Well, at the end of Friday, there will be 1 lone person from the original 18 people that started here. The other 3 people will be sent home without any source of future income. (aside from one guy, who was leaving this Friday anyway, because he found a new job.)

So, here’s how I learn about this wonderful information.

I get to work at 12:30 in the afternoon, and I work until 9pm. I was in the middle of my second call (very long call, as all my calls have been today) when I get a SameTime (Company’s internal instant messenger) from one of the managers reading “Hey, when you get a chance can you stop by my desk?”(we have Team Leads, and then we have Managers above them). I was in the middle of talking to someone when I read it, and I stuttered a bit, but recovered nicely, aside from that gaping ulcer that started to tear open in my stomach.

about 30 minutes(!) later I finished up the call, and stopped by Dave’s desk. He told me to have a seat, so I did. And he looked at me, and said “The 2004B release contracts are ending this Friday”. In my mind, I thought “oh no, here it is, I survived to the final 4, and now they’re letting us all go.” Time seemed to stand still, I could feel that ulcer widening and the acid eating away at it’s edges.
Dave continued “However, we’re going to be keeping a couple people on for the 2004C release, as we need them to call some people to make sure problems do not arise, and I was wondering if you’d be willing to do that.” My thoughts of doom and woe faded away instantly as two words dribbled out of my agape mouth. “uh, sure!”

Dave gave me a little more info, but was very vague when I asked “why me?” he noted my schedule flexibility, (I’m the only person that volunteered to work 2nd shift, apparently) as being the primary reason. Great, wonderful, so I’m not kept on my due to my mental acumen, nor my keen intellect. I’m being kept on due to the fact that I’m “Flexible”.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic that I’m still here, and that I’ll be here until at least the end of July, beginning of August. That ulcer has healed up over the course of the day, and won’t open back up until they start firing people again during the next major software update.

Now, when I think of my brilliant cohorts that made it this far with me, and who are being sent home due to an extreme trick of fate, I almost start to feel bad. almost. While a part of me wants to stand up, and point and say “NAH-NAH-NA-BOO-BOO!” Another, much more mature part of me thinks “what are they going to do?”

I hope to keep in touch with a couple of them, we came a long way, and I when they go through the next hiring spree in a month or so, I hope to see a few of them return. Maybe they’ll be able to stick around longer, I don’t know how I’m going to spend my days now, as Mike V. will be gone, and I’ll have no one to talk about the latest video cards with.

Kevin is taking off to some other job. He, out of all of us, was the smart one, and bailed before the boat sank. and while I don’t necessarily know Nicole, I still hope she does well.

What’s wrong with me? When did I turn into a big-ol’-softy? a year or so ago I’d be waving at them with a smile on my face!

I know what it is, after spending 7 months unemployed, I can now relate to them. the feeling you get when your financial well-being is in question.

Here’s to ya, guys and gal. And to all the rest of you that went before. May all your dreams be filled with coffee, more cubicle space, and red staplers.