Friday, June 20, 2008

Cowardice

Budget cuts. Reorg. Pre-IPO. End result? Today turned out to be my last day at work, along with a bunch of other co-workers.

Surprisingly, I really did not feel any negative feelings about the turn of events, except to ponder why, in Corporate America, contractors are given notice when there is no budget to keep them on, but permanent employees are notified on the given day and escorted out 1-2-3. I mean, I understand about protecting business assets, etc., but it does not seem like the most moral way to end someone's stint at a company.

Anyway, I am very happy to report that I inspired the others in my office with my attitude. My boss was practically in tears, the office was in shock, and there I was nonchalantly cracking jokes and pleasantly organizing my files to my boss's satisfaction. But I figured this is what Hashem wanted, and what Hashem wants is always for the best. As I said to one co-worker, one door closes and another opens. So why on earth would I complain? My husband phrased it differently: I acted exactly like a very religious person should. What a cutie.

I was a bit disappointed though that HR acted, well, cowardly. I sent an email and followed up with a phone call because I had a number of questions about severance pay, COBRA, comp time pay, and so forth. But the HR rep responded by having the office representative in the California office contact me with the answers. Again, I understand, but a bit lacking in fortitude. After all, what is the worst that could have happened? That I would have yelled or cried. Neither of which happened, of course.

The whole experience taught me a valuable lesson though. I may work hard because I am a yekki. And I may enjoy the work that I do. But it is of utmost importance going forward that I always remember that no matter how loyal I am to my given employer, their loyalty is limited in return. Such is America. B'H' that I am a frum yid, because my priorities are always, firmly:
  1. Hashem
  2. My marriage
  3. My family
  4. Work
I wouldn't want it any other way!

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