Ugh! Just got back from a departmental meeting at which we found out that two of our beloved, talented colleagues (our Editorial Director and an Associate Editor) have been let go due to severe budget problems. Our ED was here for 17 years and the AE was here for 6 years. The AE is my office neighbor. I am sort of shaking now. We are close-knit group and now all of the office doors are closed and no one is talking.
MrsTC
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Re: Two layoffs in my imprint
sorry to hear that...unfortunately it happens all the time, those are tough. It's the part of HR I dislike the most. You should all go out to lunch and have a BS session! Are you scared of losing your job or just upset at what happened?
cluelessbride
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Re: Two layoffs in my imprint
Oh Juliet, hang in there. How awful it must feel. Publishing is tough, cuts are everywhere and there is such a focus on the bottom line when there used to be some grace for 'art'.
xjulietx
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Re: Two layoffs in my imprint
I think I am just shook up. I worry about my job like everybody else, but I work in Managing Editorial whereas the layoffs are in editorial. There is more of a competitive edge needed there and if you are not bringing in the big selling authors, then you get let go and someone else with a better author list comes in.
I hate this feeling. I hate that the Associate Editor, who I consider a friend, is right next door, yet I feel too paralyzed to go in and offer her comfort. I guess I need some comforting.
Scoop
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Re: Two layoffs in my imprint
sorry to hear the news...they just let go two people in my department too.
ILT1221
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Re: Two layoffs in my imprint
that's awful. i'm so sorry.
Misty
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Re: Two layoffs in my imprint
I have been going through the exact same thing. 2 long time employees were let go, including my boss, 2 weeks ago. The worst part will be the next couple of weeks, but things will slowly calm down I promise. It's so uncomfortable being on the outside of those closed doors! Everything will be ok!
michele31
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Re: Two layoffs in my imprint
I have been laid off before and it is really important that you go into her office and talk to her. Just ask her if she needs help today. Also, call her at home in a few days and ask how she is doing. it is an awful experience, but in the end a i got a much better position at a much better company. during my layoff i found out who my real friends were. they were the ones that called me and asked how i was. the others I cut out of my life- they were not real friends at all.
xjulietx
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Re: Two layoffs in my imprint
They are allowed to stay until 8/15/03 but I think they both went home for the day. I think I may buy some flowers for my neighbor and bring them in tomorrow.
