One lady has worked in the office for 35 years. She is a widow with no children aged mid fifties... Three other ladies are divorced and single in ages 50-60... A couple of the girls said they will take the opportunity to fulfill dreams of making a change that they have been wanting to do for a long time but of convenience and fear they have stayed and the years have just past by. I have never experienced a lay off like this before and it was a really surreal feeling. It almost felt like the world just stopped. No thought was able to be thought. No job made. No words found. I lost one of my closest colleagues in the Scandinavian department... I am speechless.
So after choosing a border, adding it and preparing my quilt top for quilting I am now quilting my sorrows away. One row after another is shaping this quilt that I am actually making for another lady at work that recently was laid off as well. I am wondering how long it will take before it is my turn.
I am not afraid, I don't really need this job, but it is a big part of my social life as I work with Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and Finish girls. We are a great team. And the fact that we all are emigrated makes our bond even strong. We care and look after each other like we would be one big family.
Tomorrow I am back at work again. With translations, proof readings, archiving and phone calls... I wonder what it will be like, if the shock will still hang like a big cloud over the office or not. There is always a silver lining, at least they say so. I truly hope my colleagues will have a bright future after all. When the worst shock has weaned off, then maybe we can open a bottle of bubbly and cheer for the future.
Kärlek
Annette
oh that's such sad news Annette, I am happy you are able to already see a silver lining and look ahead to the future. This quilt will be a very special and treasured one, that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteHang in there,
xoxo
What a difficult day you've had. My thoughts go out to your colleagues that they find new work soon.
ReplyDeleteQuilting is a great stress buster and your quilting looks great... Look forward to seeing your quilt when it is finished.
:-)
I am so sorry to hear that. The news is full of this and there doesn't seem to be any relief from this downturn in trade and business. The saddest part is the more personal things such as the strong friendships that are formed over the years, to the point of being family. I do hope your friends and colleagues find something very soon. xx
ReplyDeletesorry! El Blog De Montse
ReplyDeleteGood Evening Annette, I am so sorry to hear about your friends being made redundant....it is an awful experience. I have never been made redundant, but I had to interview for my job. Two schools...one was to close....not all the staff were needed so we had to interview against our friends. I was successful and received a job offer, but my friend wasn't and it devastated her. I found I could not be happy about my job as my friend was so sad.
ReplyDeleteI hope your friends chase their dreams and find the future they hope for.
Best Wishes
Daphne
So sorry tot hear this, we too have been affected by redundancy, it not easy but you do get through it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt :) x
I'm sorry to hear about the lay offs at your work, crafting can be wonderful to clear the mind a little.
ReplyDeleteI have been through that several times with a job I had. It was the worst and I rememeber the shock and sadness. Your quilt looks beautiful. You are making me want to make a flowery quilt but I have started a cross quilt for my son so the flowers will have to wait.
ReplyDeleteThat's really sad, but like you say, perhaps for some it will be a blessing to be released from something that perhaps prevented them from pursuing what they really wanted to do... I really feel for them though, what a shock.
ReplyDeleteLove your quilt, what pretty colours! ..I like your spotty socks too :-)
That's a yucky day. Sad for everyone because not only are jobs gone, but possibly friendships too as people drift out of touch. Doing something like quilting or crocheting is good for the soul: it lets your mind meander and process and digest things, all the while keeping you calmer because you're doing repetitive things. You could put a wish into each row that this will turn out to be the best thing to ever happen to them as they are now free to find a new joy.
ReplyDeleteJenn
I'm so very sorry Annette. I know how you feel. Unfortunately I've been through this several times....some that didn't affect me & some that did. In fact, my job ended at the end of 2012 so I'm currently looking for work. I'm trusting God to get me through this, knowing I'll end up in a better place just like in the past. But initially the shock is overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow will feel weird...good that you don't actually NEED the job. One thing I've learned is that we must get our finances in order, because we don't know what tomorrow holds....that's something that us Americans don't seem to think of much.
Your quilt will be such a beautiful comfort to your friend, just as it is for you to make for her!
Oh Annette, such sadness. I am sure you are in shock, I am glad you have your quilt to help you through this. I applaud those brave women for finding something positive in all of this.
ReplyDeleteSending you a hug,
Meredith
Oh how sad. I am sorry that some people lost their jobs. It is never easy to start over again and find another job. I hope the sadness lifts soon and there is a happy ending for those that are looking for new jobs. Your cheery new quilt is bound to lift your spirits.
ReplyDeleteDanielle
well that just sux for your friends! I work in healthcare. So far, we are weathering the storm. I do wish I were independently wealthy however!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt (as usual!) is quite lovely! I'm still staring at fabric that needs to be cut up so I can begin piecing! Hopefully tomorrow when I'm off work for a day (and more snow in the forecast!)
A big hug Annette! one for your colleagues, too!!!
ReplyDeletexxxx Ale
Losing your job when you are over 50 is devastating. I've lived through such a loss, not for myself, but for my husband, and he's never really gotten over it. Over 40 years of being one of the best in his trade (off-set printing). Now, his trade is vanishing, being replaced by computers, and he has taken working in Alaska to finish his last couple of years before retirement. Alaska still has opportunity for skilled tradesmen, if you can handle the isolation from your family. I feel for anyone who has this happen to them, I feel for their families. You are so kind to try and comfort your friend. I know she will be very appreciative. Best wishes to you!
ReplyDeleteThese are sad news. Let's hope the ladies will manage to adjust and cope with it. I think your bond will not break up.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your friends at the office. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for when one door closes, the Lord will definitely open another door for your friends. They just have to keep their eyes and ears open to see the doors opening for them. The Lord works in a mysterious way! Keeping yourself busy is a great way to overcome the negative emotions that you are going through right now. Sew away my dear to clear your heart!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Usha
usharaneem@yahoo.com
Tengo ganas de verla terminada. Quedará preciosa.
ReplyDeleteAnna
So sorry about this sad news....it's such a shock when people lose their jobs, especially after a long time. It must be strange for you to carry on working without some of your close colleagues. I love your quilt, Annette, and the pictures of you quilting it too. It's true, sewing is good for soothing the soul.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Helen x
It so sucks, I know. In my last job last year I went through 5 lay off rounds in 3 years and it completely got the best of me. Then I found a new job and the first thing that happened... a lay off round. Again, I survived. But it was like something just *snapped* in me and I was seriously burned out for a while. The best advice I can give you for this situation: believe in your own qualities!! And although the company may seem to mean it personally, they don't. I found that indeed, if one door closes a window opens. Because of all the lay offs I was forced to think of what I want from life and from my working carreer and I found out what I've been wanting to do all along. Become a freelance journalist and editor again. And here I am, working on it! There is hope, trust me!!
ReplyDeleteLove that quilt!! And I hope that your co-workers who were laid off will find their way again.
Esther.
Oh, it is sad news :( I am on maternity leave to September, but I do not know about my future. Head office of my company decides about layoffs. So, I am not sure, it will be still position for me there. I think, wrong situation is everywhere.
ReplyDeleteSo, keep your sewing, it is very good relax :)
Jolana
J'adore ton blog,I love your blog it is beautiful,a bientot.
ReplyDeleteAs far as your colleagues have bread on their tables, this could be the best moment for them to tackle their passions and hobbies. It could be an opportunity to change their life for the best.
ReplyDeleteVery quitting post. I love the design very nice color fabric in quitting.. I got some ideas after reading this post. Thanks for this post.
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Very nice quilt. love the colors very much and beautiful design, I have get some ideas for my quilting..Will try this type of quilting soon.
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