Thursday, December 8, 2011

I Fought the Law, and the Law Won


And now this is happening:

I just got laid off in a Caribou Coffee.

(And I can't stop thinking of Humpty Dance, because "I just got laid off in a Caribou Coffee" keeps reminding me of, "I once got busy in a Burger King bathroom.")

So what does this mean for me?  I have no idea.  As you can tell, I haven't really processed the news.

So what does this mean for you?  Well, mostly it means that if you are a lurker or a lazy commenter that now is the time to punch the keys and tell me something nice.  Or where you think I should go from here - I'm open to suggestions.

15 comments:

Beth said...

Wow... first person I've heard to associate their reduction with the Humpty Dance....

Yay! A business partner! We just need to think of something awesome!

Danni said...

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuck. My first off-the-cuff thoughts:

1) let Joe support you and become a SAHM for awhile - why not? You seem to thrive on this mommy stuff. There's nothing wrong with being a SAHM as you know. If there's any way you can swing it...

2) find a headhunter to help you land another gig

3) come to Montana (though real estate is pretty much non-existant as a practice here right now)

4) apply at Caribou part time???

I'm really really really sorry. That is a serious bummer of epic proportions. I am so so so so sorry.

Karen said...

Your kiddos would love love love having their mom home full time for awhile. :)

I hope you find some answers and you're on your way soon.

Anonymous said...

Heavy news, Kate! I was just visiting for my daily hit of Marzo kid cuteness to which I am hopelessly addicted. My advice - you need to give yourself some time to process the news before you try to figure out where to go from here. Tom T.

Teresa said...

Well, I'm kind of a lurker but think I have commented at least once. Aren't you still on maternity leave and FMLA? How does this happen? I'm a lawyer and my newly created part-time position got "eliminated" less than six weeks after I returned from maternity leave with my second. I was shocked and furious, and am still pretty angry, given that it happened only a few months ago. As awful as it was, however, I am SO happy that I have been able to spend more time with the kids, and I am SO much more relaxed in general. Agree with the previous poster. Lots of time to process... no need to think about what to do next yet. Just let yourself relax and enjoy some time with your kids.

life's a bear said...

Yikers! I just got news that the entire staff in my office will be required to take one - maybe two - furlough days a month next year. Layoffs are coming. Luckily, I have decided to cut my hours and become an independent consultant. I realize that that isn't necessarily an option, but I'm happy that I'm being forced to consider other lines of work. Now I'll be able to stay home with the kids two days/week! Good luck to you!

katandkarl said...

Wowzers. I'm so sorry to read this. I have no serious ideas for you as I'm in an entirely unrelated industry and multiple states away BUT I wish you peace about the whole thing. Geezum. I love my contract labor gig. Any chance you could do some consulting?

Stephanie said...

How about professional blogging? I am really sorry to hear the news. Try to look on the bright side though, the world is now your oyster! Weren't you talking about opening up an allergy free food place? I think that is a great idea. Hang in there, and give the girls and little man my love!
Steph the Nanny

Mindy said...

Yowza. I hope you got to enjoy your coffee BEFORE the news. I'm sure that there is a silver lining in here, it's just a matter of finding it. Which, I'm sure will be easier after a big glass of wine, a foot rub from your sympathetic husband, and perhaps a good cry. You are creative, smart, and motivated - awesome things will happen.

- Mindy

Ann Price said...

Well, that sucks. What a fucking disgrace of a boss you have. Why can't people look you in the eye when this stuff happens? That just makes me mad. My boss at least had the nerve to bring me into her office 2 years ago, but she still couldn't look at me. I remember that shock like it was yesterday. So sorry. Even though I have no doubt this will bring better things into your life, it just sucks. It sucks because the holidays are coming, it sucks because you were a great worker, it sucks because it wasn't your choice. It just does. Please try to enjoy your holidays regardless and embrace the change in the New Year. That's how I handled it (or didn't!) and it was okay. Not great, but I gave myself a month before I panicked. You'll be fine, but for now, have a good cry and then squeeze those kiddos. They are going to love having you around for however long this lasts!!

Ann Price said...

Just realizing hours later that I assumed you were in the coffee shop and laid off via phonecall. Why did I think that? Not sure. But either way, even if your boss was there, it still blows big balls. Sorry.

Leslie Stafford said...

I'm so sorry! I agree with Teresa's comment - aren't you still on leave? Is it legal for them to let you go? Not sure of the laws in IL, but in CA, they can't do that.

Hang in there. It's their loss and your three beautiful kiddos' gain!

Sarah said...

Okay, first of all I think this is the change you were looking for and an excuse to stay home with the kids. Second of all, you're way too creative for that stuff. And too smart. And third of all, thank goodness Joe has a job! And thank goodness you live in Chicago and have plenty of things to do to fill your time.

And DON'T take it personally. You said other people were getting laid off too.

It took me a minute to figure out what you were saying. Like, wait Kate was working as a Barista on maternity leave?

Ooooohhhh, she got the "it's not you, it's us" talk at Caribou Coffee. That's when you know you don't need 'em!

Me? A Mom? said...

So i wrote this really long comment and blogger ate it so let me summarize:

Shit.
Things happen for a reason.
Mortgage still needs to be paid.
Elizabeth Kubler Ross.
Hang in there.
It will be ok.

jessica said...

I totally agree with Sarah's comment and totally laughed at Sarah's comment about working as a barista on your maternity leave :) You really are Sooooooo creative and successful at EVERYthing you do! I ache for you but at the same time I am completely excited for you! We are all here for you even if some of us are far away. If you need help I will fly to Chicago for you! Seriously, amazing things are in store for you. Bobby and I love you!!! (And so does Austin, TX)