“Regrettably, we have decided that CCi will eliminate your
position and you will cease regular duties effective February 04, 2014.”
--One sentence that hit a
conference room full of people like a bullet; their minds and hearts instantly
racing.
An event transpired yesterday that left every employee at
Everest University Online with a sadness and soaring uncertainty; an event that we were all blindsided by. Being
laid off is no laissez-faire occasion, though. It’s about economics. It’s a numbers game- is the company hitting goal:
OR
NOT. Unfortunately, I lost my Everest family because the answer to that
question was the “or not,” portion. We spend 40 hours, often times more, with
our coworkers every week. So to put a title on the people I worked with daily, “coworkers,”
does not suffice. I would venture to say, “family,” is the appropriate term here.
Each of our stories is unique.
Each of us have brought strengths, weaknesses, a sense of humor, an inspiring
quote, a helping hand, a smile in the hallway, and even a daily cartoon for
some comic relief! I started working at Everest in September 2012, wide-eyed
and excited. As the years passed, my Everest family has guided me through a
rollercoaster of life events. From relationships, family health, college, how
to do taxes, how to show up on time, how to have a solid work ethic, how to
accept change and thrive, and how to just live. My family there has been there
with me through all my struggles, and through all my joys. I have gotten advice
that is priceless; I have made friendships for life.
And instead of being bitter, angry, hurt, and confused, I
plan on using all that and running with it. I am laid off, but I am
unbelievably grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such amazing
individuals. To build me up, to tell me I am worthy, to remind me of my
strength. Being laid off is hard. Being laid off means questioning how to pay
my rent, how to get groceries, how to keep my cell phone on, how to put gas in
the car, and where my next turn will be. How to take care of those around me……
But it does
not define me.
Mike Jenkins once poured his heart out to us in the same
conference room we got laid off. His words stuck with me. He said he used to
play a mean game of basketball, by himself outside his barn. As we circled the
room with what contributes to success, I jokingly said, “It takes a mean game
of recruiting students.” And as that was a mere 5 second exchange, a lot can be
found in those words. Our leaders didn’t start at the top. They started with a
dream… His dream was fueled by prayers.
He spoke of praying by his bedside and then finding clarity. Knowing that, “All
is done.” He, along with many others, have had to make sacrifices to fuel the company
from an economic standpoint. We may look at them as the enemy because they
still have a career, they still have money to take care of THEIR families, and
now we don’t. But as you go through
the stages of loss, remember that they are going through the same. Seeing the
tears in people’s eyes, seeing the pale faces and shaking the clammy hands- it
is a loss for us all. As humans we tend to dissociate
our leaders with emotions. They got
ahead by not having emotions, they have it ‘in them’ to lay us off- that’s not
true. Think about their heavy hearts as they go home tonight. Having to give
the news to a room full of confused, angry, sad, scared people….. That’s a
moment they will never forget.
The point of my little tirade is
this, this moment was awful for all parties involved. The leaders that
delivered the news, the ‘survivors’ that watched us walk out the door, the
families that are now uncertain of what comes next, and each and every one of
us that is now in the race for another job- a way to provide. The reality of
the situation hits hard when you have to face family, friends, and loved ones
and tell them the news. Don’t let this define your worth, though.
Life is about health and happiness.
Yesterday,
and the days to pass, are a challenge. We will face days all too often with
tears in our eyes and struggles before us. Negative emotions are all-consuming,
and loss of hope is a killer. But please
do not get bogged down in the negative emotions that an event like that will
inspire. Remember, you are worthy, you
are talented, and above all- You are
strong.
I can not
WAIT to see all that everyone accomplishes.
You have made a difference in my life- and I know wherever this road takes you- you will make a difference in the lives of many, many others!!
All the possibilities now right in
your fingertips. Like a phoenix, we will rise from the ashes!
Praying for each and every one of us involved. I am sure each
one of us has, or still is, going through the motions- experiencing denial, anger, fear, feeling helpless, depression, and
then acceptance. So
in writing this, understand I am too. I am writing this to all involved, and
myself.
Remember
this-
We worked to
change lives.
It’s time to kick ass and take names- and go change YOUR life.
Oh and P.S.
If you have never heard the soundtrack from the children’s movie, “Frozen,”
called, “Let it Go,” please go do so now. Listen to this verse below.
It's funny how some distance,
Makes everything seem small.
And the fears that once controlled me,
Can't get to me at all.
It's time to see what I can do,
To test the limits and break through!!!...
No right, no wrong, no rules for me.
I'm free!
Makes everything seem small.
And the fears that once controlled me,
Can't get to me at all.
It's time to see what I can do,
To test the limits and break through!!!...
No right, no wrong, no rules for me.
I'm free!
LET IT GO! Let it go!
Here I stand, and here I'll stay.
Let the storm rage on.
AND I'LL RISE LIKE THE BREAK OF DAWN
