All it took was 15 minutes. After over a decade of working for my ex-employer, it only took a 15-minute conversation with HR and I was escorted out of the facility. The only thing that’s missing was a handcuff and my feeling of being a criminal escorted into my prison cell would be complete.
It was a typical day at the office. Early morning meetings, followed by phone calls and chats to answer queries. After looking at my “ TO DO list” for the day, I started working on the more difficult tasks (I’m a morning person and so I do the most difficult tasks early in the morning). “PING!”, a message from my supervisor: “Hey Chris (not my real name of course), please come over to meeting room XXX, I need to talk to you”. I thought it was a quick “hi, got a question for you” thing.
Standing outside of the door was my supervisor, an HR representative and a security agent. I was ushered into the room and with no time wasted, my supervisor went into what sounds like a well-rehearsed story-line of cost-cutting and restructuring, punctuated by “Today is your last day. As soon as we’re done here, you should exit the building”.
I was shocked, confused, disgusted, disappointed, angry. I thought it was just a prank. It has to be. How can they lay off people few days before Christmas? But it wasn’t.
I heard similar stories before. After all, this is not the first time my ex-employer laid off hundreds and thousands of workers. “It was brutal” one coworker said. Another: “it was heartless and disrespectful. I can’t believe we treat our employees like that. They’ve been with us for several decades for f#$!@ sake!”.
I was “with them” - 100%. I felt sorry for my colleagues who were let go back then, especially those whom I’ve worked with for several years. I felt the utter disappointment and anger in their voices and saw the sadness and defeat in their faces. I thought I saw and felt it all but I was wrong. It was nothing compared to going through it yourself. “Brutal” and “heartless” are kind words in comparison.
As an offshoot of our annual employee survey, we have a “suggestion box” in every corner of the building. It was one of those “ideas” to encourage people to share their thoughts on things that matter to them and to the company. The thought process is, when employees are part of the problem-solving process, implementing those solutions are much easier, more effective and low costs. It's ingenious. The only thing I wasn’t sure though is what happens to those “suggestions” submitted by the employees. Are they really being considered by management? I’m pretty sure, laying off people to solve the liquidity problem of the company was not one of those suggestions.
Long-tenured workers who accumulated several years of steady annual salary increases of 1 to 5% made them the main target of cost-cutting initiatives. Replacing the old (high paid workers) with the new (low paid ones) is the name of the game. It makes perfect sense when you only look at the numbers.
Back to the HR room drama, I wasn’t allowed to leave the room. No goodbyes to friends and co-workers; no parting emails to colleagues from across the continents (they are probably asleep anyways; pun intended). Literally nothing. The HR representative asked if there are personal items I left at my desk. I uttered them from memory as best as I could. Moments later, the security agent came back with my personal stuff, my laptop, bags, cellphone etc. I asked if I could open my laptop and back up some files, but the answer was no. “Everything in your laptop is company property and will be purged”. Dam! It was months ago since I backed up my files.
We went over some documents at a “high level” particularly the terms of termination (translation: read it yourself at home before signing and returning them or if you’re not happy, get a lawyer). “Any questions?”. No words come out of my mouth as my brain was still blank like the blue screen of death when your laptop crashes. My brain needs to reboot.
And that was it! I was asked to leave the room and the security agent escorted me straight out of the facility.
Can we make the lay-off more humane?
It took a while for my brain to comprehend what had just happened. What an inhumane treatment of employees I thought. First, you get called into a meeting unexpectedly and unprepared. Then they rush to tell you that your services are no longer required. Next, they give you a contract to sign to avoid getting sued. No thank you, no sorry, no goodbyes, no negotiation, not even time to think it through. I feel like a worn out machinery that needed to be disposed of as junk quickly! And by the way, they make sure that you don’t bring with you any company property. The trophies and plaques for the merits and awards you garnered over the years – they are company property, not yours.
Disheartening as it is, it’s the “people” within the organization that makes these harsh decisions. And it’s the “people” who administers the firing process for the unfortunate ones. I’m pretty sure we can find a way to treat each other with respect and dignity, while we still can.
As a side note, I saw a video once about future predictions, particularly on the subject of “the types of jobs that will be taken over by AI or robots”. In retrospect, I think the HR’s job of firing people would be the perfect job for these heartless robots of the future.
Great companies look at problems as opportunities to prove that they can stay true to their corporate values. How companies approach a problem is what separates the great from mediocre. Take for example a company that had to face the same fate during the 2008 crisis. Instead of laying off its people, it opted for mandatory one-month unpaid leave for all its employees including executives. The initiative saved $20M in cost – double the amount of the projected savings from layoffs.
My ex-employer is a multinational company with over 100,000 employees worldwide. Ideas abound on better ways of solving a problem - without the demeaning and inhumane treatment – had they used such talented minds to help ideate and find creative solutions. But my ex-employer rather took the easy way out – layoff workers.
What's more demoralizing is that during our quarterly town hall meetings, my ex-employer proudly reminds everyone that employees are its greatest assets. Yet, at the first sign of financial woes, it’s workers become the sacrificial lambs. What a hypocrisy.
Life goes on
It may seem disheartening to hear all these outrageous employee termination practices (I’m surprised there are still people who stay in these jobs of firing people!), but guess what, come the next day, it’s business as usual for the lucky ones who get to keep their jobs. The most common rationalization – a necessary evil to protect the company and the “greater good” (translation – treating employees like pieces of used furniture to protect the bottom line [profits in financial terms] and meet wall street’s estimates is a good thing).
What’s also amazing is how quickly, employees who escaped the chopping board, dismiss the brutality of mass layoffs. When you come to the office the next day and you realize the hundreds of things you need to do, the financial and volume targets you need to make, and the bosses hovering around you all day long reminding you of deadlines - yesterday’s trauma evaporates 1,000 times faster than the early snowfall in late Autumn. The ticking sound of emails hitting your inbox or the chime of meeting reminders will make you ignore the empty chairs that your former colleagues used to bust their asses on to meet deadlines and bosses’ expectations - even at the expense of missing crucial life events e.g. taking care of your wife who just gave birth, graduation rites, death of love ones etc.
Remembering those precious moments that I've missed makes me cry. Emails have a better fate in a corporate setting. Less important emails can be stored temporarily and flagged for future reading but life's precious moments – if you missed them, they’re gone forever.
Life’s curve balls
Timing is everything. Not just in stock or crypto market but in almost every facet of life. Losing your job just days before Christmas is extremely annoying and perplexing. All your holiday plans and wishes vanished.
Moreover, we just bought a house. After renting the entire of our adult life, my wife and I agreed that our growing family needed more space. We thought it is a good decision after weighing the pros and cons of home ownership. But few weeks after moving in, I lost my job. Although we still think buying a house is the right decision, the timing could have been more forgiving.
Another surprise - health insurance. Insurance in the US for self-employed or unemployed for that matter is outright ridiculous. For a family of four, the monthly premium is between $1k to $2.5k depending on your coverage and your provider. Having a medical insurance shouldn’t have been a big headache if hospitals and clinics accept patients without insurance as long as credit history is good. But they don’t. Most hospitals and clinics require a proof of insurance as a prerequisite to being accepted as a new patient. Getting an insurance that is less popular and less expensive does not give you many options either.
Lessons learned
Not a full list of lessons but two quick ones that I thought would be helpful.
Be brutal and unforgiving
Constantly be vigilant for opportunities in enhancing your career within the company and be brutal and unforgiving in pursuing them. Ask for a raise, a promotion or a bonus like it was your last day. Because when you are lined up on the chopping board – your employer will not show mercy.
Write your farewell speech and keep it handy
If you are the type who cares about saying goodbye to your friends and colleagues, you better have your speech or parting email handy. It takes a while to capture those perfect words for your emotional and heartfelt adieu so take time preparing it. You won’t have an hour or a minute to write it when your time comes to be shoved out the door.
P.S.
Losing my job is a blessing than a curse. It allowed me to sleep longer and better, eat healthier and take a breather. I get to spend more time with our kids - more time to play, read stories and kiss them goodnight (as opposed to arriving home every night when everyone is asleep and leave early in the morning when all are still sleeping). The unnecessary, self-imposed pressure is gone and we are living a much better life.
A good life until cash runs out. Cash is still king unfortunately in this part of the world.
Despite what's happening, many people just don't have the guts to pursue freedom. Thinking that you're secure working for a big company isn't anymore prudent nowadays. Whenever you have the opportunity, choose to have multiple streams of income and never rely on one source (like an unforgiving employer).
That's so true...that's very wise that you said...and that's to have multiple streams of income,....well said
Good you have family and time.
Hey you got steem too.
Keep on sharing .
All of this happens a lot at call centers in the Philippines. I once overheard an HR staff saying "I have low attrition. - I have to pump it up." - The account disappeared soon after my resignation, but I'm not happy about that. Some of my friends had to work farther from home after the company moved.
This really resonates. I'm in the UK, where we have socialised medicine, stricter employee rights and a fairly comprehensive welfare state. During a recent trip to California, I was discussing these very issues with a friend, who was being told to let staff go before Christmas.
As an expat, he was struggling to come to terms with the treatment of employees and what would happen to them in the US.
Here in the UK, we have seen an insidious erosion of workers rights and social care, all in the name of 'better business'. I have been a passionate voice, over here, against going the way of America.
California was a real eye opener for me and made me realise just how lucky we are in the UK. It also made me even more determined to fight against a corporatocracy.
A world where employees are dehumanised to fulfill the bottom line, is a world without compassion or empathy for all our fellow man.
It's symptomatic of a system diseased with greed an corruption at it's core, a cancer which is, unfortunately, spreading at an exponential rate.
I'm glad you've been able to take the positive from your experience and spend time with your family, doing things which truly matter and hope you are able to find another role, within a company who truly appreciates you.
thanks @looksfarwoman for your insightful comments. Must have been tough for your friend to be the one cleaning the ranks. Not familiar with UK labor laws but it sounds like much better than the US.
My friend managed to save a couple of jobs in the end, and managed to postpone the other lay off until after Christmas. We are very fortunate here in the UK, our employee rights are very fair, for the most part, and, although we have seen them somewhat eroded under our current government, we are still much more fortunate than our American friends.
I may be biased but I'm glad to be British; no guns, free healthcare, affordable medicine and great employment laws. I have many friends in the States, and love to visit regularly but I'm grateful for the benefits of being in the UK.
Finland is pretty similar to the UK. There is no such thing as medical bankruptcy for average income citizens here. The people who can get into trouble with their medical expenses tend to be heavily medicated pensioners whose excesses on reimbursements for medicine costs have been increased lately.
I've been in multiple situations where I've been let go unfairly. After what I believe to be the 5th time I said enough was enough, and started a new company. Now that I've found steemit, I am full time crypto and still run my business. While not financially free yet, I am going to get there and I have a feeling crypto will pave the way.
Corporations are just uncaring, inhumane money printing machines whose sole purpose is to generate profit. At least under the current rules, which were written by those that own the vast majority of stock in those corporations.
With automation about to replace nearly 50% of all paid work we are facing a major change in society. How we handle that change will determine how our generation is viewed by history.
Agreed. Corporations are all about profit. I have seen many other terrible things. Automation is actually one of the reason of the mass layoffs. Robots are now cheaper than their human counterparts and tax free.
JOB=Just Over Broke.........@sandalphon you are now more valuable than you have ever been.
thanks @storjockey.
I feel for you as I had a somewhat similar situation happen to me a few years back. I worked for a large company in Canada (which was #2 in its specific industry), which was bought out by the big dog (which was #1 in the same industry). Due to antitrust laws the sale took quite a while to go through and the buying company had to abide by a wide range of rules in order for the deal to be allowed, which they agreed to. As part of this they were required for a period of time to keep the 2 company separate instead of merging them all under 1 corporate name. Over the next year the main company started making tons of acquisitions of shitty little companies all over the place, wasting money like it was going out of style, and after a period of time were legally able to merge the 2 original companies into the main companies umbrella, and with this me and all my co-workers (1800) were let go at the same time, as one morning near Christmas we were greeted by a was a locked door with a note on it stating the company was having money problems and would need to let us all go, and for us to call a number on the note to schedule a time/date for a 1on1 release where we were to return any equipment we may have on us and to sign all the needed termination papers. Basic jist is corporate loyalty is a thing of the past, and these big companies would throw pretty much all their employees under the bus if it meant the survival of their waste-filled ways for an extra 5 seconds.
With all that said, that situation was a good thing in the long run as it forced me to leave the world of big business which I am thankful for as I am now working for a great small company with people I personally know, which allows me to work from home and set my own hours, and best of all do work I actually like doing. It was a blessing in disguise and knowing what I know now, I would never go back!
its ling but interesting ,
I'm glad you were able to see the positive and light out of this unexpected tormented experience you went through. I'll keep you in my prayers. There will be plenty of doors open for you and you'll be happier :) Sometimes, what we planned isn't exactly how it's supposed to... because what's unexpected is normally the better plan for us. God Bless and you'll be fine!!!!
Thanks @suematters. God bless you too.
Damn, dude! That's cold!
It's as if they wiped out every memory or existence of yours from the office
Hope you get a good break and things work out.
thanks @branlee87. It is ice cold which caused me fever for several days.
My supervisor was just canned 2 weeks ago... spent more time at the office than anyone else for no extra incentives and cared the most about doing the job the right way... also happened to be a really nice guy. Out of nowhere "hey pack up your things, thanks for the 15+ years service, bye". Less than a week later his successor was in his desk.
sorry to hear about your supervisor @hayd. A lot of good, honest, hard working people are being canned for selfish reasons I bet.
But here is the catch:
The hard working arent the ones that thrive on the job market.
Two things are most important in the end: charisma and networking.
couldn't agree more. office politics and affiliations are more important than performance. I've seen it, live through it in almost every employer I had.
It’s an experience shared by many, including me. Your career will never be complete unless you’ve been let-go, laid off, downsized, outsourced of fired at least once. I can promise you with absolute certainty that in a years time you’ll look back at this from a better vantage point.
Thanks for sharing your story.
thanks @morningtundra for speaking from and sharing your experience. I'm confident things will turn out fine but I also know that it will be a bumpy ride. Your parachute will never open until you jump of the cliff.
It happened to me five years ago. I knew it was coming. Everyone around me was far more upset than I.
Three months later, a friend invited me and a few more of the recently-unemployed to a happy hour. It was a networking event. He had also invited recruiters and hiring managers -- all of them strangers. As I entered the room, I felt this stale, nasty, jagged energy coming off of everyone around me. It was as though I could smell fear.
Yes, it was that work smell. I had lived with that every day of the past 20 years. The previous three months had given me time to decompress and come up for air.
I left the event early. I knew I could never go back to that world. I knew I couldn't tolerate that work smell again, once I had left it behind.
Wherever you end up, it will almost assuredly be better. It might not have the same money or perks, but it will be better.
And hopefully, it won't have that work smell.
Trust your life is better now brother!!
Lemme guess, did your ex-employers company name start with an A and end with a T?
The rich own the poor, that is how capitalism works
no doubt @anarchyhasnogods. hope the bitcoin revolution changes the balance of power.
bitcoin will not change who owns the means of production
This post has received gratitude of 12.08 % from @appreciator thanks to: @sandalphon.
Thanks . I always feel smarter after reading your posts. Please keep sharing your thoughts. interesting post
thanks @anik-hassan for the feedback.
I will not say sorry for loosing your decade old job.. but I will say Congrats as you have now more time for better life -- your children.. (at the end of your story). Keep it up boss!
thanks @davinsh.
That was so so so brutal... this company should be shut off.
so much for job security aye
This is so sad. I'm literally crying. What happened to all our "do unto others what you want them to do to you". Sometimes I wonder if there is a certain reward (that I do not know about) for being inhumane. It's so sad but true.
I do believe that where the Lord closes a window, somewhere else he opens a door of bigger opportunities. I totally wish that for you.
👀 a blessing it will be.
thanks @thot2word. I'm postive I'll see a door opening that's much better than old one. More blessings to you as well.
In job you have to obey your boss. If you wish to become a job provider, then start a business. So i suggest you to become a job provider rather then job seeker. :)
hope u get much better opportunities in near future and better life after all ups and downs~;
happy new year in advance~
Happy new year to you too @kwonjs77.
Hoping for GREAT new beginnings for you. But this did make me sick to read; I'm so sorry. What a horrible experience.
thanks @kayclarity.
Thanks for the lesson!
Resteemed by @resteembot! Good Luck!
Curious?
The @resteembot's introduction post
Get more from @resteembot with the #resteembotsentme initiative
Check out the great posts I already resteemed.
This post was resteemed by @steemvote and received a 42.6% Upvote
Sorry this happened to you @sandalphon. Glad you are looking at it with a positive lense. It makes a big difference!
thanks @metatrone0.
Good post :)
this happens everyday in my country, the best thing to be for oneself is to be skillfull..you will be just fine and trust me better opportunities are coming for you..
thanks @dimples.
A really good article. I worked at a bank several years ago, and that is exactly how they treated the supervisor and managerial personnel who were layed off. My whole department was axed. Yeah, it was pretty much a cheerleading effort of the supervisors to whip the employees into matching higher and higher quotas, and then not having money for raises, and giving bonuses to the shareholders. The cold corporate world.
same here @shevans. several departments up to the last man/woman were axed.
He who has the power to hire has the power to fire but don't worry things gonna work out
better future will be yours
It is quite thoughtful of you to have this post under the tag "life". This is basically a lesson in their regular 8-5. Its cold and unfair out there, always have a plan B (having plan C,D and E is even better.)
I hope that things work out for you. I think it was shameful what they did to you. I think even AI robots in the future will probably know better than to fire people during the holidays. Firing people during the holidays is really dumb. I can't imagine it sends a positive message to the employees that still work there.
thanks @therecantonlybe1. I've never expected they would do such an act. I was actually very confident that Thanksgiving and Christmas would spare us all when it comes layoffs.
Really sorry to hear this @sandalphon . You are right about the curveballs. I used my 20th vote of the day on you so I hope my 3 cents helps a little. I will follow you and support your the best I can on steemit. Perhaps you will become a whale here and laugh all the way to the bank.
thanks @cflclosers for the feedback and upvote. Your 3 cents is much appreciated. On the bright side, i have more time for steemit which I really hope could help alleviate the cash pains of losing a job. A whale would be a dream come true but I know its a shot at the moon base on my 3 month experience here on Steemit. Best of luck to you too.
Yes @sandalphon . We will get there together. It seems to be all about who you know on here lol.
They sacrifice the ones below because the 1% of the company are not willing to tighten their belts. Capitalism worships money. Unfortunately, the little people are the lamb. There are a lot of companies which operate the way yours do. Very sad. Very inhumane. On the upside, you're closer to your family and now have the opportunity to find a better employment which, hopefully, won't turn out to be as heartless as the last. Good luck! :)
thanks @unspeakableme. you're right, 90% of the world's wealth belongs to 1% of the population. we are living in a DOG EAT DOG world unfortunately.
So sorry to hear this, but its disappointing how selfish certain companies can be. Im glad you are coping with it well and definitely handling it in a productive manner. I only wish you the best and keep rocking on
thanks @axioz. yes, we created a world where fear prevails. Fear fuels our survival instincts which fuels selfishness.
I like it! Subscribe to your blog!
Very elaborate article about a real life issue. Corporations are about money and most of the times borderline unethical. I hope that you get a much better job and these guys face some consequence of letting you go without reason.
Your post is so true. Having worked for a few big corporations I have seen how dehumanized corporate culture has become. You are no longer seen as a person but a number taking money out of their (executives) pockets. The company I currently work for has been moving more and more jobs overseas which makes me worried that my own position could possibly be moved over too. Its awesome that you have kept a positive outlook on the situation by being able to spend more time with your family and focusing on the important things in your life. Good luck in your future endeavors!
thanks @morganj16. Good luck to you too.
I read your post... it made me stop and just say this...My first reaction is you come across quite genuine and balanced, that's good for your well-being. as it is a tough experience. Well not much has changed, not since the period almost ten years ago I left that environment. I was on the other side of the equation i.e. doing the layoffs as a GM/VP of a division or in any number of management roles - large, medium and start-ups.
I see one my favorites: Peter Drucker. He was spot on about a great many things about business management. One can always find a pearl from him which can apply to most any business circumstance. They are never outdated - business truths rarely are. But avoidance when it suits a problem, thrived.
Many managers I knew or reported to, did not accept the point he was making in that quote. We need to cut this and this many to get a short-term benefit for reason x, y or z. Failing to execute, innovate, deliver, customer sat, quality, spending to achieve whatever the plan was...rests solely with "top" management. When a sales rep does not make the numbers - they go. The reverse rarely occurs or far too long or sometimes never. The employees become expendable - and dispensed quickly.
Recurring layoffs, redundancies , do not, will not fix a bad plan or ineffective company top management at any level. Short-term gain for a long-term outlook? a stop-gap for acquisition? or a spiral downward to closing the doors. Saw much over many years/decades in high technology. Its happened before and it will again and continue to happen. Nothing changes in this regard.
Losing your job is traumatic but keeping your spirit and opportunities open and keeping yourself busy, will help immeasurably. Who knows...you may start a business or become a crypto-success...possibilities. Good luck to you and hoping you always have a satisfied mind.
thanks @bluelazer for a very informative feedback. I got through the trauma quickly thanks to our two little angels who keep m super busy. Got plenty of ideas to survive the next few months and has started to narrow down to 3 to 5 choices. Crypto trading and Steem blogging are on top but I'm not closing my eyes on other opportunities that would ultimately presents themselves. Wish you luck as well.
Its been said, true success...is paid to play. Good luck and a better new Year!
I know how you feel as I once was layoff too. It came unexpected and worse part I put my heart and soul into the job. I spent over 50 hours a week and sometimes even weekends and was on salary without overtime.
That was almost 10 years ago and now I am do not feel I am better off. I am still doing the same type of work but with a different firm. What I have learned from my past is that there is no such thing as loyalty. It is a business decision and at the end of the day if I get layoff I can not take it personal.
Most of our time in life is at work for the typical 40 hour a week job. Naturally everyone needs to sleep so that leaves a lot less time with the people we care about the most, friends and families. Yet to many corporations the only thing that matters is the bottom line.
You have reminded me that I should stick my neck out and ask for more money. Even in my current job any hour over 40 I am not earning any overtime. What is all the sacrifice I do for then? Thanks for opening out of your experience and giving the same advice I have deeply thought about but been fearful in expressing them in fear of retaliation. I can not take it personal and it is my duty to financially protect my family.
Good luck on your future endeveors and may your fill your time in life with doing things that has meaning to you. Thanks.
Sounds like we are in the same boat. I've given so much for the company as I felt compelled to return the favor. 60 to 70 hours a week was not alien to me at this company plus 80% of my time was spent traveling out of the country leaving my wife and kids on their own for 2 weeks per travel. Thanks and wish you luck as well.
Wow! I feel for you!! The same thing happened to me once, and they actually had a police outside in case I caused a disturbance! Unbelievable right???
Glad I did not see a police outside but judging by their look and demeanor, the security agent that escorted us were professionals.
I figured that my company having police there was more an issue of their mentality; and it showed how little they really understood me...I would never, nor have ever in my entire life, created a scene where the police needed to be involved!😄
Sorry for that mate. I have been there and Felt the pain.
But its a good piece of text, and Very toughtful.
Two things striked me most:
Be agressive about your job opportunities. If you recieve a proposal dont be sentimental with the Company you work now. Because they wont be If one day they dont need you anymore. Dont think twice and Gran the best offer (Just mind that best pay isnt always the best offer)
While being unemployed (like i also am now) you need to rethinking your life and work. Especially nowdays there is New opportunities coming around. Rethink, and try to look for better opportunities that also contribute for you life as a whole.
Be strong. Better times always come.
thanks @phgnomo. I heard of the first (in your list) several times from friends and colleagues but did not pay attention to it but their words of wisdom came back to kick me in the ass. Was wondering if I'm in a better state had I heed their advice. Or maybe experiencing the layoff was really meant for me as I need to learn something from it to be a better person / boss / entrepreneur / father / friend / mentor / investor / only God knows at this point but I'm confident I'll find it out soon.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I wish my upvote was worth more for you. I have been through something similar this year as well.
thanks @apsistrading. your upvote is much appreciated. Hope you are coping well from similar experience.
That's just atrocious! I'm sorry this happened to you. Stuff like that make me lose hope in humanity. We all lack compassion some more than others. When one door closes another one opens. keep your head up! I wish you all the best.
Wow! That's cruel. I know this from movies, but not from real life. In fact in Austria this Kind of treatment should only happen, if you have done something really wrong... Good Luck for your future and a job with more trust in ther employees!
thanks @sonci. Time to add Austria in my job hunting list then. I've been to Austria multiple times during my expat assignment in Europe. It's a beautiful country!
Yes it is ideed. It might be hard finding a job without speaking german though. 😉