Unemployment

Yesterday, I received an email from our HR department that a good friend of mine (she is the director of AR) had "retired, effective immediately".  I found this odd.  The email was cold.  Where was the "she will be greatly missed", "We thank her for her 27 years of service", or even "We wish her luck with future endeavors". 

I began to feel sick to my stomach.  I also notice the email was sent only to the Office Managers of our 6 manufacturing plants.  I forwarded on to my boss and one other plant manager I work closely with.  My boss was equally shocked.  I explained my theory of her being forced out.  He disagreed; said it had to have been because of a health issue (she has a few) or a family issue (her husband has also been ill). 

I called our regional office and inquired.  There are several ladies who have been with our company at Corporate for 25+ years and are all very close.  I spoke with the receptionist. I asked if Y had been sick.  She said no.  I asked if her husband was ill.  Again, she said no.  I stopped asking questions.  The receptionist said everyone there was very upset.  I began to cry and had to let her go.

Y trained me to do my job.  I spoke with her almost every day about something.  We shared personal joys as well as professional frustrations.  She was a mentor. 

I went to the bathroom and regained my composure.  I work with men, there is no crying at work.  EVER! 

My boss and I discussed different theories.  He agreed that something was up but could not fathom that our company, who has been in business 108 years and prides itself on treating employees as family, would ever do anything contrary to that.

Shortly before lunch, I looked up her home number and wrote it down.  At lunch, I called her.  I told her that I would not ask anything but wanted her to know that she would be greatly missed and I owed her so much for all her patience and support during my early months as a new employee.

She had no problem opening up.  She said that the new HR director (a recent college grad) had brought her into her office and explained (and I paraphrase), "Your position is being automated and your are no longer have a place with this company. You qualify for retirement so that will go into effect immediately."

Not one of our executives was even in the building.  Chicken shits!  Really?  I understand that it is perfectly normal and even preferred for HR to handle things like this.  But to use a some 20 something college grad, who has been with the company for less than 9 months, to force retire a committed employee who has dedicated 27 years of her life?  THAT'S BULLSHIT!

Today, I sent flowers to her home with a heart felt note.  I am embarrassed of the company I work for.  I have always had issues with the way the over educated morons (all men) run this company, but this goes so far beyond anything I ever thought they would do.  And that's saying a lot.

Example; a year ago, our assistant plant manager (a man) was promoted to plant manager of a new plant.  There was talk of bringing in a new college grad to replace him.  I figure, I have a BS and 8 months experience in my position as Office Manager (not to mention the 16 years of management experience I had before I got there).... so I throw my hat into the ring. 

I spent more than a month asking my immediate boss about the job.  He kept trying to talk me out of it.  When I finally went over his head to his boss, I was told "That's great.  But just so you know, in 107 years, a woman has never held that position.  BUT, of course we will consider you."
A year later........... the position is still open and no one will talk to me about it.

Y called me today to thank me for the flowers.  I told her about me blogging to help me deal with my spouses PTSD and TBI.  I hardly speak to anyone about this and NEVER anyone I work with.  It was difficult.  But I wanted her to know that blogging and reading the blogs of other has helped me to cope with issues.  She responded in her thick southern, debutant accent, "Hang in there sweetie, its a long and bumpy ride.  A very long one."  You see, her husband fought in Vietnam.  I knew that but never thought we might endure a similar struggle.

Almost two years I have worked with her and we never discussed it.  Of course, I am not saying we will talk about it now.............. its just that....... so many of us suffer in silence.  Day in.  Day out.  And maybe.  Well, maybe its not necessary. 

Stupid things, I know.  Not that after talking to Y, I'm going to rush out and start a support group.  But I might start looking into finding one that already exists....................maybe.