Post #430070 by Psycho Tiki D on Thu, Jan 22, 2009 4:14 PM

For right now I sit on the other side of the table(noting that I am saying "for now").

Although I have had to let people go for performance issues, I have never in nearly 25 years in management, had to let someone go because of hard economic times.

In fact, in the company I work for has 84+ years of being in business, which would include the last depression, has never had any layoffs. We thought we were in a recession/depression proof industry.

Next Friday, for the first time in my life, I am going to sit across the table from on of my team members and tell them they no longer have a job. Not because of anything they did, not because of anything they said, merely because of a painfully slow economy. It just plain sucks and I am not happy at all having to deliver the news. Not only is it a blow to the individual involved, it is a demoralizing stab to the team that remains. Thankfully the person is part time, retired and working to have something to do, but there is no rationalization that makes this task any easier.

I have been on the other side of the table and it flat out sucks. But I bounced back and found the next opportunity to be rewarding and extremely satisfying. The event opened other doors and I am grateful for the opportunities I found as a result.

Obviously, people handle the stress in different ways. That being said, there is no excuse for a boss or manager to be an asshole. It seems feelings are side-stepped and many people are hurt along the way.

Hoping the future becomes brighter for all of you. I don't know from one day to the next if I'll be joining your ranks. Keep your chins up and be proud. Make the best of your situation, because things will get better.

Yes, Sacramento as well (the burb's anyhow)!

D.

[ Edited by: Psycho Tiki D 2009-01-22 16:46 ]