In bad economies, the industry in which I work (marketing and advertising), clients are quick to slash their marketing budgets but still expect you to perform at high levels on very little budget. In these bad times, is also when we become more and more expendable.
Last year I was one of the unfortunate millions of other people to be laid off from their job. As scary as it was, I wasn't too sad about it because the company I worked for sucked. I'd cut my maternity leave short for these people (from 6 to 4 weeks with my only daughter!) because I knew they needed my help. Not only that, the day I went in to have my daughter, I was WORKING from my labor bed to get some items out for my undeserving clients. On a regular basis, I used to work extremely long hours (in turn incurring ridiculous amounts of daycare late fees), got emergency calls from clients during the holidays (nothing in marketing should ever be considered an 'emergency') and was stressed to the point where I'd almost forgotten how to smile. It had gotten so bad at one point that my husband threatened to separate.
I.was.miserable. And so was my family. So - as is my mantra, everything happens for a reason and my losing my job and reclaiming my sanity was God's way of helping me and my family through. It was a blessing!
Fast forward through my unemployment for a year (during which time I looked for work that was not to be found in my industry; and dabbled with working with my husband with his business - he works from home producing websites for companies) I finally secured a position with another company, an agency, in Downtown Dallas. During the interview process I'd been warned about this company by others that knew my husband and found out I was interviewing:
- the woman who owns it is a micro manager
- she always has to be right
- she has to be the smartest person in the room at all times
- she's egotistical
- everything is last minute
- she's maniacal
- there's very high turnover
- etc.
I knew this going in and yet, i still accepted the position when it was offered. My reasons:
(1) I can always find a better job, this is just temporary
(2) How bad could it really be? I'd just gone through hell at my last company
(3) I just need the money and continue to look for something else while I have something to supplement my search
Long story short - I should have listened to everyone.
A week after I started, one of the account service people gave her notice. The next month another AE quit and the creative director put his notice in. Then another designer left the next month after that. They let go of the one and only production manager we had and hired a new creative designer. This person ended up quitting two months later...
This leads me to the end of September. September 27th they "soft" fired our one and only web guy (they want him to finish a project, train his replacement and then it's over) and the next day I had a heated argument with the owner and quit. That was exactly one week ago today.
I was told by the former creative director during a lunch we had together on Friday that I'm the 9th person to leave in 10 months. That's almost a person a month! That wouldn't be so bad if we were a company of hundreds...we're a company of 10. TEN. Diaz.X. Outside of the owner, the longest running employees still there have been there 3 and 2-1/2 years. What a track record.
So now that I've given them two weeks (actually three - I told them if they needed me I'd stay an extra week) I have been steady revamping the resume, checking job boards, putting feelers out and have had some success in some opportunities but nothing has panned out yet. I am hoping to hit the ground running by the end of next week with interviews. My husband would like me to do my own thing and I'm also considering this as an option.
My quitting was my push to force me to get out of a bad situation so that it didn't turn into the situation I had before at the previous job. Whether I go out on my own or work for another company, it will all work out for the best and THIS TIME, I will NOT force my hand before I am ready. Thank God for a supportive husband who not only encourages me to find myself, and urged me to quit, but also supports that I am strong and skilled enough to do my own thing...even if I don't always agree. hahah
My next opportunity - venture - will be ME and it will be just right.
Everything happens for a reason. Everything!
5 comments:
Wow Rania all that going on last year and you still stayed positive. I look up to you. Good luck with your new endeavor
I like how you add a hint of "funny" to everything and that you maintain a positive outlook. I'm so glad that you are content with your decision. Way to go! I wish you best of luck with you new endeavors--whether you choose to venture out and start your own business or work for another company (hopefully new boss won't be a meanie). It's great too that you honey is so supportive :)
So sorry to hear about what's been going on with your job! I have some experience with horrible work environments, but this job (and the one before) sounds like a special brand of hell. I'm glad for your sake that you were able to read the red flags and get out in time -- I'm wishing you the best of luck with the job search!
I just gave you another award. Hehe. You deserve it. I hope your job hunt or setting up your business is going well. Looking forward to future posts :)
Wow. That lady's business is going down. What goes around comes around. A little break from a stressful job is good for heart, soul, and skin. So it's like you won by getting out of there. :o)
My best, Lynn
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