I love change... especially change that is forced upon me!

Bad News

My news is nothing new these days, but it's new to me... today I was let go from my job as a result of "downsizing" at our hospital.  Without question, it was the most distressing, humiliating, unexplained experience of my life.  Did I mention humiliating?!?  And imagine... the people who met with me (department director, my manager, and someone from HR), had the nerve to tell me how difficult it was for them!  No question, but a. that's part of their jobs as managers, and b. at the end of the day, they go home STILL EMPLOYED!, and finally c. did they really expect sympathy from me as they were firing me?!?  I'm really sorry, but that was not something I was at all interested in hearing, certainly not at that point in time.  The other really helpful platitude was "you're not the only one being let go"... well, you know, I certainly feel for all the other employees who lost their jobs today (apparently there were more than 320 full time staff let go), and frankly I wish we could all get together to commiserate over a stiff drink... but at that moment, that really didn't do anything to make me feel a BIT better!!!  

I'm trying to wrap my head around this, and I'm not doing very well.  So, while nothing anyone has to say will get my job back, please understand I don't expect sympathy from anyone.  I just really needed to get this off my chest... and there may be more wallowing &/or anger to come, so please forgive me in advance! I know I'm not alone, but this is my pain, my loss, and my experience to try to understand and process. 

In the mean time... 

Bubba

This is a photo of the little guy who is "boarding" at our house, for how long is unclear, but every day is a gift, either way.  He is really, really sweet... he likes everyone and other pets, even our cats.  That's his little "chippy" to the left of the bowl... he carries it out on our walks, too cute! 

Trust me, I am very happy to have Bubba here to help make me smile, and to make me do something for someone else... it helps get me outside of myself and my own grief.  

Comments

[Diane]

Kathy, I know you said you don't want sympathy but I just want you to know you have people out here who care, a lot! That just makes me sick!!!

[Jane Farr]

Blaaah. This stinks Kathy! You're right. There's no comparing losses and this is your pain and your loss. But as Diane said, there are many who care about you. I hurt for you. I hope you'll have the desire to journal and blog your way through this.

[kim mailhot]

Well, that just plain sucks ! Thinking about you and sending love and hope as you do your necessary wallowing.
Much love !

[Marion]

Oh no, I´m SO sorry, Kathy! Unemployment is a big problem in Germany, too, and that´s why I´m happy to have at least a half-time job ... You´re definitely not alone, and I hope you know that there are people who are thinking of you.

[Kristin]

I honestly can't even imagine. I've only worked for myself and family, so I've never been fired - we've just closed our businesses. I went into a 10 year funk when we closed our coffeehouse (The Goat - hence the name of my blog) I loved that place so much and we just couldn't make a go of it, so I sulked for literally 10 years. It took my husband's illness to jolt me out of my self imposed pity fest. I hope that you get a chance to enjoy some of the time off. I really do.

Kristin - The Goat

[Jane]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear the news. I'll be keeping you in my prayers more than ever.

[michelle ward]

hey girl - what a bummer about the job :( hoping this ends up being an opportunity for you to find something you might not otherwise have considered. i love that saying about doors closing...not sure how it goes. something like, when one door closes another one opens.....it's just those hallways in between that are too long :) crossing fingers the hallway is on the short side. xo

[Seth]

I am so sorry Kathy. This economy seems to be effecting everybody in one way or another. Thinking about you and so glad you have Bubba to keep you company now!