> How terrible! They didn't even let you do your own packing??

No, we were allowed to pack up our own belongings. But they did have personnel there watching us do it, presumably to ensure that we didn't appropriate any company property. It was a rather unpleasant experience, but I guess they have to protect themselves from vengeful ex-employees, and they had to treat everyone the same way to avoid any discrimination lawsuits.

>And all of your work for your portfolio is now gone? That is AWFUL!

It's not gone. It's just going to be much more of a hassle for me to get it. I did get quite a bit of stuff before I left, enough to update my portfolio.

>I can't even begin to imagine how you must have felt, although I would guess that it was a bit like being an innocent animal being led away to the slaughter.

Exactly.

> At least you can spend some more time with your wife and son through all of this. I'm also wondering if wasn't best that you got out of the company now. A company that suddenly drops you without warning might be on very shaky ground.

The company's stock value has been consistently dropping since 1997. This whole restructuring is an attempt to turn it around and make it a profitable company again. So far it seems to be working; the stock prices have been going up again over the past few weeks. I just wish I could have been part of the solution instead of the problem.

> Hang in there, Grish-knee. I'm sure this will be an unpleasant ordeal, but yes, you're not completely on your own. You've got God, your family, and us RinkyDinks on your side. I'm faily certain that I'm speaking for all of us when I say that we're here for you and we're pulling for you.

I've been through this before, having been laid off my previous job too. It really isn't as bad this time. The company is much more generous as far as severance, and this time I was more mentally prepared for the possibility. Last time came out of the blue and hit me unawares. And this time, like you said, I have all of YOU guys pulling for me too.

> Ell"Your co-worker should call Channel 2. If I'm not mistaken, they would LOVE to interview her after she has been fired."myruh

Heh heh heh. I should tell her that. I have her home email address, and I'll see her next Friday at the outplacement seminar we'll be attending.

Gri"thank heavens for a Mom and Dad who will drive 20 miles to take you out to eat the night you got laid off"shny