Friday, April 16, 2010

Another victim of the recession

Laid off.

After fifteen years in a variety of positions my road with my present company came to an abrupt end last night. So sorry Robin, we really respect you and what you do, your work has always been excellent and the quality top-notch, but we have to cut overhead and staffing and blah blah blah blah...

So.

Yeah, bite me.

I've been with this company ever since grad school. They haven't always been good to me, but over the last few years I'd developed a somewhat unorthodox position that really suited me, one with conditions I doubt very much I'll be able to replicate anywhere else.

Time for some stock-taking as I figure out what I want to be now. I've got a few directions to pursue, time will tell.

Anyone looking for a telecommuting business and marketing writer/editor ? Or have an easy way to become an internet millionaire? Or perhaps a winning lottery ticket they don't happen to need?

Onwards and upwards. It will all work out, eventually.

In the meantime though it pretty much sucks. Big time.
.

42 comments:

RoeH said...

Oh phooey. Hate it when that happens! I was forced out in 2005. I bet you come back with something better. :)))

This Eclectic Life said...

Crap. Sometimes life just sucks and there's not much to do with it. I keep buying lottery tickets ... if I win you will be the first to know :-)

Denise said...

I am sorry to hear fo your troubles. That really sucks!!!

Tammy said...

I'm so sorry Robin and I know exactly how you are feeling. Take a little time for yourself to figure things out, then don't settle. I know that's really easy to say, but in the long run you will be happier.

I've been getting interviews but it's taken a few weeks! Hang in there and we are all here to listen.

Fiona said...

That's rotten. But you know what they say....when one door etc. And truely with all your talent something new and better will come along.

Maribeth said...

I'm sorry, Robin. That just plain sucks!
Will keep my fingers crossed that a fabulous new job with appear before you!

Janet said...

Robin, I'm sorry. Maybe this is the opportunity you needed to get your photography up and running!

Heckety said...

Oh pits. I'm sorry. Bit sudden though isn't it? I guess it'll take a few days to get your head round it, and to be enraged, and then to calm down. I really am sorry though.

moneythoughts said...

I too am sorry to read that you lost your job. Many of us have been there too.

While I am not sure just exactly what you do as a telecommuting business and marketing writer/editor, may I suggest that you consider working as a consultant in your field. In that you have a graduate degree, you may be able to work as an independent contractor out of your home.

With all the start-up businesses I read about forming in Israel, I would think a start-up may not be big enough to afford a full-time employee, but could afford to out source what you can do for them. It is only an idea. You may even start with your old company and see if they would work with you on a new basis.

In that English is your first language (I assume), your talent at writing for seed money or additional financing for an Israeli company seeking funds in Europe and/or the States, may give you an edge.

Wish I could be of more help. If you want any additional help or comments from me, you know my email address, and I will be happy to help if I can.

Good Luck.

deedee said...

Zut alors.
I hope something comes your way soo. and then, send it my way :)

Jill said...

Oh yukky, yukky, yukky!! I'm so sorry to hear about this. It really sucks. Sending you nothing but good thoughts and hopes that you find something you enjoy soon!

xx

Jael said...

Oh Robin,I am so sorry! Hope you find something good soon.

Daryl said...

No good time to loose a job but so soon after vacation makes it just stink even more ... hey its their loss ... asshats

Unknown said...

Hey Robin! Sorry to hear that news, too. Happened to me last year in New York ... which is what led us to make the big move back to Israel. I was making $20 and hour working from home for a high-end oriental rug company. Now I make much less but I love my job as a nanny for a 6 month old bundle of joy. It's a job I never would have let myself take in the States but here it just fits me and I wake up each day looking forward to spending it with that little guy! I'm sure you'll figure something new and improved out when the time is right. Keep taking photos for now! Stop by the moshav someday if you can... You can always try your hand at making glass beads ... Guy loves to teach and share his studio. :) Shabbat Shalom!

Cheryl@SomewhatCrunchy said...

I'm so sorry Robin. You are in my prayers.

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Ugh. I'm VERY sorry to hear this; it's the company's loss, in a major way.

I know an author who could use some marketing help... hours are all up to you but the pay's lousy...

Wish I could do more to help!

Mimi said...

Robin, I'm sorry.

What a shock. And just as you come back from your break.

You've a very positive attitude, and that will be of great benefit in the search for another job. The right job is out there for you, and it will come to you as you look out.
I don't at the moment know any company needing your skills, but you never know, eyes and ears open.
Sending love and light your way.

Dina said...

Oi veh, that is a big and sudden change in your life!
I hope it can be an opening to something new and different, work that you will enjoy for as long as you want it.

Smalltown RN said...

You no what...that does suck...it sucks big time...it sucks that after all those years you are considered so dispensible....there is no loyalty from companies now a days...they expect it from their employees but it certainly is not mutual

I like your spirit...onward and upwards..one door closes another one opens...with your tanacity I am sure you will find a new adventure soon than you think...

Jinnia Low said...

So sorry to hear that...

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear this but it's their loss. Keep a positive outlook and something will come up :)

Kate Coveny Hood said...

Oh no! I'm so sorry. I'm confident that it will all work out somehow - but in the meantime...well that stinks.

Mojo said...

I already had my say on this elsewhere, but you've got the skill and the will girl. If you can afford the lag time while you get established, this might be the time to take your photography pro. You're certainly good enough, and you've got good enough gear to get started with. If you and Jay can keep body and soul together while people are finding out what we already know, this could just be the burning bush you've been waiting for.

Just sayin'. If nothing else, you can try picking up some paying gigs and keep looking for a day job, right?

quilly said...

What Mojo said -- and, in the meantime, I sent you an email with an idea that might by an occasional loaf of bread and jar of peanut butter.

You are in my prayers.

Patti said...

I'm so sorry to read this Robin. I've been through the unemployment stuff many times with Ralph. I've been a newspaper person forever, but he has had his share of layoffs and restructuring crap.

I agree with the others that you need to take some time for yourself and decide what course you want to pursue. I can tell you are the type to always fight the good fight.
It's just a temporary glitch on your path.

Ralph said...

This is bad, terrible. We all know that employment is 'at will', and we know that we are expendable. Yet we do our best, we work toward this profit making, always sure that our work is the best it can be. We know that we worked hard even if our travails are under appreciated, and in your case, forgotten

You have picked so much at this place, and combined with your intelligence and quick mind you will go further than before.

I believe!

Fairly Odd Mother said...

I'm sorry Robin! I hope you get something great, well-paying and fun soon!

Anonymous said...

Sux but you will be fine because you can actually DO things; unlike the assistant to whatever...

The talented you will be fine but it does suck between now and then.

Linda

RivkA with a capital A said...

def sucks.

good luck with the job search!

go to head-hunters -- they get money if they get you a job, so they are motivated to help you.

bichonpawz said...

Oh, Robin....I am so very sorry to hear this! I sure hope that you and your family are doing ok. You have a very positive attitude and your photography is beautiful...perhaps you can move off in that direction. Sending blessings to you.

Scribbit said...

I'm so sorry! I feel for you and totally sympathize. After going into our ninth month of unemployment I can feel your pain and guess at what you're going through. I hope you get through a lot quicker than we have.

OneTiredEma said...

So sorry :(
But hope you can parlay this into a new adventure somehow!

Minnesota Mamaleh said...

ugh robin! i am so so sorry to hear this. it is sad news. and you know what? it *does* suck and you go on and say it again if you'd like! sending many, many good thoughts your way!

Suki said...

so sorry to hear about this. Life's a bitch at times. Hope you manage to find a better job in no time soon. In the meantime enjoy this precious free time with your loved ones!

Phyllis Sommer said...

oy vey. i'm so sorry to hear it! hopefully we can soon say "this too shall pass" - i hope there's a silver lining to be had. sending love and best wishes your way...

Leora said...

Oh, dear. I don't even know what/where there are jobs now... everyone who has got one is holding on for dear life. Good luck.

anymommy said...

Yikes. I'm sorry. I know you will work it out, and it will probably end up better because you just strike me as that kind of person, but for now it sucks. Thinking of you.

kayerj said...

all I can say is ---I hope things work out. I'll be thinking of you.

InventingLiz said...

I'm so very sorry! Hope this can turn into a positive for you, the way these things sometimes do...

qandlequeen said...

That truly sucks. I'm sorry. Hopefully the next door in your life journey makes itself apparent very soon. Hang in there.

Jientje said...

I'm so sorry Robin. I'm keeping my fingers crossed a new and better job is just around the corner for you!

Grace @ Sandier Pastures said...

So sorry to hear that Robin. Recession really sucks and it scares me that a very proficient person like you got laid off. I'm scared for myself now!