Avoided being laid off on Friday - why do I feel bad?

[aggie79]

Please excuse me for consuming electrons with my ramblings, but I'm in a bit of a funk.

On Friday, my employer - I work for a city government - had layoffs. I still have my job, but I had to let go two of the people I supervise. One is out of the country and doesn't know she won't have a job untill she gets back. The "who" wasn't up to me, but doing the deed was. At least they will receive three months severance pay.

I was getting ready to make a big push to complete my teardrop this summer, starting this weekend, but this has taken the wind out of my sails. It doesn't seem right or fair that I'm able to work on a hobby, when others are now worrying about how to pay bills.

[Greg M]

I'd be worried about you if you didn't feel bad. There's nothing worse to do at work than let someone go who hasn't done anything to deserve it.
Just remind yourself that it also wasn't your fault, and then get back to work on the teardrop. It really is great therapy.

-Greg

[Steve_Cox]

I agree with Greg. Termination should always be a difficult thing to do, especially for business reasons. Perhaps you are in a position to help these folks find work. Often a word or two from supervisory staff is all it takes to sway a decision to hire. He is also right about the building your teardrop is good therapy, it can keep your mind in a productive place. Really sorry for the folks affected and for your part in facilitating the departures.

[S. Heisley]

It's not pleasant. It takes a while to get over letting someone go and I think the memory remains forever. I still sadly remember the first person I had to let go and that was about 35 years ago. He sat in his chair and quietly cried when I told him.

At least the person on vacation will have had a happy time before finding out. Think of how much of a downer her vacation would have been if she knew before. Three months severance is a lot better than two or three weeks. Some people have at least some idea that they might be let go long before they actually are; so, maybe these people already have some plans in mind just in case.

I believe that one of the main reasons that this deep recession hasn't been thrown into something like the Great Depression (so far) is that there is a large segment of the work force (baby boomers) retiring or ready to retire. That allows others to continue to work.

[StPatron]

I admire your compassion, Tom. I've had to play the role of mid-management hatchet-man during lay-offs and it was never pleasant.

I echo the advice of others, the best way to keep from dwelling on it is to get busy working on your build. The physical activity will do ya good and your mind will be occupied with other matters.

Excellent advice all.

[asianflava]

Working inthe Hi-Tech industry for many years almost made me numb to it. It seems like we had layoffs every year, I lost count of how many layoffs I had survived I quit counting at 6. Yes I'd feel bad when my friends were let go and I felt sorry for some who never got called back.

My sister in law in in the process of rennovating her kitchen, but feels that it isn't a good time because things are unstable (not for her though) at her work. I told her that you can't put your own life on hold because of work. If you keep waiting, it will never get done. Her kitchen plans have been in the works for years, she has saved enough money to pay for it all cash and still plenty of savings left.

The good thing about building a teardrop is that you don't have to buy everything at once. It makes for slow going, but I bought mine (like the song says) "a piece at a time." It didn't make much of a financial dent until I got to the high ticket items i.e. axle, aluminum, fenders

[Shadow Catcher]

It is called survivors guilt, and that you have it shows caring on your part. Is this a lay off or the end of the position?
The result of deregulate, deregulate, crash.

[Lookfar]

Tom;
I've been on both sides, and didn't like either. However, when I was laid off the last time, it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
As a result of needing another job, I found a career in an industry I didn't even know existed, enjoyed my work and retired last year. Had I not lost the one job, I might have missed a lot of what I've enjoyed most in life.
My point is, this may very well lead them to a change for the better. You can't change things, so envy them 3 months off with pay and enjoy building your tear.

[Sparksalot]

Tom,

If it helps at all, I've had the responsibility of laying off 30 of my staff in the last 18 months. I learned afterward at least one of them lost his house. His wife called me a heartless sob over the phone.

The whole thing is stressful for sure. I'm in development/construction, this is the only way to save my firm. Not fun at all, but necessary.

[Corwin C]

In years past we have hired seasonal employees. It was always difficult to let them go even though they held a temporary position. I pray that I never have to let someone go from a permanent position.

[dh]

The day it becomes easy to hand out a pink slip is the day you need to retire.

My company got creative and spread out the missery, instead of laying anybody off, they cut everybody down to 3 days per week.

[Mightydog]

My company got creative and spread out the missery, instead of laying anybody off, they cut everybody down to 3 days per week.

Yeah, my company did that too. Not easy decisions these days.

[ssrjim]

I'm the laidee.

Last Friday was my last day after 29 years....

[aggie79]

I'm the laidee.

Last Friday was my last day after 29 years....

Jim,
I'm sorry to here about your job loss. I wish you well in finding a new job.
Tom

[steve smoot]

Tom,

That brings back a flood of old memories. I was manager of a large engineering department, after 24 years, I could not sleep well anymore. I actually hurt having to lay off kids that I hired and trained. I had watched them grow up, get married, and start families.

I went back to school and got my contractors lic and built houses for the next 15 years. Maybe it's time for a change in your life as well?

Steve