Changes

There were layoffs at work today. A couple of people in production and one Project Manager from upstairs. I am concerned as I am the newest person there. We all knew it was coming, what company doesn't know that at this time in the world, more people will become jobless. And that the economy is not going to help them get new jobs.

There are usually 4 shifts in the printing area. In good times, we run 7 days a week. But it is not good times and we are a large rather prestigious company with expenses. They have modified the schedules down to two sections.

One of the layoffs was a guy that has been working here for 20+ years. He lives in the same home his parents owned, he has never had children or even a dog. And part of the reason is that he has epilepsy that becomes more and more difficult to manage with medication. He is a slow, methodical sort of guy, but he has the sweetest smile you could see. I don't know what he is going to do without a job as to others he may seem a tad "slow".

Another is George. He works in the shipping area or where ever he is needed. Shipping is a pretty important part of our business. We print and then ship the product for our clients. George is probably close to 60 years of age. What is he going to do?

The last one I will mention is Heidi. She has been a project manager for this company for a year. She has two boys and is in a rather protected status trying to stay away from her abusive ex husband. There are no prospects in this industry as everyone is hurting. From the paper companies, the ad companies, the printing companies, all of them. Our sales force (working on commission only) is pounding the streets like crazy for leads. The layoffs put pressure on them as they feel it is their fault. So this is personal. It isn't joe blow in the back that we see once a year that is leaving. These are good people who have become friends over the past 4 months.

Now, we get to me. The newest person in the company, I only work part time, I do not get vacation or medical either. I have offered to cut back an hour each day if there is a schedule change. Small help, but I want to keep this job.

I know this all is disjointed and poorly written, but it has been a very sad day. It has hit home now, as it will for thousands of people. And I almost feel guilty for being one of the people that still has their job. And we all feel helpless at this point because the owner who is a wonderful man would not have done this without having great agony over the decisions.

Hopefully things will get better. Hopefully these people will come back. Hopefully I will still have a job come Monday.