I live in Wisconsin. I work for an internationally known manufacturing firm that makes a really cool product. My company had been the darling of Wall Street for a long time. Our product has inspired films, music, art, and even tattoos... For a long time, we seemed invincible. We've showcased American manufacturing - proven that it can be successful and profitable. We've demonstrated that unions and management can work together for the mutual benefit of both. We honor our unions and view them as business partners. We have a unique culture and a workforce filled with decent, hard-working people. Maybe you can guess who I work for...
Today, we announced layoffs, and the merging and closing of some of our facilities. Today, in my world, it feels like everything is going to hell in a hurry. I don't know how bad it's going to get. The state unemployment office is overwhelmed right now, and in fact, ironically, sadly, they are short-staffed.
I'm writing this because I'm scared, I'm sad, I'm dispirited. I'm sad for myself, for my co-workers, for an iconic American brand experiencing weakness where there was once incredible strength.
This is economic for sure, but it's also personal. I have days, like everyone, where I'd rather not go to work. I get the Sunday blues sometimes. But I've been around the block in corporate America, and I thought I had finally found a home. I love my company, I really do. Beyond the obvious worry that I have about money and how I'll make it, I know I don't want to do this. I don't want to be in the job market. I don't want to go on interviews and send out resumes and play all the f-ed up games you have to play to land a job. I know that no matter where I might end up, I won't be as inspired as I am right now by my company and its culture. I'm tired. I just wanted to stay here. I'm attached. My heart is breaking just a little bit and I'm crying as I write this.
When people lose their jobs, it's not just about money. It's about losing your co-workers, losing the attachment you've formed to the culture and the company you worked for, losing the pride you felt in working for a truly great organization. It's the sadness of watching what was once strong being weakened by hard times.
I'll know in a few weeks if I still have a job. Whatever happens, things will never be the same where I work, and it hurts to know that. These are damned hard times, folks, and in more ways than one.