Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 25003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
“Good morning. As you know, King Marketing and its holdings have failed to meet its quarterly earnings for the third straight quarter. This has been an issue and, unfortunately, has forced our hands. We have decided to merge the company with Nox Sawyer Investments. Currently, the owners are meeting with their team of lawyers in Chicago and will be here on Monday to go over the changes.”
He takes a deep breath, and I’m waiting for the hammer to drop. “However, at this point and time, we are not in the position to keep all of you here. As the merger has already been underway for a month, the spots for division and reallocation have been decided. I’m afraid that some of you will be let go over the next few weeks. This is hard for all of us. We will do our best to see that you’re helped into a new position at another company or a proper reference letter.”
A sinking feeling sits in the depths of my gut. They give out a few more platitudes and other useless words about how much we mean to them. Words don’t put money in our pockets and food in our mouths, so I’d rather just know my fate now. When we’re finally excused, I head to my desk without speaking to any of my colleagues because they’re all anxious and I still have a deadline that needs to be met before the end of the day.
I sent it off. As soon as I hit send, my email gets a read receipt from the director. I got a return email. Fuck. A message to see HR. “Of course.” The bastards wanted me to finish the project before they canned me.
I locked my computer and then stood, straightening my skirt. HR was a floor below, so I took the elevator, having to pass Jason’s desk. Strangely, he didn’t have the nerve to look at me, even my ass, as I passed by. Fuck, this doesn’t look good. When I reached her office, I barely extended my arm to her open door when she said, “Ah, there you are. I was wondering how long it would take for them to send you in here.”
“Well, they needed my finished work before they canned me,” I teased, even though I’m sure by the look on her face there was more than a grain of truth to that story.
Her face drew inward, lips nervously sucked in. “Please have a seat, Ms. Hoffman.”
“Oh, so no more, Celeste.” I take a seat in front of her desk, knowing that she’s going to drop the bomb on me any second, and I can feel the acid in my stomach churning already.
“Please get to the point, Ms. Basse.”
“Unfortunately, we had to cut some of your team, and it was up to you and one other person and he as a family.” I immediately knew she was referring to Jason, who doesn’t have kids but a wife.
“Understood. So, shall I go pack my things now?”
“Actually, the full layoff won’t begin until next month. We need you here for the transition period, closing out your accounts, transferring files, and explaining projects you’re currently working on.”
“That should take a day or two, not a month.”
“Mr. Vance still needs time to work on his projects that are due in the next two weeks, so he doesn’t have time to take over every project head-on instantly.” The tone of her voice makes me want to crawl over her desk and choke her, but I remain calm and collected like the professional I am.
“Oh,” I mutter.
She clasps her hands together and sighs before opening her overly-filled lips. “You’ll be compensated for your time. However, once the project is over, your job will be terminated, and you will receive a small severance to help with the transition.”
“Thank you.” Twice today, I wanted to tell someone to shove their offer. My restraint has been a miracle and a curse at the same time because I feel like I’m either going to implode or explode. It’s hell right now.
“Well. If you will excuse me, I will head back to my desk and get to work on my plans to turn everything over.”
“We know you’re the department lead, so this is difficult.”
“Please don’t talk about difficult with me, Vanessa. I’m frankly not interested in your bland attempt at empty platitudes. I had enough of them this morning, and I have a job to do before it’s all said and done. Excuse me.” I leave her office and head back to mine, closing the door so Jason can’t enter. My door had been open to everyone before, but now it’s closed because I need a moment of peace before I lose it on someone.
Checking my schedule, I was booked a month out with a list of projects. God, they’re so screwed. Several clients asked for me specifically, saying they wouldn’t work with Jason, so it will be interesting. As it is, I pack my personal belongings, which thankfully aren’t a lot. Even though I’m a designer, I’ve never added my personal touch because I don’t trust people to let me go, and I was right.