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Thursday, January 21, 2010

I've always hated statistics.

I love words. I mean I LOVE them, with all capital letters. And as much as I love letters and words and sentences and paragraphs, that is how much I hate numbers and equations and all the specific and factual properties associated with them. In fact, my worst subject in college was statistics. I HATE statistics -- and now, my husband is one.

Mike was downsized from his job as a graphic/web designer/social media guru today. His job that he just started in August. His job that he really enjoyed. He was good at it; he could make telecom expense management sound interesting. Unfortunately, the company he was working for (until 1pm this afternoon) is struggling. Sales have been low, too low. Mike is not the first one they've had to let go. And he probably won't be the last.

He said his boss was unhappy having to let him go. She said it had nothing to do with his performance, just that she "is no longer being given the resources to fund his position."

I think we're both shellshocked, but not surprised. When Mike called to tell me the news this afternoon, I thought he was joking at first. After I hung up the phone, I went into full GO mode, making lists of things he needs to do, people he should contact. Then I put the list away. It can wait a few days while he catches his breath and processes it all.

This bitter pill has been made easier to swallow by the fact that they've asked him to turn in some proposals for freelance work. So there is some hope there. Another position he saw before the holidays (and considered with some interest before ultimately deciding he wanted to put his full effort into growing his impact at his then-current job) has been re-posted. He's already heard from a friend with a lead for some other freelance work.

So we're not devastated -- yet...who knows how we'll feel when the shock wears off. There is reason to be at least mildly optimistic. Plus, I still have my job and the few freelance blog writing gigs that I do each month.

And for the moment, we're finding humor where we can. When I picked the kids up from school today, Charlie asked if I could chaperone a field trip on a Tuesday morning.

"I bet Dad could do that," I said.

Then Robbie wanted to know if I was coming to school for 100s day.

"I think Dad might be there," I answered.

So I told them. "Dad was let go from his job today."

"Legos?!" yelled Robbie, our resident Lego addict. That was good for a laugh.

We'll keep looking for the laughs because they feel good -- and because you can't quantify them with statistics.

9 comments:

Momza said...

Oh I am sorry for the challenge that has been laid at your door today.
It just stinks. And nope, it ain't fair! I hope one of his leads pays off and this is just a 2010 "hiccup".

Anonymous said...

That really is hard, but it's good you are finding humor in it -- the Legos comment is priceless. I hope this is an opportunity for him to breathe, take up some of the slack at home (we can all use someone to do that, and what a great role he can play with the kids!) and look for another position. Making lemonade...

ruth holladay said...

Anonymous is really me, Ruth Holladay.

Eternal Lizdom said...

Well, drat. Praying for you and the family and hoping that whatever the reason is for this path becomes clear!

Marine Wife said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. But it sounds like you all have the right attitude and will get through this. Best wishes!

Nate's Mom said...

I'm sorry to hear this Amy. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family. Good for Dad getting to spend some extra time with the kids and their school activities. You don't get those times back. It sounds like you have good handle on this right now. Hang in there and don't let it get the better of you.

Sheri in CA (soggy CA)

Shelley said...

Well, crap. Excuse the unladylike language, but it seems like I'm hearing daily that some friend or her husband has lost her/his job. It is so frustrating.

Prayers for you and Mike as you meet this challenge. Hopefully, it will be one really low hurdle in the race.

Joanne said...

So sorry to hear about this. Been there and have the scars from many years ago. I had been with the company for 19 years and really didn't see it coming (sort of). Thought it was the worst thing that could happen (boy was I wrong). I did end up in a much better job one I LOVED. Sadly that will come to an end at the end of March - I was downsized but luckily offered another position elsewhere in the school.

Too many stories like this - sounds like he is a talented man with a fabulously loving family - you will all do great. Legos love it!!!

Maria said...

Sorry about the layoff, but you know the saying....One door closes and another one opens. Keep up the humor, it gets all of us through the toughest times. Prayers are coming your way.....