Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde

So I'm not one for being the flag waver for unjustice in the world. Only my own small grumblings that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. But this week I'm feeling the pain of my own life's ambitions. Of course, right now our economy is bad. Everyone is tightening the belt. Our new slogan at work is "Cut Expenses". Normally, I'm not the kind of person who gets upset by cutting expenses. In fact, I love to find places to cut the fat. However, I've also been on the flip side of this equation, twice, which is why right now I'm having a hard time making peace with the issue at hand.

Cut expenses. I'm on board. But let's really eliminate wasteful spending. Let's really cut some fat, especially where the company as a whole won't feel it. And don't limit the cuts to a handful of areas. Across the board. I agree. But last week we cut ONE employee, in ONE department. Now, I'm happy I still have a job to come to -- because I've been that guy cut last week........no warning.....no notice...just kaput....no more job...no more income...how are we going to eat...that kind of cut. But this week, we are still giving out Thanksgiving turkeys. REALLY!?!?!?!?!? Are we REALLY cutting expenses? I'm just thinking that the cost of all these turkeys, would have kept the nice fellow with a family in a job for at least one more week if not possibly 2 at his current wages. I so relate to the poor soul who is now unemployed and waiting on his umemployment check (which never arrives quickly).

Maybe at this point you're asking what this post has to do with it's title. Only the fact that I spent several years in business school, learning to be cold, callussed, cutthroat and quick about making decisions that are best for the company, including saving $$$. After which I decided to dedicate another year, on a more advanced degree, reaffirming what I spent the last 4 years learning. Only to begin a job, where everything I learned became applicable........until 4 more years later when I became expendable. Expendable because I was single, with no family, and had enough education to begin again.

Quick, cutthroat, th.th.th.that's all folks!

Ok. But I was single...without a family...and educated.......and the person who got to keep his job was none of those things. It was quick, it did feel cold, but the company did make the best decision, not only for the corporation, but for the people who were dedicated to working there.

I have the utmost respect for my current employer. But this is one decision where I'm kind of frustrated and angry. Was this really the best decision, when it came to cutting expenses, to feed the rest of the ungrateful flock, while we leave one man down, during the holidays, with a family and no job. Just FOOD for thought.