MetaChat - Specklet's down and out,

MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.

11 January 2006

Specklet's down and out, and could use some cheerleading. →[More:]

So on Friday night, the night before I was leaving for Ft. Lauderdale to surprise my grandfather on his ninetieth birthday (which was beautiful!), my friend/supervisor at work stopped by my house. He looked weird: stressed, quiet. I invited him in, where friends and I were getting ready to go out (Strip Jeopardy). I had a sinking feeling. "I'm fired, aren't I," I said. He nodded.

I knew my job was in jeopardy (but not the strippy kind) because of budget issues, but I never dreamed that they would let me go before I finished the big remodel I'm doing for them. They have no idea of what I was doing for them, and what still has to be done. Remodel aside, they think they can run the office with no office manager, and they are dreeeeeaming.

So I'm pissed, disappointed I didn't get to finish the damn project, and frustrated. The worst thing? No internet access at home, so how am I going to get my MeCha fix???

Give me some love.

post by: Specklet at: 00:08 | 45 comments

Damn, that sucks. If it helps any, I may be in the same boat soon, but I'm half looking forward to it.

posted by jonmc 11 January | 00:10

Ouch. That sounds stressful.

On the positive side, you have yet another opportunity to find your dream job!

Try to have fun any way, will ya? Such is life. Remember that there is no significant correlation between wealth and happiness. Thus, in the days ahead with your income reduced, that's no reason you can't have a great time!

Or something. Currently unemployed. It's a bummer, but things could be much worse, no?

posted by teece 11 January | 00:15

Oh Specklepretty, that is much suckage. I wish you were closer so I could
a}hug ya
b}point you toward another job.

posted by jrossi4r 11 January | 00:16

What the hell are those things? I thought I pressed paranthesis. Damn merlot.

posted by jrossi4r 11 January | 00:17

*gives you some TLC*

Geez, I'm sorry. Here's hoping that you get a new, better job real soon, as well as one that will let you surf MeCha at work!

posted by kosher_jenny 11 January | 00:18

At least you can draw unemployment, eh? And really, if I were in your position I would be glad that my former employer will stumble and fail without me. That may be a little too vindictive for you though.

posted by puke & cry 11 January | 00:19

Sorry, kiddo

posted by trondant 11 January | 00:19

That sucks, girl. Still, I'd call that "laid off" instead of "fired", so it's effectively less bruising to the ego. Take your unemployment, take care of yourself, move on, and things will get better.

posted by matildaben 11 January | 00:24

Getting the boot sucks but you are still the same Specklet other people love. It's just a bump in the road kid.

posted by arse_hat 11 January | 00:39

Man, we should start a mecha hippie coop somewhere, and all those work-a-day losers can kiss our collective ass.

posted by brainwidth 11 January | 00:47

You are the rock upon which the world crashes
And yet you persevere, steadfast and strong.
This is only another wave crashing down
Wearing you down a little, but not breaking you.

posted by me3dia 11 January | 00:53

TEH INTERNETS STILL LOVE YOU. how does strip jeopardy work. where do i get to play. are there all pretty girls but me. because that would be awesome. is there alex trebeck. because also would be awesome.

posted by sam 11 January | 00:54

Aw, speck, that bites. I'm sorry.

But, hey - maybe this means you can work on your album! (I play your song all the time. I want more.)

posted by taz 11 January | 00:58

Specklet, that sucks so much. I hope you find a job that's 8 million times better. Enjoy the rest of your trip and regroup when you get back home.

posted by SassHat 11 January | 00:59

I'm sorry to hear that, Speckletita. Laid off ain't no fun. Still, you are resilient and perky and will bounce back quite well, I have no doubt.

And at least the guy had the decency to let you know to your face. I've worked for people who would have left you a voice mail while they knew you were out of town.

posted by bmarkey 11 January | 01:01

:( sorry, Lovely.

posted by small_ruminant 11 January | 01:04

You've got a song? I want to hear a song.

(Also, if you're interested in relocating to Arkansas and making six bucks an hour shelving books, email's in my profile.)

posted by box 11 January | 01:16

Chin up Specklet! You will find something better I promise. I've been let go too (more than once) and after I regrouped it has always turned out for the better.

You seem to have a strong spirit and you will come out on top after this. My advice is to enjoy your time being unemployed, sell some things, maybe put your stuff in storage and take a trip.

posted by Mr T 11 January | 01:19

box - see here.

posted by taz 11 January | 01:26

On the several occasions I've been laid off, the event always seemed dreamy and dizzy and out-of-body.. No fun.

Don't tell anyone, Specklet, but you are one of the prime loci around which MeCha revolves. This transient lousiness will pass, and we are all rooting for our favorite sparkly Speckle!

(And in the meantime, there's always the library for yer MeCha fix.)

posted by Triode 11 January | 01:38

Awww, speckie, I'm sorry. That's a bummer on so many levels.

*hug hug*

posted by puddinghead 11 January | 02:30

hey there, puddin' - been missing you lately!

posted by taz 11 January | 02:32

Damn, that's terrible.

Hopefully you'll get unemployment, in which case you'll get a 6 month vacation courtesy of the state at 1/3 of your weekly salary or $412, whichever is smaller. You may, in fact, find that you enjoy it far more than actually working. I know that I did.

posted by cmonkey 11 January | 02:39

Ouch, poor you. But I'm with matildaben - that's not fired, that's laid off. No stigma to that, it happens to everyone today.

I've been laid off a few times, although I preferred to think of it as downsizing (sounds svelte, no?). Each time sucked and was stressful, but each time led me on a path to a much better situation. So think how there is undoubtedly something better out there calling your name...

Not only that, but if the old employer is having troubles, it can be worse to be one of the survivors - you have the pain of watching your friends get decimated; your workload gets doubled, or worse; your benefits and perks get cut; raises and promotions get frozen; you have no security and so you keep waiting for the other shoe to drop - it often sucks worse to be a survivor, at least you will be moving on.

posted by madamjujujive 11 January | 03:00

I'm really sorry to hear that, specklet. I hope something better is on the horizon for you.

posted by essexjan 11 January | 04:05

*hugs*

posted by Frisbee Girl 11 January | 05:14

Perhaps this is a sign you are to seek employment in Ft. Lauderdale? You'll get another gig soon enough, I read an article in the WSJ that Specklets are in demand.

posted by sciurus 11 January | 07:20

Speck that does indeed suck rocks in hell. I've been laid off 3 times and it's ouchy, i know. I'm with the gang on collection of unemployment, and maybe pick up a copy of Fire Your Boss simultaneously. Might give hope to putting yourself in control of your future ad not the money grubbing power freaks with pawn armies.

I'll buy ya a round!

posted by chewatadistance 11 January | 07:39

and, not ad

posted by chewatadistance 11 January | 07:52

::gets out pom poms::

Go on Specklet
You're no slob
Go on Specklet
Fuck that job!

Goooooooooooooooooooooo Specklet!

::does 12 cartwheels in a row::

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 11 January | 07:55

aww Specklet, that sucks. I'm sorry.

And no internet access?! OK so it's a bummer you won't be getting your MeCha fix... but what about MeCha's Specklet fix? huh? think of UUUSSSSSS!!

((Specklet))

posted by gaspode 11 January | 08:07

Sucks. Sorry. Stay yourself cause you're the coolest.

posted by rainbaby 11 January | 08:13

I'm sorry, that's awful. It must be maddening to think that they don't understand the wonderfulness of what you're doing for them, but they will soon learn, and from your perch atop The World's Best Job Evar, you can look down on them and wish them well but not too well. How was Jeopardy?

posted by omiewise 11 January | 08:23

(((((specklet!))))))

posted by moonbird 11 January | 08:56

Jobs suck anyway.

I love you, Specklet.

posted by Hugh Janus 11 January | 09:06

Shit, that sucks. But the church's sign I drive by on the way to work (parse that!) says "God provides new beginnings," and I thought as I drove that if I take that nice and generically it's really not such a bad thought.

So I'll be hoping that you turn this around in a new beginning. And sending virtual hugs (and whuffles).

posted by tr33hggr 11 January | 09:17

That's completely sucky. They're going to realize how valuable you've been and are as soon as the project you've been working on hits them in the face, like a big fat pie. Is there a library near you where you can get online? Maybe you could volunteer your time until you get another job in exchange for some online time.

*offers specklet some consolation duct tape*

posted by iconomy 11 January | 09:28

*sends love*

I'm sorry to hear it Speck. And to think, I dreamt of Squarewolf that night. You've got pals here and in P-town who support you in all you do: time to collect the unemployment and kick out the jams!

posted by safetyfork 11 January | 10:16

I'm sorry to hear this. I'm sure you're find something soon. :(

posted by TrishaLynn 11 January | 10:44

Aw, thanks everybody!

Thanks for the blessings and the encouragement and the whuffles and the duct tape!

Yeah, I'll be able to collect unemployment (which I've done before, the bills pile up, but shit man, it's getting paid for doing nothing), and I've already started looking for my dream job. A job where my superiors actually know what it is I contribute and give me benefits!

I might even be able to borrow a laptop from a buddy of mine so I can go into the intarweb cafe and see you guys every day!

Also, the construction manager for the remodel project called me yesterday was astounded to hear that they'd laid me off. They hadn't even called him to let him know! I was gratified to know that he thought it was outrageous that I hadn't been allowed to finish the project, and that he thought everything was going to go haywire. He was very nice about it, and said they were idiots, in so many words. My company is going to lose so much more money in my absence than they would if they'd kept me on until the end of the project. Idiots.

Anyway, you guys are awesome, I'm looking for a new job, and am happy to be not working for those idiots.

And now, I'm off to the Ft. Lauderdale beach with my uncle, dad, and grandfather! It's 76 degrees and sunny! I'm in heaven! And later today, I'm driving up to Gainesville to see my mom! Yay Specklet-Mom!

posted by Specklet 11 January | 10:49

P.S. ThePinkSuperhero, that was exactly what I was hoping for when I said I could use some cheerleading! Thanks, baby!

posted by Specklet 11 January | 10:53

Sorry Specklekins.

posted by danostuporstar 11 January | 11:21

Sorry Specklet...but wow, it's sounds like things are already looking up. Way to turn it around...It's great when you get thrust into a situation that turns out much for the better. And it sounds like your Florida trip was just in time!

Enjoy the sun...

posted by Hellbient 11 January | 11:27

I have the opposite problem, oh Supreme Specklet. I was supposed to get laid off from my shitty job this month - which I was really looking forward to. But I just found out that HR considers me too good at my job to be eligible for voluntary screwage. So now I either have to get off my ass and find a better job without the benefit of time off for good behavior, or try to find some way to reengage in the festering chancre that is my workplace. Crap!

Seriously - sorry about the job, but enjoy the sunshine, and remember that this is also an opportunity. And with the collective worship of your Mechizesns to bank on, I'm sure your Karma account is pretty near overflowing by now.

Cheers!

posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson 11 January | 12:38

Aw, that sucks big time, Specklet. Hang in there, girlie, the job of your dreams is out there.

posted by deborah 11 January | 14:31

← Whew. The dog's OK. || A sign in a Jiffy Lube: →

HOME || REGISTER || LOGIN