Boon's Basement

109 days of unemployment later

// August 19th, 2009 // Thoughts

It was Tuesday,April 31st, 2009 when my manager (Mr X) scheduled a faux meeting with me to discuss the project which we only discuss on Wednesdays with the team. I smelled something fishy when I was pulled aside by his manager ( I will call him Mr Y) as I went to meet up with Mr X. My suspicion just got deeper when Mr Y asked me to meet with him on the 11th floor. With the many re-orgs and lay offs happening around the firm,  the 11th floor is the floor many will try to avoid by all means. Even the word “11th floor” itself is taboo and gives many employees the chill.

Taking the elevator to the 11th floor, I tried to comprehend what was coming my way. I confronted Mr Y about what’s going to happen but like a dumb, he just kept his mouth shut and assured me that the discussion will only commence on the 11th floor.

Reaching the meeting room, I saw the HR Rep or I would like call her ”The Jack The Ripper of Lay Offs”. For that moment, my mind was jumbling with questions such as how am i going to pay my rent? what will i do next? why me? I stopped paying attention to Jack the ripper the moment she handed me a document that reads “Employee termination Agreement”. When you’re presented with such document, you know your time at the firm is up – GAME OVER buddy.

When you’re laid – off, it could be a boon or a misfortune, depending on how you make the best out of it. For me, it turned out to be alright. Within the 2 months of lay off, I studied my ass off for the GMAT and pass the test with a score that I was proud off. I also managed to escape New York and flew to the Land of the Rising Sun with my gf for a week – that was a fun getaway.

Now, after 109 days of unemployment, I start work with my new company, which I am not going to name because of privacy issues, as a “Special Employee”. In an economy where unemployment is at 9.7%, I am just glad to have a job. Besides, I am still working on those bschool apps, which reminds me that I have to get back to my essays.

“I ran so hard to chase the bear that took off with my gr-ubs. I killed and took it to the citi and sold it to Mr Goldman for $2.” – The Dead Bear, Boon 2009

Love it, Loathe it? Comments appreciated.

-Boon