----- Original Message -----
From: "Adam C. Lipscomb" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 10:49 AM
Subject: Well, I'm feeling pretty good, considering...


> considering the telecommunications company for which I
> work had pretty big layoffs yesterday (25% of the
> workforce got axed).  I found out late in the morning
> that I was saved from being cut at the last minute,
> although I did get demoted from a salaried position to
> hourly.
>
> This was upsetting at first, but the more I think
> about it the better I feel.

That's good.  I've been where you are too many times.  The oil patch is
cyclical, while employment in the oil patch has been a downward spiral for
the last 20 years.  I've been through cycles of 50% layoffs, 80% layoffs,
and 50% layoffs, getting caught myself in the last one.

One of the hardest things about remaining is survivor's guilt.   However,
most of the folks that I know who have been laid off are better off within
a year.  Its considered a trueism.  I'll admit, working for a technical
company, I've got a biased sample, but then again you are too.  Even when
unemployment was at 10% back in the bad early 80s, folks bounced back
fairly well.  So, its OK to feel bad, if you do; but it still helps to know
intellectually that folks usually do get through layoffs just fine. Indeed,
its often the survivors who have the tougher row to hoe.

> (1) I can get overtime pay again.  Since I normally
> pull about 43-44 hours a week, it should help my
> bottom line.
> (2) Fewer meetings and conference calls.
> (3) I don't have to do annual reviews for my
> employees.
> (4) If I get promoted to supervisor again in the
> future, I'll probably get another raise.
>

That all sounds reasonable.  And demotions in the presence of massive
layoffs means that the company is working hard to keep you because they
think you are valuable.

> And people say bootlicking and toadyism don't pay off.

Are you positive its not that you've demonstrated your worth?  I know it
may not be the ideal time to argue with you, but you might consider that
you were kept because that was a sound business decision. :-)

Dan M.

_______________________________________________
http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l

Reply via email to