I have been a horrible Daily Kos member as of late. Since the election I must admit that I haven't written any diaries. I barely found time to even stop in and read a story or two. All of that changed today with a phone call from my boss. I was told I had to lay off 6 of the people who work for me. It was the hardest thing I had ever had to do in my professional career.
Please follow me below the fold for more. I apologize for poor grammar and spelling in advance as I type through the tears flowing from my eyes.
Six names. Six lives I would have to destroy today. I had no choice in the layoffs. I work for a national bank who acquired another Wall Street bank. Today that Wall Street bank's leader left. It was disclosed that he just spent $1.2 million renovating his office.
Well, bank CEO's, I think you should read a bio of every employee you laid off. I know you won't read this, but I'm writing it anyway.
The first lady that was let go is in her mid 50's. She has worked for the company for 35 years. The majority of her retirement funds are in company stock which went from about $55 a year ago to around $5-7 today. Her husband has cancer and they depend on the company insurance to survive. I wonder if his treatments will be able to continue now.
The second lady is a single mother of three. Her husband left her a couple of years ago, was arrested, and does not pay any child support.
The third is a man who just came to the company two months ago. He uprooted his whole life and moved here for this job.
The fourth man just learned he would be a father for the first time a week ago today.
The fifth woman was just married and bought a house.
The sixth man just lost his father to cancer.
Let me tell you, I am pissed. After I laid off these employees, as I was told, I called my boss to let him know the deed was done. That's when he told me that I too was out of a job as of 5 PM. I'm not worried about myself so much. I got a decent severance package and will get paid for the next 46 weeks as if nothing happened. My bills will be paid on time, and so will my mortgage. Luckily my husband and I have saved for years on end.
What makes me sad is knowing the individuals I let go today will suffer. I wouldn't be shocked if they lost their homes. The injustice of this is that these same CEO's and executives are taking home their millions each year. They say it pains them to lay off employees. Does it really? I don't think so. I don't see any of them offering to work for $1 per year so that hundreds of jobs can be saved. Instead, they'd rather let those who live paycheck to paycheck stand in the unemployment line. These same executives know if they are fired or leave the company they get huge severance packages worth millions.
President Obama - do something. CEO pay must be on the agenda - and soon. Job creation must be a priority!
For all of you fellow Kossacks who are losing their jobs - I feel for all of you too. Times are hard. I am sure it will take me at least a year to find another job similar to what I had - if I am ever able to find one.
To my boss, what type of coward must you be to lay me off via the telephone? After I've worked under you for many years this is the respect that I get?