The wheels of the bus go round and round
Well, it's starting. I'm expecting a big wave of layoffs by mid-morning tomorrow.
I should be okay in this wave; October to December will most likely be my scary time. The possibility that I might be wrong about all of this is always at the back of my mind, though, and it's really taken it out of me lately.
The one positive impact the stress has had on my life is that this marathon training cycle is going very well indeed. I've got three twenty-mile runs in the bank so far and three to go, and yesterday morning I put in eighteen miles at just over 8:30 pace. I'm pretty sore today, but that kind of a run is a good indicator that I just might be able to pull off another Boston qualifier in November.
Take your happiness where you find it, that's what I say. Where's yours right now?
7 retorts:
To learn that one is laid off on a Monday morning seems brutal to me. The only positive aspect I can think of is that it gives people maximum time to wrap up matters and look for what opportunities might exist while they work out their notice.
Sorry to hear about this hugely stressful situation! You are in my thoughts a lot. I keep my fingers crossed that all will resolve well.
In response to your question, my latest personal bliss is the National Aquatic Centre, a truly wonderful facility for swimming and watersports of all kinds. (They also have a fab gym - I might sign up for a combined pool/gym membership next year.)
Sunday mornings from 8 to 10 the competition pool is open for the use of the general public. I have taken to driving through empty Dublin streets out to Blanchardstown, swim my laps, then come back to a nice breakfast. Aah, happiness!
No happiness in exercise for me at the moment. I have just committed to getting back in shape, but this time there will be no running. Just walking, maybe weights and learn Tai Chi.
30 years ago I ran 5 miles a day, so I understand the high people get from that and also the anxiety when you can't go running.
I must say though, I get all my happiness from being of service to others. It's the only thing that makes me feel consistently good. Even if it's just some good advice or a ear when someone needs it. It could be charitable donations or volunteerism. But it always makes me feel good when I'm doing it and long after it is finished. Exercise, on the other hand, only feels good when it's done ......
Good on you, FZ, for helping so many people with your thought provoking blog.
I'm with Gord ... I get my kicks from volunteering, and helping others through microfinance. Oh, and more tangible stuff like cuddles, and good espresso coffee, and feeling the wind ruffle my hair when I ride my bike ;-)
Good luck with it all.
Thank you for the kind thoughts. I'll respond in more detail in the next day or two.
Bottom line: I was right about October to December being the time I need to worry. In the meantime, my boss didn't survive today's cut. I am devastated.
FZ, I am so, so sorry that you are having to go through this horrid, nerve-wracking experience. I would like to second Gord's comment that you are helping so many with this blog. Reading blogs provides some much-welcomed escapism these days, although I've gravitated more towards the food ones lately and have dropped some of the other, bleaker, pf blogs I used to frequent. ;-)
I also take solace in exercise. My gym fees are worh every penny because they provide me both with a wide variety of exercise (I am that odd duck who enjoys Pilates, weightlifting, and Spinning) and the social interaction I get there.
My DH and cats make my home a lovely refuge. And I am blessed with friends who love to cook and have us over to share a delightful meal.
Even in these difficult times I find it easy to count my blessings, as they are all around me. Thank you, FZ, for reminding me of this. I hope this difficult period in your life passes soon and that you emerge on the other side with your job, sense of self, and some happiness all intact.
It's hard to live on perpetual pins and needles. I'm sorry for what you are going through. Am curious (and assume it will come out as you reveal more) about what could possibly change between now (mid-September) and October to December (a mere 1/2 month to 2 months away) that could affect your company's view of you or the economy.
I've survived 2 rounds of layoffs, am not expecting to survive the next, which is likely to happen towards year's end (right before bonuses, of course). But I've basically been preparing for that eventuality, and have been (1) taking advantage of my company's perqs as much as possible and (2) squirreling away to carry my family for at least a year (with severe cutting back).
I find that no matter what, my comfort is always quite close, with my kids, and the silver lining of no job = more time with them.
Thanks again, everyone - these comments have been so unfailingly kind, and they've helped more than you know.
Layoffs are done for the moment. Our reorganization is in progress, and I'll find out where I land next week. There will be more waves of redundancies over the coming months. My main support network has been blown to smithereens, and I'm trying to build a new one. Boss and I are meeting next week to commiserate. He's starting to believe he's well out of it, and I'm starting to think the same.
I keep telling myself that all of this is out of my hands and there's nothing I can do except do my job well, keep up a good front, support my new boss (whoever that turns out to be), and network, network, network. If I do get whacked, I don't want it to be because I didn't try my best.
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