Redundancy and Jobloss: That which does not kill you will make you

by Leslie Musoko
(London, United Kindom)

I should be the expert and voice of authority in this field. I have experienced two redundancies and one job loss in my career in telecoms to enable me to believe that for every disappointment in life there is something out there for all of us. Have you seen the new movie: 'Up in the air' with George Clooney? It delves into the ways of giving the employees in companies the 'bad news' as most would say. I was no different at first but the outcome of all things justified this happening at the time it did. Hysterical as it might sound I used this excuse to pursue a long time ambition and dream.

The Bad News! And on the telephone of all places!
Manager: Hi Leslie, did you hear?
Leslie: Hi, Hear what?
Manager: That very few people survived the job cut?
Leslie: Really? There have been rumours but nothing yet to substantiate them.
Manager: They are real. By the way you probably know this but you are on the list of the many that didn't make it.
Leslie: No I did not know this but thanks for telling me.

In person, it is no different and it's never easy to swallow.
Manager: Hi Leslie I have a package for you.
Leslie: Oh? Really what is it?
Manager: Here, take a look. It came in today from HQ.
I open the envelop, it is a letter of termination without warning or notice!
Leslie: Thanks for the letter. What happens next?
Manager: Sign on the dotted line below stating that you have received it and agree to the terms and conditions.
Leslie: Great!

Time is of the essence in embarking on any dream. It must be allocated because a dream requires dedication and faith as in my case. I was always to busy to write and although I scribbled now and then I needed the time to think and work at my characters. This came at a price but came anyway and I took it with both hands! I wrote two books!