So once a month at work we have a corporate meeting, where either the CEO or VP get up and discuss what is going on in the company. Its typically sales related and such, company provides donuts, etc.
Yesterday the CEO got up and said that this was not going to be an easy meeting. Basically stated one of the companies that we partner with in Asia was pulling out of Asia entirely. As a result our income this year was going to take a major hit. He then said because of this, 1/3 of the company was going to have to be laid off.
Now thankfully I was not one of them, but to say I was nervous until I heard that I was safe is an understatement. But even though I was "safe", the team that I work in was hit the hardest, as we are the largest. Lost a lot a very good people that were mostly all good friends. This marks the forth lay off I have survived (The other three were at a previous company). And now of course there is a whole lot more load placed on those of us that are still here, as the work load didn't change any.
So anyway, just needed to vent a bit. Hate to see friends have to go through something like this, but I know they are not alone. Unemployment where I live is nearly 14%. Which of course means finding a replacement job will not be easy. And its rough on a friendship when the friend was let go, and you were not. Some of them are ok with it, but some are now very bitter towards those of us that were not let go.
So yeah, pretty sucky situation