Feb

12

The ax fell at work today

Posted by Dan

February 12, 2009 |

I just got off a conference call this morning with the powers-that-be at the publishing company where I work on a full-time/part-time basis. Like all publishers, this company, which covers real estate news, is struggling. So this morning, the company had its first round of firings.

I survived the cut. That’s the good news. The bad news, of course, is that some very talented people are out on the streets now. And finding a job at magazines or newspapers is not exactly an easy task these days.

At the same time, our now reduced editorial staff will be working harder for no extra money. I hate doing extra work with no corresponding extra pay. However, I feel that complaining about that now would seem insensitive since I’m still employed and so many others are not.

The bosses handling the firings, of course, did their usual stumblebum act. At one point, one of the bosses mentioned that these moves might increase camaraderie at our company. Yes, there’s no better way to increase camaraderie than by firing a boatload of employees.

Many of our sale staff survived the cut. I suspect that’s because most of them operate 100 percent on commission. Yes, they’re doing a horrible job and not bringing in any ads — that’s why we’re in this mess right now — but they’re not costing the company any money. In fact, the one salesperson that was let go was making half commission/half salary. What a surprise.

As usual, I’m not exactly happy with the vision of my bosses. I am happy to still have this job. But I will certainly be looking for a replacement full-time/part-time gig, to supplement my other freelance writing, just in case.

I advise everyone in every industry to be on the lookout for possible opportunities, too. I wouldn’t trust that your job is any safer than mine.


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