Loyalty Means Nothing

It's been a tough week here in Noolieland.  I'm not looking for sympathy, but I do feel like venting a little; I hope you don't mind.  Feel free to just skip right over this post; I won't be offended.  Come back tomorrow though, because I'll have a real post, complete with FO's.  I feel compelled to warn you, though, that they're all pretty mindless knits, but at least they're FO's.  Seems mindless is all I can accomplish lately.

Begin Rant

Last Monday, Hubby went into work as usual; I didn't have to work as it was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and, being a municipal employee, I had a holiday.  So, Hubby went off to work and I met Patti at the gym for a little workout.  I came home and noticed a box on the kitchen table and wondered what Samm was sorting out now.  Then I noticed that the stuff in the box looked remarkably like the stuff you might find on and in someone's work desk.  Have you guessed where this is going?

After over 25 years of service, Hubby was called into the office of the Big Boss, where his boss already was, and told that he (along with 20% of the workforce) was being laid off.  Effective immediately!  While Hubby was aware of the 20% layoff going on, he never dreamed he'd be a part of it.  It wasn't all bad though (insert sarcastic tone here);  because of his many years of service, he is eligible for a severance package.  A Whopping three weeks!  WOW - Thank you so much, ASSHOLES! (I'd apologize for the language, but I'm not sorry.) He also has 5 weeks vacation, so he'll continue to draw a check for a total of 8 weeks.  Woofuckinghoo!


I've been told in the past that I tend to hold a grudge; this has always been true and I've tried to work on that aspect of my personality.  That being said, I certainly hope I never see Hubby's ex-boss again; and if I do, I hope he has the good sense not to speak to me. I can't be held responsible for the words that may spew forth from my mouth if he so much as says "Hello" to me.  How's that for holding a grudge?   

As you may imagine, the tone around Noolieland has been a bit somber.  Thankfully, Clover is there to brighten my days!  Without that sweet, innocent little munchkin around, with all her funny little smiles, I think I'd totally lose it.  As it is, it's very difficult for me to concentrate on much of anything at all (other than how much I despise certain people).

End Rant

I know I owe some of you e-mails, but to be perfectly honest, I can't remember who and I'm too lazy to go through my inbox and my sent folder to figure it out.  If you're waiting for me to get back to you, please e-mail me again.  I promise to pay closer attention now.

I started this post saying "I'm not looking for sympathy" and I'm not.  But, we could sure use some  good knitterly vibes coming our way during the job search and transition period!

Comments

[margene]

This is something I worry about everyday and, in fact, we talk about it often. Not that it really helps to talk but maybe we won't be blindsided. My best to you and your DH!

[Shannon]

You'll get good vibes from me. That just sucks! I hope he finds something soon!

[Carole]

I was wondering if you were going to blog about this. I'm glad you did. You know the knitting and spinning love will make things seem better.

[Karen]

I'm sorry it happened but more so I'm sorry they had to do it in such a lousy way. Good vibes are being sent your way.

[Jeanne]

You may not be looking for sympathy, but you have it from me. That really sucks, and having been there myself...

[Melissa]

Just remember...when one door closes, it's because another has opened to something even better! Hugs...

[Charity]

Oh, Julie, yikes. Sending lots and lots of good vibes and thoughts for a successful job hunt and transition time. Hang in there together...

[Amy]

That sucks, I'm sorry. These things really do have a way of working out for the best. Wait and see.

[Sara]

Oh, honey, I am so sorry to hear that! What the hell ever happened to loyalty from companies? We as employees are expected to be loyal to the company - but, some how that doesn't translate into them being loyal to us.

I know that a new and better door will open - but, you have my good vibes and thoughts in between time!!!! -

[marianne]

shit. That's rather like 'getting fucked sideways with a chainsaw, and none too gently either'... that's happened to me and there are days I still walk a little 'funny'.....I'm SO sorry to hear this, we're talking serious sucks.
Hopefully and I think I can say this for all your friends, something better will come along and the fact that he was with that company so long will speak volumes, you know? Plus the fact I believe you have all manner of good karma, both you and your husband. Good vibes already on their way.
What can I do for you? Seriously.

[Hillary]

Oh man, that really sucks. I'm sure many of us have been in your shoes and can commiserate. Even 8 years after the fact, we still bear a grudge and refuse to use the services of a very large rental car company that let my husband go pretty shabbily after 10 years of service. Who, me - bear a grudge? Never.Anyway,I can say that when it happened to us, my husband took out all of his anger and frustration by sanding the paneling, priming it, and painting our whole rec room. Got any projects that need doing?

[Carol]

Julie
I'm so sad for you. To think after 25 years of service he gets 3 weeks severance is downright criminal! I'd tell everybody I know that my family has been wronged.
Thinking of you and sending you warm (get it?) thoughts.
Carol

[Manise]

I am speechless here! I am SO sorry this happened and how your DH was treated. Can he collect unemployment since he was laid off? Sending you good knitterly and spinnerly vibes your way!

[kristi and otis]

Don't worry about feeling the need to reply to my comment or to e-mail - just a friendly hey to all that blows in your home right now - also, swearing is cathartic for the soul ;)

[Danielle]

What an unpleasant surprise. Sending some good vibes your way to help make the transition easier (hopefully).

[Sheepish Annie]

Oh, no! That is horrible. And I find it inexcusable when companies don't give their people a heads-up on these things. And to make cuts across the board without considering years of service? So. Not. Cool.

I am thinking good thoughts for you all and I hope that things get better very, very soon. ::hugs::

[Colleen]

Oh effing crap. we are doing the finger crossed dance here- things are not too settled in the shipping business (and lest not forget the $$$$ poop line we have to pay for even though we won't hook up)

It makes me nuts that you work your bum off for years and then just get shit on and are expected to smile and say 'thank you'

bah.

oh and maybe we can compair notes on holding grudges? I know I have issues, but take too much joy in plotting vengance to even want to "work on it" so it will be my flaw forever.

[lisa]

Sucks! What kind of work was it? Don't worry about emailing back... thinking of you all...

[trek]

Yes, that sucks dirt.

Agreeing with Sara: "Oh, honey, I am so sorry to hear that! What the hell ever happened to loyalty from companies? We as employees are expected to be loyal to the company - but, some how that doesn't translate into them being loyal to us."

[~Kristie]

I've got good vibes flowing to you right now! I HATE the private sector and am so grateful my hubby works in the public sector.

Is it too early to say: "Everything happens for a reason".

I'm glad you have Clover to keep you happy. Isn't being a grandma wonderful?

[Mel]

Rabbitch and I have decided that Addis are great for stabbing people. They wash off easily.

[brenda]

I just need to say that sucks! Hopefully (for the ex-boss) he's not a taxpayer in York...
Hey, on a brighter note, do you know what time we're to be there on Saturday? If not, I can email Amy.

[Chris]

I'm so, so sorry to hear about your husband's job. :( *hug*

[Zonda]

That stinks!! Sending good new job finding vibes to your hubby!! Glad you have Clover there to cheer you up! ((hugs!))

[Debi]

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this Julie but I'm thinking of you and yours and sending "good, new job" vibes!

[Sarah]

Consider the vibes sent!

And for what it's worth, I think you have every right to hold a grudge. I'm still holding one against my last employer, and I haven't worked for them for almost three years.

[Arleta]

Well, that's poopy of them! Hope everything works out for you guys. I understand the grudge thing, I'm a grudge holder too.

[Norma]

OUUUUUUUUCH. Life is so rotten sometimes. There is just no other verdict. I'm so sorry you're going through this crap, and I can't imagine the pain you're both feeling. The punch-in-the-stomach feeling your husband must feel! sonofabitch!

[Heather]

Oh, honey! Sending you all the good vibes I can. that "serverence" package is an insult. Do let us all know what hubby does for a living, so we can do more than send vibes, but maybe some leads. And you have no need to apologize for being pissed. Loyalty has no worth anymore in business and it makes me sick. love you.

[Cathy]

OH that does suck. We went thru that a couple years ago. Tough times for 6 months (panic mode) but things with the new company are ever so better. I hope the same is true for you, too.

[Dana]

I'm going to second Melissa here. I have truly and repeatedly found(and this is not a platitude, believe me), that when one thing ends through no fault of your own, something better and brighter comes along. So, here's my wish for you...Mr. Noolie gets a job with half the hours and twice the pay. And if his bosses get trampled by a herd of rabid goats, who the heck am I to complain?!?!

Sending lots 'o love and warm thoughts your way!

[Amanda]

Oh, Julie... I'm sorry! That really sucks, and I hope that he finds something quickly. What an awful thing to have happen.

[Lisa]

I hope it all works out for the best in the end, but in the meantime, I'm sorry that you have to go through all that. Hugs!

[AuntieAnn]

So sorry -- that not only sucks, it's got full-on shop vac suckage. Not mere dustbuster suckage, no siree.

[Kathleen C.]

damn, Damn, DAMN!
Inexcusable, cavalier... "assholes" said it.

I'm with Dana... I'll start rounding up rabid goats for the ex-boss trampling right now if you'd like?

[Gina aka Sleepy Eyes]

Oh, Julie, I'm so sorry! How horrible those assholes are. It figures that after years and years of loyalty, he's let go so easily....it seems to happen more and more lately. I hope things are getting a little better there and my thoughts are with you. : )

[Cheryl]

3 weeks??!! That's the worst severance package I've ever heard of! I don't think you can even call that a severance package. I'll be hoping he finds soemtihng else soon, that has got to be so stressful for you both.

[Marianne]

what an ar$e!! Is there no redundancy package? I felt so sad reading your words, scary...wish I could help! x

[Kathleen]

Well, I got "let go" in November for whatever reason. My boss is telling every one he "let me go" because I can not do accounting. I just graduated magna cum laude with a degree in accounting. Think I can still get a job??? He is on the top of my A$$hole list. My degree is not even worth the paper it is written on. The part that really stinks is that I worked for the town that I live in and still have to face these questions whenever I go into town. AND it is a crappu time to be out of work. I can't work in the garden. It is freezing cold outside and going for walks is not on the top of my list. So, I knit and knit and knit.

[Debby]

I am so so sorry, Julie. That totally stinks. To work there 25 years and have only 3 weeks pay? Definitely insult to injury. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully something even better is just around the corner for DH. ((hugs))