The fact that you wrote this comfort specifically for people who are hurting speaks volumes about your character. I’m reminded of Leo’s parable to Josh in Noel about the man who fell in a hole. This was incredibly kind of you. I don’t know if any of them will thank you, but I will, on their behalf. Thank you. If I weren’t 5.5 hours away, I’d love to take *you* to coffee and pick your brain. Best to you 💛
Chris, I have enjoyed your work for years, but this post took my understanding and appreciation of you to a new level. Your interest in helping other people over hurdles you learned to surmount the hard way is admirable and your are displaying the kind of ethical and humane attitudes this planet needs. I wish I could find a more eloquent way to tell you: Thank you for being you!
A bunch of my colleagues at the job I got laid off at got laid off last week and it's been bringing back a flood of emotions (and some schadenfreude for a few people, I'm not perfect), so it's always refreshing to have perspectives like these.
Bravo, Chris. As someone whose “position was eliminated” last October, even though I had planned to at least “semi-retire” and tell them so, it still came as a shock and a bit of a hit to my self-esteem.
What you’ve written is clearly heartfelt AND heartwarming. Yet another reason why my paid subscription was a good choice.
Good solid advice Chris, and good on you for the coffee offer.
There are however "endings of employment" that masquerade as one thing when they're the other. I eventually called mine "cancellation." It happened 50 years before "cancellation" became the "thing" it is now. It came as a "layoff" but was really a "firing" and the ever-wonderful (/snark) Jann Wenner made certain to do it in such a way ("it really is *you* because you're so *unworthy*!") that it really undermined my self-confidence in my talent for a good long while. But the end result of that good long while was I went back and finished my degree(s), then got some more Essential Life Experience that made me the writer who got hired when I ended up here in Okeefenokee West, and then ended up using my childhood interests in what I really liked to become the successful author I am now. Oscar Wilde was right, "Living well is the *best* revenge" (which is something you're doing now).
And I'm sorry to admit that I am a bad person who went and got a nice expensive bottle of champagne to celebrate with when Wenner finally exposed to the world what a complete shithead he always was and "got his" from the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame as a result this past fall. Watching the Grand Piano of Karma land on top of him was *wonderful.*
Me last week: Oh no, who got laid off? Oh God, that's horrible they were the bes- wait, they let go who? Seriously? And her too? YES YES YES YES YES YES SUCK IT
WOW - have you grown! What a wonderful piece, showing your understanding, and incredible empathy. Just think of how different this piece is from the beliefs you held at the time of your being set free by CNN.
Congratulations.
You are not your job - it is only something you do. You are so much more than your job.
And these are life lessons your children will thank you for years from now.
Thanks, Chris. Your post will give perspective and reassurance to more people than you realize. Serves as a reminder of how important it is to see the bigger picture. Beyond well done, sir.
In around 1974, I worked at a State agency in Ohio. Layoff lists were being posted and I accompanied two lovely, young women to provide a strong shoulder when they saw their names. Umm, I needed their support, when I was on the list and they weren’t! Shortly after, I was rehired in a different agency and much later retired from State service after thirty years. Yes, it hurt, but it wasn’t the end, just a different route than anticipated.
The fact that you wrote this comfort specifically for people who are hurting speaks volumes about your character. I’m reminded of Leo’s parable to Josh in Noel about the man who fell in a hole. This was incredibly kind of you. I don’t know if any of them will thank you, but I will, on their behalf. Thank you. If I weren’t 5.5 hours away, I’d love to take *you* to coffee and pick your brain. Best to you 💛
Of you need any extra money to help pay for coffees, let me know.
Chris, I have enjoyed your work for years, but this post took my understanding and appreciation of you to a new level. Your interest in helping other people over hurdles you learned to surmount the hard way is admirable and your are displaying the kind of ethical and humane attitudes this planet needs. I wish I could find a more eloquent way to tell you: Thank you for being you!
Today is my 83rd birthday and how happy you've made me! You have emerged from the other side!
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." -Louis L'Amour
So true on the L'Amour quote.
What is even better is that 12 months ago, you could not have written this article with the wisdom you have shown here. Well done sir.
Such kindness!
I have shared your post on LinkedIn, X and Facebook Chris. Many of us have faced being 'laid off'. Your comments are spot on.
Thank you.
LaCheeserie.
Thank you for this, Chris.
A bunch of my colleagues at the job I got laid off at got laid off last week and it's been bringing back a flood of emotions (and some schadenfreude for a few people, I'm not perfect), so it's always refreshing to have perspectives like these.
Bravo, Chris. As someone whose “position was eliminated” last October, even though I had planned to at least “semi-retire” and tell them so, it still came as a shock and a bit of a hit to my self-esteem.
What you’ve written is clearly heartfelt AND heartwarming. Yet another reason why my paid subscription was a good choice.
Good solid advice Chris, and good on you for the coffee offer.
There are however "endings of employment" that masquerade as one thing when they're the other. I eventually called mine "cancellation." It happened 50 years before "cancellation" became the "thing" it is now. It came as a "layoff" but was really a "firing" and the ever-wonderful (/snark) Jann Wenner made certain to do it in such a way ("it really is *you* because you're so *unworthy*!") that it really undermined my self-confidence in my talent for a good long while. But the end result of that good long while was I went back and finished my degree(s), then got some more Essential Life Experience that made me the writer who got hired when I ended up here in Okeefenokee West, and then ended up using my childhood interests in what I really liked to become the successful author I am now. Oscar Wilde was right, "Living well is the *best* revenge" (which is something you're doing now).
And I'm sorry to admit that I am a bad person who went and got a nice expensive bottle of champagne to celebrate with when Wenner finally exposed to the world what a complete shithead he always was and "got his" from the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame as a result this past fall. Watching the Grand Piano of Karma land on top of him was *wonderful.*
Me last week: Oh no, who got laid off? Oh God, that's horrible they were the bes- wait, they let go who? Seriously? And her too? YES YES YES YES YES YES SUCK IT
I laughed out loud.
Beautifully written. Wow. Just wow.
WOW - have you grown! What a wonderful piece, showing your understanding, and incredible empathy. Just think of how different this piece is from the beliefs you held at the time of your being set free by CNN.
Congratulations.
You are not your job - it is only something you do. You are so much more than your job.
And these are life lessons your children will thank you for years from now.
Another reason I subscribe...
Glad you are writing about your experiences. Your words are a help to anyone going through a similar situation.
Chris, I just want to say that you are an incredibly generous, decent guy! That's why I enjoy your work so much.
Thanks, Chris. Your post will give perspective and reassurance to more people than you realize. Serves as a reminder of how important it is to see the bigger picture. Beyond well done, sir.
In around 1974, I worked at a State agency in Ohio. Layoff lists were being posted and I accompanied two lovely, young women to provide a strong shoulder when they saw their names. Umm, I needed their support, when I was on the list and they weren’t! Shortly after, I was rehired in a different agency and much later retired from State service after thirty years. Yes, it hurt, but it wasn’t the end, just a different route than anticipated.
Nicely done!