10.14.2008

Back in the saddle again?

I was supposed to return to work on Friday, 10/10. Did I? No. Do you encourage ripping this sweet child from my loving arms?


I didn't think so.

Here is how things went down:

10/2 - I get a voice message from my boss. She sounds somber and wants to talk about my job. I'm sure she is going to lay me off. I strategize with Dave - what approach should I take? How might I extend my end date and maximize my severance package?

10/3 - I call my boss back and decide to go with the direct route. I ask "Is there still a job for me?" She shocks me by saying, "Definitely. In fact, I'm taking a new job. So we want you to do not only your old job, but my job too!" I explain I had hoped I could come back part time. It is clear that is not an option. After a few long pauses I make a decision. I agree to return on the 10th, and to pick up both jobs.

10/4 - I have a panic attack. I can't go back to work yet! What about little Brig!!!

10/5 - I email my boss and tell her I need to take my 4 weeks unpaid, my legal "newborn bonding time." Then I will return to work. Then I will take her job.

10/6 morning - I get a voicemail and email from my boss letting me know that won't work. If I don't come back on the 10th, neither job will be waiting for me. I will get laid off.

10/6 night - I have lots of intense, stressful, conversations with Dave. What to do?

10/7 morning - I call my boss and let her know this is a risk I'm willing to take. I really feel like I need 4 more weeks of dedicated Brig time. Maybe getting laid off wouldn't be such a bad thing. It would make a tough decision for me.

10/7 day - no word

10/7 night - no word

10/8 morning - my old boss calls me. "Do you realize if you don't come back on the 10th you will get laid off?" I say "That's what was implied..." She says "OK, I just wanted you to realize the implication of this choice." Ugh. What did I do? What was I thinking? I want my job back!

10/8 afternoon - I get a call from my current boss. They changed their minds. They have decided to keep both jobs open for me - as long as I promise to come back on November 7th. Does anyone else feel like this is a high stakes game of poker?

10/9 - the market drops yet another seven percent. There goes our savings. I'm feeling really lucky to have not one, but two jobs waiting for me.

10/13 - the market begins to rebound. Two jobs? Really? One isn't good enough?

Welcome to the roller coaster that is my life.

12 comments:

Michelle Glauser said...

Sounds like a pretty good roller coaster to be on at this point in time. That picture is so sweet. Where will the babe go when you're back at work?

Mark said...

Hilarious.

leslie said...

oh carrie, i'm so sorry! at least one thing is clear....you are one wanted woman!!

Christina said...

Whew! That was stressful to just read. I'm so sorry!!! Dave mentioned it briefly on Sunday but I didn't realize how intense it had been. You need a walk at the park with me to clear your mind. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow. You're stoked they love you, though.

sara said...

oh that baby. he's too, too cute. he looks a LOT like i remember you looking as a baby... only he doesn't wear pink tye dyed hippo outfits.

guess like you better plan your trip out to NY before you have to get your nose back to the grindstone. chop chop!

Anonymous said...

The amazing thing about this whole fiasco is Carrie works from HOME.

She doesn't have to put sweet darling cute precious Brig in daycare or take him to a sitter.
It just could be a little tricky if Brig is screaming etc. when Carrie is on a conference call.
And yes they LOVE her!!!

Anonymous said...

The amazing thing about this whole fiasco is Carrie works from HOME.

She doesn't have to put sweet darling cute precious Brig in daycare or take him to a sitter.
It just could be a little tricky if Brig is screaming etc. when Carrie is on a conference call.
And yes they LOVE her!!!

carrie said...

it's true. while he would be stripped from my loving arms, he most likely would be placed in a bouncy seat just a few feet away.

now i'm thinking to myself - why didn't I ask if I would be getting TWO salaries with my TWO jobs?!

Natalee said...

Mama mia! This is intense!! I know how it feels. Why doesn't she just lay you off already and make your life a little easier! Good luck. Tough choices.

Anonymous said...

Wow Carrie that is a hard choice but at least you got 4 extra weeks with sweet Brig.

scadden family

Anonymous said...

Oh, the stress!

I guess you just enjoy the next few weeks and then dive back in to both jobs in November. Wow.