The Lay-off Reality - Change in the workplace

Waking up this morning, I laid in bed, rubbing my eyes and forcing myself to get up for work. I repeat to myself the same thing that I have said to myself every morning...."I am thankful that I have a job to go to!" Driving in, I say this to myself a hundred times and think about positive things......thinks that will put me in a good mood. It didn't matter that it was snowing, temp was 32 degrees and bleak looking, I still looked at the day with some enthusaism......

But walking into the building, those good feelings were suck out of me like a vacuum....it's like a morgue around here. Co-workers are looking and greeting at each other with whispers of, "Who do you think is going to get laid off? or "Do you think it will be you?", instead of saying "Good morning, how is your morning?" or "Let's go for coffee"......

People rushing around like ants, working harder and more diligently than I had ever seen before. Is this a illusion to appear that "I am needed?", to appear to have too much work, and your so busy, so you won't be on the chopping block. No one is asking for help with their workload. It may appear that you can't do your job. People are working late and coming in on the weekends now, when 6 months ago, you couldn't say "Please stay late or come in this weekend", without getting a dirty look or a grumble.

The relaxed atomsphere here has been replaced with stress and tension, so thick, that you can cut it with a knife. Jan 30 is the vote on what schools will be closed and by Feb 4th, all central departments managers will inform those employees to be laid off, they are without a job.

This morning, while walking to the cafeteria, I started thinking about the a Seattletimes newspaper headline from last week....."UNEMPLOYMENT JUMPS" in big, black bold letters ran across the top of the page. Just those two words sends "fear" through at the building. People that always have a smile on their faces, are now walking around with frown lines and using "grunts" for "hellos"......Filling up my coffee cup, I realize that it's a dog eat dog time and even someone that you are cool with may end up with your job.