RIF-ed

RIF = Reduction In Force

5 people were laid off from our office yesterday. thus beginneth the first wave of lay offs after the merger was announced between the firm and THE BANK.

one of the people who was laid off was actually someone i was truly, truly fond of. it broke my heart to see her say her tearful goodbye. she was a great employee. unfortunately, there is no real method to this madness, we don't really know what the formula is to laying people off. it's not about seniority, not really about performance. it seems like lately, if you're called into your boss' office and he shuts the door, you're out of luck.

the big boss gave a speech on the trading floor before the end of the day. this weighs so heavily on his shoulders because he is the first to know who and how many will be let go. i had a lengthy conversation with him the day he found out about the lay offs and he started our conversation by saying, 'almira, if there is one thing i hate about my job, it would be this.' i've never had to break the bad news to anyone so i can only imagine how difficult it must be. at the end of the day, these people are your friends even though it's really just work that tie you together. still, you spend at least 8 hours of your day with these people. you are aware of their quirks and their issues. you develop a fondness, later on, a true friendship with these people. and then, unfortunately, there will be a time like this when you have to see them go.

the stress and the sadness at work has been giving me headaches. it's been extremely difficult for everyone. at least 150 people were laid off from NY yesterday alone and there are more to come. morale is low, nerves are shot. it seems like everyone should hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

HOPE. i guess that's what separates the men from the boys. i know where i should rest my hope in. come what may, God is in control of my life!