Wednesday, March 04, 2009

I'm getting by with a little help from my friends

I'm a bit emotional right now. You see, I was laid off yesterday, along with 34 other employees of 'A' Ottawa & The Valley. Our jobs were terminated effective immediately.
I'll be fine. I have a very generous severance package that eases the urgency to find another job, so I have time to make contacts, investigate leads and hopefully find something sooner rather than later. I also hope it's something in broadcasting and/or journalism, because that's all that I've done for the last 30 years, and can't imagine doing anything else.
I am truly overwhelmed by all the messages I've received on facebook over the past 36 hours, all expressing sympathy and hope. And even though it's not out there in black and white, they each express friendship. That is probably what is most important right now. There are no words to explain how deeply that touches me. So "thank you" will have to suffice.

12 comments:

N@ Lauzon said...

yeah bob! Gotta suck out loud, FOR SURE. But good things are comin' your way, I feel it in muh knee!!!
:)
We're here for ya!

T said...

So many people have told me everything happens for a reason, I have no choice but to believe you were meant for bigger and better things. XOXOXOX

Maria said...

That got to be tough Bob. I am sorry to hear that!! Keep your chin up I am sure you will find something sooner rather than later.

aandjblog said...

On another blog (Greater Ottawa maybe) posted the internal memo that went out.. and I think I saw your name. My thought have been with you and everyone else working at A Channel. I am a big fan of the station and feel that it's the only one that really does give a local and community feel to the region. It's a huge lose to the employees and to the community that so many people they had to let go.

While one door closes, another one opens. I agree with T. You were meant for bigger and better things. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Probably in a year from now you'll look back on this and say, "thank goodness I got laid off when I did" That's what I usually find when something shitty happens in my life. It's devastating and I can't think how there could possibly be a silver lining, but a few months or so down the road, I suddenly realize it was actually a good thing in the long run. Who knows what kind of opportunties await you?

Anonymous said...

I saw you on the news the day it happened! Good luck, things will turn out. no worries

Ma Horton said...

I agree with everyone else when they say that things will all turn around for you for the best. Friends, family and faith will get you through.
Believe it and it will happen.
You are one of many who have walked through and came back on the brighter side of life.
(ps ..my VW is alist ...and that is what you are on ..the "A"list!!

Sean Newbury said...

On to bigger and better and Bobbier things!

Patti said...

Sorry to hear about your misfortune, Bob. It's what we all fear these days...suddenly finding ourselves unemployed. I thought of you right away when I heard about the layoffs.

Good luck to you. I hope you find yourself employed again very soon, in a job that you love and that fulfills you.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about your job loss. Best of luck for future employment in journalism.:)

JB said...

...and of course, I show up on the 13th of March to find this out. How dare you ruin a perfectly good Friday the 13th with this news. To tell you the truth, I'm pretty sure things are going to get a little worse in the media world before they get better, and as you are already aware there are many of us who are hanging on by a thread. May seem like little consolation to you, but look at it this way...You now have time to LOOK for a job, and when the labour force begins to start hiring again, you will be ready and will hit the ground running.
I suggest you take a nice vacation from thinking about work. At our shop, we had a news guy who we all loved get laid off, and those who could afford to chipped in for a farewell dinner for him, PLUS a little extra to help him pay for a trip to Vegas. Regardless of whether anyone else is chipping in - I think you should take a trip somewhere. There are amazing deals around right now. Clear your head. F**k this industry. F**k this economy. You don't know when the chance will come again. Doesn't have to be extravagant. Just do something to do your soul some good. You deserve it, my friend.
...and you're too good at what you do to worry, so don't waste your time on worry when you could be drinking something cold and just kicking back, confident in knowing that you're all right, and the world's all wrong.

Bob said...

Hey, JB, I just now read your comment. Thanks for that perspective.
I am hanging in well, and looking forward to Little Bro Dan's wedding next month in Jamaica.
As I said previously on facebook, I might not be Gloria Gaynor, but dammit, I Will Survive!