I Saw The Signs. And It Opened Up My Eyes, I Saw The Signs.
In my 10-year gig as a designer, I have lost my job a total of three times due to downsizing and restructuring. I feel those experiences qualify me to be somewhat of an expert on Signs You’re Getting The Pink Slip.
Last night as I was getting ready to call it a day at the office, I saw the signs.
The HR/Finance officer came around and said she needed to meet with me before I went home for the day. (Sign #1: They almost always do layoffs at the end of the day.) In her arm she had a couple of files. (Sign #2: When they lay you off, they pull your file and have you sign a bunch of outprocessing forms.) I told Ms. HR/Finance that I’d be in her office in 5 minutes. (Sign #3: HR sometimes sits in on the meeting you have with your boss when he explains why he has to let you go.) Right after she left, Co-Worker piped up and asked, “What’s going on? Are we having a meeting?” (Sign #4: Co-workers are usually in the know, but play dumb because they don’t know if you know that you just lost your job.)
I went to Ms. HR/Finance’s office and sat down nervously. She pulled my file. I sucked in my breath and braced myself. Then…
“I just need you to sign here indicating you received the cell phone I’m about to issue to you.” She inserted a SIM card into the phone and scribbled down the SN before handing it over to me.
Exhale. HUGE smile. A rainbow appears and it’s raining Skittles.
So instead of walking papers, I was given a cell phone that’ll save me some $$$ on my monthly phone bill. I couldn’t be more pleased (and relieved).
Those of you who are in the know should have received an email from me with the magic digits. Call me!
Hell, it’s a blessing, Josie. Time to get your own E.I.N. tax number, set up shop, and pocket all the money due you.
Congrats Josie… Next they’ll have you co-signing the checks. Do I smell a “partnership” in the air?
haha… I don’t think so! There are two things I’m not striving for at work: 1. Authorization to sign checks and 2. Getting my own typhoon shutter key (so I won’t have to come in and open/close them for anyone!). hahaha
Thanks Sahr and Patrick!
Dude, I held my breath the entire time! Do they charge you if you get calls from the mainland?
ahhh, love those skittles. and, hate those moments! thought i had sure signs twice. i was wrong. first was for advice. second was an offer for a higher position, thank god. i feel you, homie!!!
Good luck with that phone. Did they set you up with a Blackberry?
I wish! Just a regular phone with unlimited usage. I’m happy with that!
Ai adai, Josie, you scared me! But at the same time as I was reading, I thought, “Damn, this can’t be right. No, no, this can’t be right.”
And I was right. Heheheh.
Congrats on the new cell phone, dear!
Oh my, I’m glad it was a new phone instead of a pink slip. 🙂
Too bad GPSS cant issue us Cell Phones too! haha