My nine year anniversary at the newspaper was yesterday.
I begin work at 9am. Most of the rest of the non-news folks start at 8:30am. I’m not even sure why I’m a 9:00 start, but I cherish the extra sleep. Take a look at the map below, which compares where I had to park at 9am 4 years ago, versus today.
Depressing, isn’t it?
In late October we were informed that Gannett would be culling 10% of payroll (or positions, still not completely sure yet) the first week of December. With three weeks behind us and two weeks ahead of us, morale is quickly fading. Do you blame us?
And I’m getting paranoid. I’m reading into things I shouldn’t. Like…
Two major projects that I have a part in. One has to be done now now now! And the other has to be done by December 1. And even though I can tell you that December 1 is the first day of the month on Gannett’s fiscal calendar, I can’t help but think it’s because I’ll be gone by the end of the week.
Or the big department move to a much quieter corner of the room. (Yes, I am still coding in the middle of a noisy sales floor with phones constantly ringing and sales reps yelling over my head.) It was going to be a month ago. Then the project was suddenly stopped in favor of another project. My stuff has been in boxes since before Halloween. When will our move be complete? I’m told mid-December.
And objectively, it’s November. In November, projects are likely to be done in December. The impending layoffs are finally starting to get to me.
Everyone tells me that I’ll be fine because I’m online and online’s the future. But I have to disagree. Salespeople will always be cherished most of all because they bring in money. My position is support staff, I produce things, I don’t sell them or bill them. What I do can be done by someone right out of college for far less money than what I’m making now. The creative stuff can be easily outsourced, too.
I don’t think anyone is safe this time around. Either way, I just want it to be over.
Posted at: 11:49 pm in Work
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Tags: layoffs,newspapers
November 18th, 2008 at 8:45 am
It’s totally normal to read into things, especially with the background we come from. I could tell you not to worry, but of course you will, especially when it’s all around you each day. I wish I could make it better, but all I can think of is to channel the Leo people: {{{{Kim}}}}
November 18th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
While things continue to be “business as usual” around our place, they’ve stopped production of a few catalogs in all countries, which means less work for all of us.
At least you kinda-sorta have an idea of when things are going to happen. We get the news on an as-needed basis, which sucks. Either way, hang in there and know you’re not alone in dealing with this crazy stuff.
November 19th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Nope…you aren’t alone!!! I’m still crossing all my bits… there are rumours that it’s due again in January with my lot …keep learning and working…