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floatingleafOh. My. God. What a day. The long-awaited Big Reveal finally took place. By which I mean our team meeting at work this morning. After a short introduction by the higher management everyone was called individually to talk to their respective boss about the impact of the current changes on their position. Since we were called in alphabetical order, almost everyone on our team went before me, and at least two people among those were laid off (one of whom has been with the company for at least 10 years). So imagine my utter astonishment when the boss anounced that I was being retained. I could only blink stupidly as our nice HR lady added that they're happy to keep me, that my performance has been great and that the company appreciates my dedication. Eeeee... my what???... *more stupid blinking* Sure, I am probably one of the most anal people on the planet when it comes to minor, irrelevant detail, but I think it might be a bit of a stretch to call it dedication. Not that I would even dream of telling them so, of course.:P Since they seem to have such a high opinion of my humble self, who am I to disabuse them of it? *smirk* As long as it means I still have a job, there are no objections on my part whatsoever.
Of course, I am not deluding myself that my supposedly impressive performance had anything to do with it. In all likelihood, it was my salary (one of the lowest, if not THE lowest, on the team, since I am the most recent hire). Namely, they're saving more by keeping me, and letting go of someone with a higher pay, than they would have the other way around. Still, since I'm obviously going to have more responsibilities from now on (so there was a purpose to all this training, btw!), they can probably afford to give me a raise. Not to mention the fact that there will most likely be some overtime available (if not obligatory, lol) during the next few months. Oh, and everyone (meaning both those who leave - in addition to their severance package - AND those who stay) is getting a bonus (equal to a full month's pay) for their hard work during the difficult transition period. So there is no impending financial disaster in the cards for me - not for now, anyway. And no need to reacquaint myself with employment agencies & recruiters in the near future (I've been dreading that, I admit). On the other hand, there will be more work, some stress (at least while I'm getting used to the new job situation) and even less time or energy for side projects (like reading, translating or writing porn, lol). Still, this is definitely the LESS stressful option, as compared to being left without a job and having to find a new one. So, considering my generally modest financial circumstances, I can't really afford to complain at this point. Overtime?... Bring it on, boss. Maybe that will at least keep my bank account balance from dropping down any further than it has already, since I've started renting a place on my own. *sigh*
Oh, and I still have my two weeks of unused vacation available (I haven't taken any this year). What do I do with them, now that I can actually use them?... (as opposed to not using them so I would get paid more when they lay me off) I haven't been planning any trips for the obvious reasons, and now the beautiful warm weather will soon end. And I could totally use a vacation, too. Suggestions, anyone?...;)
Of course, I am not deluding myself that my supposedly impressive performance had anything to do with it. In all likelihood, it was my salary (one of the lowest, if not THE lowest, on the team, since I am the most recent hire). Namely, they're saving more by keeping me, and letting go of someone with a higher pay, than they would have the other way around. Still, since I'm obviously going to have more responsibilities from now on (so there was a purpose to all this training, btw!), they can probably afford to give me a raise. Not to mention the fact that there will most likely be some overtime available (if not obligatory, lol) during the next few months. Oh, and everyone (meaning both those who leave - in addition to their severance package - AND those who stay) is getting a bonus (equal to a full month's pay) for their hard work during the difficult transition period. So there is no impending financial disaster in the cards for me - not for now, anyway. And no need to reacquaint myself with employment agencies & recruiters in the near future (I've been dreading that, I admit). On the other hand, there will be more work, some stress (at least while I'm getting used to the new job situation) and even less time or energy for side projects (like reading, translating or writing porn, lol). Still, this is definitely the LESS stressful option, as compared to being left without a job and having to find a new one. So, considering my generally modest financial circumstances, I can't really afford to complain at this point. Overtime?... Bring it on, boss. Maybe that will at least keep my bank account balance from dropping down any further than it has already, since I've started renting a place on my own. *sigh*
Oh, and I still have my two weeks of unused vacation available (I haven't taken any this year). What do I do with them, now that I can actually use them?... (as opposed to not using them so I would get paid more when they lay me off) I haven't been planning any trips for the obvious reasons, and now the beautiful warm weather will soon end. And I could totally use a vacation, too. Suggestions, anyone?...;)
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(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-27 01:24 am (UTC)hugs
Jo
(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 12:53 am (UTC)I certainly hope so.;)
(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-27 01:26 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 12:54 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-27 03:18 am (UTC)vacation? what's that? i'd be middle-earth-bound, myself... *g*
(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 12:57 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-27 11:01 am (UTC)You could always come north to Toronto for TIFF? Viggo has two films and one other likely public appearance the weekend of September 5-8... *evil grin*
(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 01:09 am (UTC)Unfortunately, anywhere beyond the US borders is out of the question right now, since I don't have a passport. I did go without one last year, since all my friends & family assured me that between US & Canada a valid permanent resident card was enough - but, as it turned out, that is no longer the case, and the Canadian customs lady at the Toronto airport told me in no uncertain terms to never try that again.:/ So now I have to wait till they process my citizenship application (which will hopefully happen sometime next year), and only then can I apply for a US passport. In all probability, I won't be able to go to Canada (or anywhere abroad, for that matter) till perhaps 2010.:(
(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 01:31 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 01:42 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 12:39 am (UTC)As for hot vacation spots, I'd personally recommend anywhere but here. :D
(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 01:14 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-08-28 04:49 pm (UTC)