Work Crap

After losing my last full time job partly because of misunderstood email, I am loathe to talk much about work on this blog. I never state the full name of my organization (although it would be easy to figure out) in the hope that my blog won't come up in your average Google search.

But today was rough. And I need to download a bit.

8:30 am: Staff meeting with now reduced staff. Two full time positions were eliminated, as well as two part-time folks. One of the women who was laid off planned to become a SAHM in January after the birth of her second baby anyway, but it's still rough. These people got no warning. The lay-off was effective immediately with 2 weeks severance pay. Friday after work we're going to meet at a pizza place to say good-by and wish them luck. I'll probably cry.

10 am: Meeting with the president/CEO. As expected, facilities rentals are now my responsibility. I'm guessing this was about 40% of what my boss did on a daily basis. I had 13 rental related phone calls waiting for me when I finally got to my desk--9 that K forwarded when he was cleaning out his office, and 4 that came in yesterday afternoon. Call back, set up a time to tour the facility, show folks around the place, sign a contract, arrange for setup/cleanup. Everything related to museum operations with now be the museum manager's sphere and the marketing will go to the communications manager, where it belonged in the first place.

10:15 am: I get handed a note that "Ralph" will be picking me up at 11:15 for the Kiwanis club meeting. Yup, K had a speaking engagement and suddenly it's mine. Gather some brochures, no need for notes.

Noon: lunch at Bill's Chicken and Steak. It sucked. I don't recommend it. The Kiwanis club members were all friendly old men who seemed happy to have me there. I spoke for 20 minutes and answered 20 minutes worth of questions.

1:15 pm: just back in the office when a bride and groom, with entourage (both moms), stops by to look at the space. I sell it--although my enthusiasm for opening the hangar doors wide to be able to view the stars falls a little flat when they tell me it's a February wedding.

2 pm: More calls. The Buick Club wants to have their car show here in August. Another bride is hoping that September 19 will work for her reception--her fiance' is in Iraq and 9/19 is the date he proposed. It conflicts with another car show, but we can make it work. Stay safe dude.

4 pm: I manage to send a few emails regarding the conference I'm leaving for on Saturday (my original job!) and request a cash advance. Checking luggage now costs additional money.

5 pm: Help the CEO set up some pop-up banners and a gift basket at the Hilton for VIP reception having to do with economic development. Food looks and smells great, but the VIPs are running late and I have to leave for class before they tuck in. I stop for a $1 burger at McDonalds, so my rumbling stomach doesn't distract my fellow students.

6:40 pm: Class. I haven't read the case study. And my paper--still not finished. Fortunately I thought to email the professor and now have until tomorrow.

9:30 pm: Visit with the professor after class regarding the shake up in my organization. Her viewpoint helps me better understand my conflicted feelings. I understand the necessity of the action, but am still disappointed that good employees were treated this way. I continue to be thankful that I have a job.

10:15 pm: My family had coffee and pancakes waiting for me at home. Daily Show. Colbert. Blog.

11:30 pm: Back to the paper. 5 of 7 pages completed.

Tomorrow at 8:20 am: Jury duty. No shit.