cut loose, but it was primarily employees from departments where they felt they were over staffed. Funny thing is that they have retained the services of some contractors and temps. I figured they would be the first to go.

I went to the HR dept near the end of the day and asked if the fact that I had not been talked to meant that my job was safe. I needed to know, and felt like I deserved that much. I was told that they still needed to discuss the importance of my position with my Manager (who is on vacation, and has no idea any of this is happening), and then decide if should be retained. But I was told off the record that withh the new products coming up to be released, I have a better chance of staying than being let go.

So anyway, I'll have to go thru another weekend before I find out for sure. Frankly, I've been thinking that if the company continues to not be profitable, it would be in my and my family's best interests to be looking for another job anyway. I really do love this job, it challenges me and brings out the best in me. But I don't want to live in fear of losing my job every quarter if we don't make our goal financially. I need to have some degree of security.

Well, I'll let you know what happens next week. Keep the good thoughts gang! You're all the best!

All my love,
Greg



"Beauty is truth, truth is beauty - that is all you know on earth, and all you need to know"

Thanks for the update, bp! I've been thinking about you and wondering. I'm glad that you are still there. I hope it stays the same after your manager gets back from vacation. Boy, what a thing for him to come back to from vacation! Hope you continue to hang in, and do still keep up posted. I'll be waiting to hear from you!

Hi BP I'm am so sorry to hear about this and can only imagine the stress this is causing. Try not to let the stress itself take a toll on you because as of right now you really don't know what is going to happen, or what the future will bring whether or not the worst or the best scenario plays out here.

Realistically I do have to agree that the "last hire, first hire" is something to be concerned about, but it is FAR from the only consideration here. Although you have not been there very long, it is also clear that you have made a very strong positive impression on them in both your interview and while you have been there... demonstrating an ability to do your job as well as being a hard-working employee all around. Both aspects of an employee are very important.

If you do fall victim to a "last hire, first fire" policy you can be sure that it is because of a decided policy, not an excuse to get rid of without hurting your feelings. If that does happen, at the very least I would think you could not only get an excellent recommendation from them, but also have some strong effort on their part on helping you find someplace else to work.

However I believe that is only a small possibility of possible outcomes. There are many other ways to decide who to fire. If this was an old company sailing along on past accomplishments and reputation, then last hire, first fire might be a good choice as a policy. But given the description of where you work, specifically currently developing a new product, as well as trying to get past a customer complaint, I think that other factors might provide much better ways of deciding who to let go.

Their goal is obviously to reestablish their reputation and continue to grow, and getting their new software out will be a key factor in that. In many ways the situation is like that of a new business startup. The key focus will be on product and customer support. Since expenses need to be cut, but those cuts cannot jeapordize the progress of this new product, I agree HIGHLY with the other comments here that it may be more important to consider cutting people with higher salaries, and keeping people who can contribute to the growth of the company (rather than the existence of the company) regardless of whether they are a new hire or not.

Under such cirmunstances it may make more sense for them to cut management rather than cut people involved in product development. A "startup" need to get product going, not have a lot of people managing when there is nothing there to manage.

Under such circumstances it is likely that rather than considering hiring date, they may consider how close each position is toward developing and producing product. Departments related to bookkeeping and other "housekeeping" aspects of the company may be cut back so that the people involved with the software itself have the resources and manpower to keep the company moving.

And although you fear having only two people in your department, in light of the latest comments that may be a really good thing. You're department can hardly be considered "overstaffed." They will consider how important each department is to the immediate goals of the company and how many people at a minimum would be required to provide the necessary functions of that department.

I think it is a very good sign that they specifically mentioned "cutting back overstaffed departments" because it sounds like that specifically refers to departments other than yours. At the very least I think it shows that the layoffs will begin elsewhere, rather than beginning with "last hire first fire".

Another factor in your favor is that if they are cutting back on personnel, it will not only be important to keep the most productive personnel but also consider that the remaining people may have to take on other responsibilities to keep the company covered on all bases necessary for operation. If I remember correctly, it was already discussed at your interview that although you have been hired for a specific position, you also have other software skills that might be of use in other areas of the company. At the time, those skills might have been discussed in terms of possibility of promotion within the company, but now those skills might be beneficial toward keeping the company operating with fewer people. If another department is having some cutbacks, you might be able to apply some of your knowledge and skills toward to pick up some of the slack and ensure that department still has enough resources to perform its function. It might not be a bad idea to remind them of that if you have a chance to.

None of this is any sort of guarantee but I do truly believe that it is a good source for hope, and a reason to flush the septic tank "deep down inside" of the "knowledge" that you are going to lose your job. It is very very far from a done deal. The people in charge are obviously giving this a lot of serious thought, and are concerned with their employees well being as well as with the future success of the company. Both of these bode well your you.

And of course there is always the "Joseph Campbell" aspect of this... not matter what happens it doesn't necessarily mean that any outcome will be bad. It is of course incredibly scary to even think about losing your job, on emotional grounds, on financial grounds. But even if you don't get fired this job may not be your current resting point, it may be leading to something better maybe even in the near future. Whether you are retained or fired right now may be an important element in something right around the corner for you. This is not to say you shouldn't be scared, you have every right to acknoledge that fear, but don't let it overcome you or let it cloud your vision to what other things are out there and even more importantly the other things that you have in your life now.

Good luck... I'll be sending as much positive energy as I can your way. Try to do something to take your mind off of it when you can, maybe plan something fun with your family if you can. This will all be there when you get back, and hopefully it will be that much closer to a successful resolution.

------------------------------------
--http://www.idexter.com

((((((((((Greg))))))))))))

Not knowing is hard, but it sounds like your chances are looking up. I hope so. Know that my thoughts are with you.

Wendy

<font color=orange>"Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. - Winston Churchill "</font color=orange>

(((((((((((((((Greg)))))))))))))))

Love,
Bear
xoxox

Greg, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. I firmly believe you should keep looking though - job security with a family is of prime importance.

xoxoxoxoxox


Money changes people just as often as it changes hands.
~ Al Batt