> Around 1:30, our dept. VP came in and summoned my manager to his office. Soon after he left, a woman came in with two large packing boxes, shut off his lights, and powered down his computer and locked it out. The process was soon repeated with my coworker (the same one who gave the interview this morning). During all this, I was frantically bringing up on my machine and printing out as many samples of my work for my portfolio as possible to take with me. I didn't get very far before they called me in.

This is unfortunately not uncommon in corporate America, but it isn't necessarily the norm. I got as much time as I needed that day to do my own packing, save my own stuff, say my own goodbyes, etc. My grandmother thought even that was barbaric.

If it had been me, deprived of even the opportunity to print out portfolio samples, I would have been furious and, for better or worse, perhaps not left so gracefully.

Your ex-company seems to be begging for a lawsuit. Although I wouldn't necessarily do it -- suing former employers looks bad on a resume -- but I'd certainly make some phone calls and write some letters, unless that stuff is already gone irrevocably.

This must be a harrowing time for you, but I have every confidence you will come out of this ahead. From the sounds of it, you will be VERY glad to be rid of that place before long.

We're pulling for you and praying for you.

S "found posting one's resume to monster.com very useful" am