Sunday, October 30, 2011

The Walking Dead

When I last left you, I was sitting in the conference room at my new office and listening to the head honcho guy (HHG) tell me that my new position had just been eliminated. Before I get into what happened next, here's an outfit and a few words about that outfit.

sweater — Delia*s (Delia*s)
dress — Spiegel (thrifted)
boots — Unlisted (thrifted)

When I tried on this dress the other morning, I groaned out loud — a really loud groan. I bought it when I was probably 20 pounds lighter, so it was way too tight now. It's one of those clingy form-fitting garments that shows every extra ounce, and in not a very pleasing way. Surprisingly enough, it wasn't uncomfortably tight (usually I'm chomping at the bit in tight clothes, and I can't wait to rip them off of me), so I tried to figure out how I could still wear it. I think the sweater really ended up saving the day and kept this dress from going back to where I got it from originally (the thrift store). Besides it brightened up the dress considerably.


So .... about my job. HHG told me that they were very sorry, that they had no idea this was coming down the pike, but their client had told them to reduce costs on their contract. My position was more or less a luxury position, so it meant that my position, and me along with it, had to go. (I say luxury, because my role as a technical writer was to make the company look and sound good — I didn't do any product development or fill a role that was a requirement of the contract.)


HHG then tried to soften the blow by saying that if I was interested, they still had a need for a technical writer in their headquarters in Herndon, Virgina, and that headquarters was *only* an hour from DC.

Okay. If I lived in DC, an hour commute wouldn't be that big of a deal. And if I lived a few miles to the south and east of DC in Virginia, it would be even better. Unfortunately I don't live in DC or in Virginia, I live in Delaware. My commute to DC was already two and a half hours one way, and I'm supposed to add another hour onto that. Is he kidding? (and yes, he knew where I lived — that was his first question, "Am I still living in Delaware?")

This is the quizzical dorky look.

I try to explain this, and HHG goes running out of the room. He comes back in a few minutes later with directions from one of my now former co-workers. I look down at the itinerary, and headquarters is *not* another hour, give or take a few minutes, from DC. It's an hour and a half, if not longer — 45 minutes on the metro, 45 minutes on the bus, and then I have to walk a half mile! My head is starting to spin. I'm thinking ... a four-hour commute? one way? I can't do that. They can't be serious. I tell HHG that I can't do that. How will I even be able to function? I'm not going to be of any use to anybody if I have joined the ranks of the walking dead.


He says that I should just give the commute a try and come in the following day. Don't worry about what time you get there. Just try it. You might like it ... (Okay, he probably didn't say that I might like it. I think he said, "See if it's manageable for you.")

(to be continued ...)

Linking up to Megan Mae and Keely's This or That Fashion Challenge. This outfit was intended for the midi or maxi challenge, but I realize now that it could have also qualified for Fall Brights.


Also linking up to Patti at Visible Monday. This outfit may not have seemed so visible, but for me, it was. It was just so different from what I would have worn a few years ago. And isn't that what it's all about?

9 comments:

  1. Wow, girlfriend, your head must be spinning! Pls. keep us up to date on what you decide. In the meantime, you look great all charged up in red, and with some fab jewelry too. Thanks for participating in Visible Monday!

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  2. I completely understand the stresses you are under...my husband is currently unemployed and things are really stressful and stretched around the house. My itty bitty salary doesn't help us much at all...at least not to cover our current bills. I will keep you up to date and please keep us up to date!! You look incredible in this color and the sweater looks good with the outfit!!

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  3. You are stressing me out with this nail-biting story... and HOW CAN THEY JUST DO THAT...??? Eliminate a position....that sucks. Anyway, I can't wait to hear the end of the story. Oh - and your outfit is cute. I LOVE RED and BROWN together.... good job.

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  4. I absolutely LOVE that dress...and the way you dressed it up with that red sweater is genius!

    By the way, back in March 2010, I lost the radio job I had had for 29 years!!! I was unemployed (except for some freelance stuff) for almost a year. Now I'm in a situation I like much better! I did have my moments of feeling like I had been tossed aside like an old shoe--although they stressed it was all about economics.

    Hope you'll stop by and see my VERY FIRST Outfit of the Day post!

    Cindy @ Notes in the Key of Life

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  5. With all the improvements in technology, why can't they allow you to work from home? Gosh, my old company outsourced the tech writing to India. If they can do it from there, I would think you could do that in the US. You might ask them about it. I feel for you though, it is rough to have to live with something like this. My thoughts are with you.

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  6. What a lovely sweater. I love how you wore it over that dress too--looks brilliant with the boots too! I can't imagine such a commute--but maybe it will work out?
    We just moved from Stafford, VA a couple months ago and I met people in that area with insane commutes. I suppose if you really, really, really LOVE the job it could be worth it:-) Good luck!

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  7. Ohmygod. I'm so sorry to hear about your job. I agree with Debbi, I'd talk about maybe work-from-home aspect with maybe going to a physical work place only part time to reduce your commute? That's ridiculous!! I really hope things work out for you, fingers crossed and wishing you the very best.

    I think your sweater looks brilliant over the dress. Red is a fabulous color for you.

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  8. This is crazy. I can't wait to hear the rest, but wow, you are really being challenged, aren't you?

    At least you look fabulous in this outfit.

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  9. So.Much.Stress!! AAACK! I can't believe they'd think you'd be ok with a commute like that. That's 8 hrs a day!!!

    I LOVE that red with the brown. LOVE IT!!!

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Thanks for reading. Honest opinions and constructive criticism are always welcome.

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