Wednesday, August 5, 2009

More Than Just A Statistic

Okay. No more suspense.


My job was “eliminated” yesterday.


I am now a statistic. Female. Executive. Over 50. Unemployed.

I’ve been a statistic before, just not “unemployed”.

I’ve been married. Divorced. Single mom. Single working mom. All those things.

But never, ever, unemployed.

And certainly not in a recession, much less a bust in the oilpatch.


I knew it was coming, my boss let it slip that I was “on the list” two weeks ago. ThatManILove and I cut a traveling trip short, came home to Midland, went straight to my office and cleaned that sucker out. (I didn’t think I could stand the pressure of someone standing over me while I boxed up my office.) My boss told me many things yesterday. Affirming I was their top producer in 2008, affirming how I conducted my business throughout the almost 2 years I’d been there. But here’s the kicker - I need affirmation, and keeping my job, in some weird way, was one of the places I somehow got that affirmation. So, I needed to know “why”. I’ll probably never know the real reasons. My boss did tell me one thing - he said if he’d known the company was ever going to go down this road, he wouldn’t have brought me into the company at all.


I’m a rainmaker. I make rain. And I made a huge amount of rain for this company. The Lord seeds the clouds, and those clouds rain relationships, and I watch over those like a hawk. I nurture them like the best mom. And I win - because a huge part of those relationships become friends, and family friends at that. For those relationships, I am so very thankful.


My employer let me keep my phone, and gave me all day to do what I needed to do. I wanted to get out of there right away, but I took the time to send out bulk mails to all my customers and clients, letting them know I was leaving and giving them my new contact information.


In retrospect, I could have done that from the house. Immediately, my my work e-mail flooded. And I felt like I needed to answer all that I could, though I forwarded some to my home e-mail for later response. The voice mail on my phone filled up 3 times - before I could get it emptied, the messages recorded on paper for later attention, it would fill up again. This morning, when I awoke, the voice mail was once again full. I still have a magnum of phone calls to return.


And in the midst of all the storm, this is where things went right. People were calling to check on me all day long, and today as well. I have never felt so loved.


Now, my bloggy friends, you’re going to get to walk this road with me. My emotions are running the gamut, but I promise to keep the rants down to a certain decibel. Already, some hilarious things have happened. Welcome to Mi Vida Loca.

35 comments:

Ash said...

Oh Jeez Louise Janie.

I'm so very sorry for the "elimination." Words fail me. But my support will not fail you - bring on the rants!

Anonymous said...

I was so happily employed for so many years and had SO many responsibilities that I did with precision and accolades. During a vicious moment at work, I had no choice but to RESIGN. And within seconds, I was NO BODY. There's no way you earn respect at home, accolades and awards, etc. I was pointless. YOU will regain what has been taken away from you. I didn't because I gave up. I was 54. I was beyond consolation. DO NOT do that to yourself. Is there any way you can do this as "JANIE'S INC." ??????

Terri aka Pepsi's Mom said...

I have been divorced,and unemployed. Unemployed was worse...I think it was the lack of having any sort of control at all....
So much of our identity has to do with our work and earning capacity. I can't imagine you without a job for any length of time,
My mantra to get through anything....."This too shall pass"......
Someone is looking for your talent, I am sure!

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog for some time though I now live in Colorado. The only way your skills will be truly appreciated; the only way you will truly control events; the only way you won't be subject to the whims of some young whippersnapper in a gilded tower somewhere...is to work for yourself. You have the skills. I think you have the drive. What say you?
MSgt Mike formerly in Midland

the other Janie said...

Being "eliminated" could end up being the biggest favor they could do for you. I don't worry about you because i KNOW you will make sweet lemonade out of those lemons, at a huge profit to boot!
Hang in there, chicka. HUGS

Gwynne said...

Like the other Janie said, I am not worried for you. At all! Out of all those relationships will come many opportunities and the world is your oyster. The world needs/WANTS rainmakers...YOU are wanted! But I will still pray for a little peace to tide you over until the next adventure becomes obvious. ;-)

Canarella said...

God DA*$*&$*$*#( we knew it we knew it.....Ok I need a surgical assistant you game missy..???? Hey what did you sell ????? I know you can do anything your good.....at least that is what they say...Im here for ya girlfriend so lean on me...hey that was a song right??? Love U and God BLess....a new door will open. Lani

Rae said...

That really bites! I will be praying for y'all! I too though think you'll land on your feet. After all, who wouldn't want you? :)

♥ Braja said...

I'm with you girl....
xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

I really hope that you find another opportunity soon.

I'm so sorry to hear about your job.

Jeff said...

Oh, Janie. Much as it happens to those of us who work and live in this part of the state - for some people, more than once over the last 20+ years - it's still a kick in the stomach (and the heart) when you hear about it happening to someone.

My Favorite Landman and I are sorry to hear of this latest development ... but confident there will be another, positive development, someday. In the meantime, give MFL a call, Janie, and start spreading the word.

Wunderwoman said...

I'm sorry to hear this news, but there are better things waiting for you! I got permanently laid off also (plant closed), went back to school and hopefully will have a job in the very near future....remember, God never closes a door that he doesn't open a window!

Pearl said...

Aw, crap, Janie. They're letting me go for a week, unpaid, with the possibility of a "required furlough" of a month (also unpaid), so while I kind of understand what you're going through, I would also like to buy you a margarita or three.

Sounds like you have vast connections, and I know you know to keep those people informed of where you are and what you're doing. People like you and me, we're going to be okay.

Pearl

Tami Weingartner said...

Well here's a link to get you started on your new career.
http://www.californiapoles.com/videos.php

I think you should probable skip the pole work for now and start out with the 'Strip To It - Bump n' Grind' instructional DVD.

Tami

PS. Sorry about the job though ..Sucks! But better things are surely just around the corner.

Dana and Daisy said...

Janie, I will tell you that I have lost jobs before and during bad times and honestly, you must put your faith in God to see you through this. I don't usually talk about my faith online, and try not to push it on others, but I can attest to this is what got me through the longest period of unemployment I ever had, and during that time, I made more money freelancing than I ever did as an employee.

the best thing about this for YOu, is that with the overwhelming appreciation for your work abilities and ethics, I bet you get a good offer from someone waiting to find the best people for their team. I know Steve's company, while not officially hiring right now, has said they are going to use this opportunity to hire the better people they see out there needing work. So there could be a silver lining.

Prayers for you sweet friend!

Pseudo said...

I hope this is just an open window taking you to a great place, a wonderful place. We will all be right here cheering you on.

King of New York Hacks said...

I say since you were so highly regarded by your clientele, that you use that networking to find something..reach out, I never thought I'd be driving a yellow Taxi in NYC but life plays tricks on us all the time. Sending you motivating honks from Rockefeller Center !!

Joanie said...

I can't understand why someone who did such great work for a company is let go. I hope they realize the error of their ways and I hope you have a better, less stressful, higher paying job!

catd264 said...

You are a strong and wonderful person a new window will open and off you'll fly. I'm so sorry about the job loss there is nothing worse to the personality than that. Just follow the path and it will lead you to a new adventure.

TJ said...

My Janie Girl! And what are you worried about? Oh you never said you were worried - you are just upset because you fall into another statistic? HA..

Blessings are sent and some people never recognize and sprout to pursue the reason it was sent from up above. YOU my DARLING know it! And You have the Faith, Love, Family, Friends, Respect, Skills, Knowledge and as my husband said "S*** Janie can do anything and go anywhere, H*** she knows everybody" and I added the great personality to boot. We Love you too much and too many. Relax and take a small vacation - XOXOXOOX James and TJ

The Seeker said...

I lost my job 2 months. This was the first time I wasn't going to have to look for a job in 4 yrs (I was a substitute teacher, then a paraprofessional, and finally had my own classroom this past year). My students were special ed (ADHD, Autism, Emotionally Disturbed), and had the best behavor in the school, and big improvements in my test scores. My boss told me nice things, but in the end I was out. We were downsizing, and I was on the list. It could be a combination of a number of things -- none of them related to my job performance. Part of me wants to know why, but part of me knows that whatever the reason it would upset me even more.

Paige Lacey said...

Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry, Girl. I won't give you all the platitudes you're probably getting about how this too shall pass and that whenever a door closes God opens a window. But you will get through this, and you will be fine. There's just no other alternative. And you're strong. Stay strong. Be well. Do good things.

Paige

xxxooo

Liz Wilkey (a.k.a. A Mom on Spin) said...

My brother-in-law got "eliminated" on Monday.

It hurts. Sometimes every damn thing just hurts.

But we get through it, my friend, we get through it . . .

Fragrant Liar said...

Oh man. I can't believe they were dumb enough to let their rainmaker go. I would love to hear their substantiation for that. Eff-'em.

You know you have a wealth of contacts to plumb for good leads on a new job, and odds are that new job will be even better than the one you just left.

I know what you're saying when you cite your age, but that can also be a huge asset as an executive -- and female in some sectors.

Please know that I'm with you in spirit along with hundreds of others who love and read you on this blog. This is the beginning of a new adventure for you.

I hope we still get to meet up at the end of the month in Grapevine. BIG HUGS, girlie!

Suzy said...

The most amazing thing about reading these comments is to realize that what, 35 years ago, women were not a great part of the workplace and not given the opportunities that men had. (white men)

We've come a long way and there's still road ahead. Go where it takes you. You just got your sharp left turn right onto it.

Sandi said...

I cringed when I got your email yesterday. I was hoping you had found something better to do, and not the dreaded lay-off.

I am here for you. You better know it!

If you need anything you let me know. I am praying for you and your family.

I love you

Irish Gumbo said...

Oh, holy s*#t, Janie...I'm sorry to hear that. Been down that road...

I wish you the best of luck, my dear, please keep us posted.

And if I could, I'd ship you a magnum of Dom Perginon to sip whilst returning those voice mails.

Peace,
IG

katybaker said...

Hey Janie! I know you are a tough and strong country woman who is not going to let this setback stand in your way of greatness!! Don't forget that you have a ton of people rooting for you. We love ya!!

darsden said...

I am so sorry to hear Janie, I am so over this happening to people. I have 4 family members that are also statistics...so sorry, I will add you in my Prayers! big {hugs}

Captain Dumbass said...

I'm really sorry to hear that, Janie. Hopefully you can bounce back soon. I really hope that since I'm in the same boat. Well, aside from being a man and under 50, married, never divorced and never having been a single mom. But aside from that, in the same boat.

Chatelaine said...

Girrrrl...I know the feeling.

I am so sorry. It sucks. Just sucks. There's nothing anyone can say except give you their sympathies. You'll bounce back. It might take some time, but you will. And you know what? Having my job eliminated has actually had some good things come of it. Some things have come up recently that if I was working, I'd have never been able to take the proper amount of time to manage.

Of course, I do need to go back to work eventually, but for now, it has actually been a blessing. Maybe it will for you too. I hope so. I hope it has a positive side to it for you. What God wants to happen, will happen.

*hugs you*

Amy W said...

I can't believe it! I'm so sorry to hear your news, Janie.... I know your magnetic personality will bring you new opportunities quickly, though. How could they not? :)

Do you want to come to England and help me wrangle my wild boys? It oughtta be a cinch after dealing with all those roughnecks in the oilpatch. ;)

*****HUGE BEAR HUG*****

Sandy Kessler said...

dang it sounds crappy = I was eliminated 2006..we do rise again..i like to think this is right where God wants me to be..sk

Snooty Primadona said...

It seems like everyone in Midland is seeking employment these days, while companies are cutting expenses wherever they can. Luckily, you know an incredible amount of people you've helped & networked with.

Once word gets out, you'll find something better. I've always believed that the Lord doesn't close one door without opening another. Your faith will carry you through this but CALL ME if you'd like a free lunch...

Ann Imig said...

Janie,

Well shit on a shingle, I'm so sorry about this. Braja told me to get over here last week, and here I finally am.

I thought you were leaving because of that opportunity by Vodka Mom you breathed word of months ago, not due to a sudden lay-off.

I love the pride you take in your work. You set a great example, especially for women. You command respect and you will get it.

xo