So…I just got laid off

The following is a work of “fiction.” Any resemblance to real events and/or real companies is purely accidental and coincidental. Mommy needs her severance check. Allegedly.

So, last week I got laid off. The way it was phrased to me and the cafeteria full of my apprehensive colleagues was, “There’s going to be a restructuring on the team, and you all are unfortunately a part of that restructuring.” I locked eyes with the girl sitting across from me, her crestfallen expression making my heart sink. One man got incredibly angry, shouting that he has uprooted his life, given up everything for this job.

It was the raw pain in his voice that caused my eyes to well up with tears. A guy sitting near me offered his hand. I’ll never forget how anchoring the warmth of his hand was, as the surreal event of losing my job after almost three years of hard work unfolded around me.

After we got the news, we all numbly packed up our desks, three years of memories packed up into my Bear Pond Books tote bag. It was dead quiet, apart from the sound of suppressed tears. In a daze, I made a few goodbyes and found myself in the elevator, in the garage, and then in my car, leaving the office for the very last time.

What I’ll miss the most is the people. I’m not worried about the life-long friendships I’ve made. I find myself mourning the people I’d make small talk with by the nespresso machine, the people I’ll likely never see again. You often never know you’re seeing someone for the last time until it’s too late.

So, what now? After about two days of sobbing and screaming into my pillow and blasting Dead Kennedys songs in my car, I decided enough was enough. It’s time to move forward. That’s what I’m doing, moving forward. I can’t wait to see what’s around the cornerੈ ꩜