I think you can learn a lot about a person by observing how they deal with stress and unwelcome events in their life. I try really hard to handle myself in these situations to the best of my ability, while I may be affected privately, I try to not let it affect the situation at hand.
- Car accident - I was very kind to the man who hit me. It was a horrible situation, but we were both in it, regardless of fault, it was shitty for us both. I may have cried the moment I drove away and I may have been extremely sad and stressed for the next day or two, but I handled it to the best of my ability.
- Airline woes - I know its not the gate agent who is canceling flights, its really mother natures fault. I spoke to each of those people with respect. Not only will kindness get you further, but it's the holidays and these people have probably been dealing with rude customers for 2 days straight. I go out of my way to be nice to people in the customer service industry... I've worked it, I know. I may have walked away and busted into full tears each time I heard something I didn't want to and I may have had awful days because of it, but I handled it to the best of my ability.
This morning at work we had a meeting... a meeting because we laid off 3 people last week and our company wanted us to know that if we have questions or anything to feel free to ask or talk about it. Our company is small, I've mentioned that before, generally we have somewheres around 10-15 people working here at any given time, so to lay off 3 people is kind of a big deal. We are in our slower season and it's not uncommon to have light work loads, but in the 3 years I've worked here we have never laid people off. It was also mentioned to us that we are trying to conserve money and we may have to do job sharing or some cutting of hours moving forward. I'm quite certain this could impact me.
So, how is the best way to handle this situation? It's obviously not the company's fault... I can't be mad at them. I don't even know how this is going to affect me or when, or if at all.
I have this new car full with a monthly payment (and a huge dent), I have bills, I have normal living expenses like everyone else.
Judging me by how I handle horrible situations is fine, but at what point is a person excused from having to be civil and maintain composure? When I've said "to the best of my ability", I honestly feel that I did that... but what is my ability and where is my breaking point? A person can only handle so much at one time.
I will say that I feel fortunate that the company is looking for ways to avoid layoffs altogether, by cutting hours and doing some job sharing... and I certainly don't have it as bad as some people, with their company closing the doors with no hope for the future.
My biggest frustration in it all is the timing. It's Christmas... I want to enjoy the holidays and not be thinking about how I'm going to make my car payment next month. The accident... the travel... the company... it's beginning to pour.
5 comments:
I hope its comforting to know that many of us are in the same situation.....
First, I am so glad you made it home safe and sound.
There is an old saying, " Don't borrow trouble", and that is what you are doing. Enjoy the holidays, and hope for the best. Since you are family, I would imagine others would job share and cut hours before you would. In terms of how long you have been with the company, where do you fall in?
Just have a great time now, and leave your worries behind.
And, take one day at a time, seriously, it works.
you can always move to San Diego and Bill could find you a job in the company.
Have fun this week!!
Yes, it is begining to pour. It is quite a dilemma. On the one hand its time to tighten our belts and stop buying anything not necessary and on the other hand, if everyone did this the ecconomy may get worse. It gives me some comfort knowing that a lot of people have it far worse then me even though that is no comfort for them.
Its time to have faith in our family and friends and help each other as much as we can. Hopefully your blog helps you vent your frustrations and give you some comfort. I know there will be better days ahead
I think it "pours" for a lot of us at different times in our lives. With the state of the economy, most of us don't feel the most secure in our jobs at this point. I got laid off a little over a year ago and even though I did find another job, it was a starting over point. We start over for different things all the time. It's never the end of the world, even though it may seem like it. You can do the best you can, (which you are!) and things will get better, you know that. Sometimes you just feel like you have to hit bottom first. Maybe this is your bottom. :) Enjoy your holiday with family and friends and worry about it later, even if later is a couple of days from now. Merry Christmas, my friend!
I'm so sorry to hear about the layoffs. We had some at my work last month, as we've had in the past, and it's always stressful. :-(
Also sorry to hear that you've had to take on some not so crappy stuff. On the bright side, the new year is right around the corner and for some reason that always feels like a fresh start to me, so who knows, maybe things will start turning around sooner than later.
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