I posted this earlier about people being laid off from my company...

[Javaman]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4813465&mesg_id=4813465

I just found out that one of the people was my closest buddy. Damn.

I spoke to him a little bit ago, he seems to be in good spirits, thinks he may have something already lined up. He told me he had a feeling it was coming. I felt so sick for him.

I told him that if he needs anything at all, my door is always open. it's times like this, these bad times, that the good does come out. People pulling together to help one another.

peace to all.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. All we have is each other.

[CoffeeCat]

2. You are a good person...

It's obvious that you care about your buddy and that you are there for him. When this happens it is devastating.
It's always hard, because the loss of a job is stressful. Even if you have something lined up, as your friend
does, it can be painful and the loss of a job is a real loss.

I used to work for a high-tech company. We went from 20 employees to more than 1,000. When the company was
purchased and major layoffs came down, it was devastating. To the employees, jobs at this company were
more than just a paycheck. We were family. The parking lot was always full--even at 2 or 3 a.m. When people lost
their jobs, many went on to do wonderful things, but most went through a really devastating grieving process.

The loss of a job is the loss of friends, coworkers--a lifestyle. Your daily routine is no longer. You have to
start everything over, and it is challenging. It's not the end of the world. However, it really is a major
loss.

It's good that he has a friend like you to help out if he needs something, or just to listen.

(edit; typos)

[specimenfred1984]

3. "each other", riiiiiiiiight

You bragged about staying but you'll still have "survivor's guilt" and wonder when you're next. And guess what, 80% of companies that lay people off are out of business in 5 years, 50% in 3 years. Here's the worst part: most people stay completely quiet as others get fired/layed off out of fear and others still, cash in on getting rid of other peoples' jobs. "Each other" involves only about 1 in 10 people in America, the other 90% save their own asses.

That said, I've got a good friend in Austin and the last thing in the world I would wish on him was him losing his job. Good for you that you are helping others, I hope I'd be in a position to do the same but don't kid yourself, most people don't give a shit.

[CoffeeCat]

4. I think most people do give a shit...

Most people care a great deal.

What's happening in the economy is devastating. People are worried about their own, jobs of course. However,
they are also worried about their coworkers and it hurts when coworkers and friends are fired.

I'm not sure what you mean that "most people stay completely quiet." What are you supposed to do...scream
from the rafters when the company can't afford 6 sales people, because no one is selling anything, so they
cut the staff in half? What would one say? If I was fired, I wouldn't expect the company employees to
enter the CEO's office and make some speech.

I see a lot of terrified people out there, who understand that they could be next. No job is safe. Everyone
is vulnerable. I don't see anyone taking anything for granted, and I do see a lot of empathy and loyalty--as
friends comfort each other and help each other.

[Javaman]

5. I think you are basing your premise of people not giving a shit

on an old republican trickle down theory model.

this is not those times. This isn't some minor recession. The landscape is changing dramatically on a daily basis.

the ability to keep ones balance is tested everyday.

This is my third recession, this one by and far, with out a doubt trumps the others by at least factor of 100.

the days of not caring is gone, because the very real prospect is that the next round of lay offs may or may not include yourself.

This is something this generation of people have yet to fully understand and come to terms with.

Yeah, there still will be the don't give a shit types, but, I think those people will be much fewer and further between.

peace.

[Fumesucker]

6. I have spent a big chunk of my life as a subcontractor..

For a sub, every job comes with an automatic termination, there is no job security at all.

Welcome to my world, I don't think you're going to like it.

[roguevalley]

7. It can only get better. I pray it only gets better.