If this goes into May…Our core will be with us. That’s it.
In August 2017, myself and 4 colleagues were invited by the Owner and the VP to co-found and launch a B2C eCommerce division of the company. The five of us were chosen because of our tenure, deep knowledge of the business, and demonstrated dedication to the company. Each one of us had worked our way from entry level roles to top positions in the company. We knew the ins-and-outs of every department. We were empowered by our knowledge and fearless in our decision making. We were the leaders he depended on to keep the company running, improving, and growing.
He said We Were The Future.
We made the initial financial investment and each of us took on our share to get the company off the ground. One teammate worked on the logo and branding. Another put together the product line. Two teammates worked together to build a custom website. I formulated the go-to-market strategy and wrote the business plan. We took complete ownership of the project. This was our opportunity to build a legacy for ourselves. This was going to be our company.
I was part of that core – the company’s future. At least that’s what I thought…
We weren’t even at the end of March and I didn’t make it past the first round of lay offs. The feeling of worthlessness crushed me.
Have you ever felt worthless? Like, completely worthless…
Worth less than a yellow Starburst.
Or that last bit of Chapstick you can’t twist out.
Or single ply toilet paper.
Worthless.
The voices in my head echoed the sense of shame and humiliation I felt in my heart. You were dead weight to the Company. Your hard work and dedication never would have been enough. Your accomplishments were insignificant and meaningless. Why would they have kept you? You added ZERO value. You are nothing but a useless 32 year old college drop out.
It took me two days to compose a rational email.
An email that was full of understanding.
I’m so sorry that you had to make this decision…you have never taken the well being of your employees lightly.
An email that was full of gratitude.
Thank you for seeing past my “rough edges”…for recognizing my value and talent…I truly cherish your mentorship.
An email that was full of hope.
I pray that this will help [the Company] survive…I hope you can continue to take chances on those who never would have gotten a second glance.
An email that censored all of the overwhelming emotions in every fiber of my being.
unemployed mommy 