Me and My Job: The Long Version
January 8, 2009My job with Océ Business Services (OBS) as manager of the Johnson Controls (JCI) Holland Copy Center will come to an end at the close of business on Friday, Jan. 9. Here’s how that happened…
When we left the JCI building at 3 PM on Tues., Dec. 23, the new OBS/JCI contract (which I knew was out there and also knew would bring radical changes, at such point as JCI ever signed it), had NOT been signed. Since JCI officially closed for the month at 5 PM on that very day, we thought they had decided to wait until Jan. to sign, thereby automatically extending our current contract through Jan. 31. We ALL thought that: us, Plymouth, our Regional Manager (Matt Vroman) and even the OBS East Coast corporate office in Pittsburgh.
How wrong we were…
Sometime between 3 and 5 PM, JCI signed it, e-mailed it to OBS, and insisted that, since it was signed before the close of business in December, it had to go into effect on Jan. 1 (meaning that two of my people would be out of a job before they even got back from Christmas break, unbeknownst to them…).
I would find all this out when Matt Vroman showed up at our Copy Center on Monday, Jan. 5 at 9:30 AM (having driven from the Detroit area). He brought news of the changes that were to go into effect and separation papers for two of my employees (neither of which were me).
Before he talked to the staff, I told him that I had been contemplating moving on anyway (another long story in itself). If I stepped aside, would it save one of the jobs that he had the papers to end?
Matt hung out and talked with us, made phone calls, wrote e-mails, and waited for answers for almost 6 hours (for which I am very grateful). In the end, a deal was struck were ALL THREE of my employees could stay with reduced work weeks (30 hrs. as opposed to 40). Which would also mean that Nancy could keep her Health Benefits, which she so desperately needs right now.
Matt refused to honor the imposition of staff changes technically required by a 1/1/09 contract effective date (which would have meant that on Jan. 5, changes would have to be made immediately and jobs would end as soon as papers were delivered), and gave us through the end of the week. And even though the decision to end my job had been mine, he would see to it the OBS listed me as a victim of down-sizing so I could get unemployment benefits. (Thank you, Matt, for all you did for us.)
So there you have it.
Am I out of my mind to walk away from a job in these economic times, esp. in Michigan? Probably.
Am I staying in Michigan? Not sure, but I will stay at least until Spring (I am not moving in the dead of Winter, sorry…) and then we’ll see.
Am I scared? A little, but I also know that God has not let me starve yet… and there have been plenty of chances. So I will put it all in His hands and walk through this like it’s an adventure into a new land, rather than merely a solemn march through the Valley of the Shadow.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts, prayers and support.
I am sorry about the job. I wish I was up in Grand Rapids to take you out for a beer. That is very honorable of one to save your fellow employees jobs, I am sure God will award you for that decision. If you are looking to move Florida is a beautiful state to live in. I miss hanging out with you and the great times that we have had together. From New York trips to CPCP’s to movies nights. You have been a great friend. I hope you find at job soon that brings you much happiness. I hope I can visit Michigan soon so I can buy you a beer, or if you find yoursef down here I know of a place now that carries Bell’s. Take care and God Bless.
Thanks, brother. It has been a hell of a week… first my job, then I auditioned for THE PRODUCERS and did not get cast (I rocked on the reading but the song was way too high for me), then Bob almost got crushed by a semi on the NY Thruway on Wed. (he’s OK but the Lexus SUV with the heated seats and the backup camera and the GPS and the Sirrus radio, it toast), my niece Melanie was the middle of a sandwich crash in Baltimore (they are OK too, but the boyfriend’s Jeep has front and rear damage), and it has been snowing like heel all day today here (Sat.). I am stunned that it was only a week ago that I was relaxing at Bob’s in Canandaigua. What a heck of a start to 2009.
I very much appreciate what you wrote and accept a “virtual” beer for the time being. We shall go for beers and movies and shows again, I promise. I would love to come visit you as soon as the cheap airline hits GR. We’ll see how the money is.
Love you, brother,
Bud
Bug, you are truly an inspiration in some inspiring times. Three jobs saved; a new adventure for you; and a brand new President. You, as always, will persevere.
@Matt @Bud try http://foamee.com/ You can track who you owe a drink with it.
@Bud Sorry to hear about your job. I came across this blog entry because I was taking a look to see if timementos was still around. It is! Can’t believe it. Anyway, I finally have gone out on my own and am doing web consulting full time. I know, I’m crazy. In this market? But it was just time. So if you want to take timementos to the next level and refresh the site, let me know. I’ve got a whole new bag of tricks.
I hope everything works out on the with the job hunt. Take care.
Bud–Hang in there, Bud. You were the gentleman, scholar and class act that you always are for the stance you took. MB and I wish you ALL the best!
Once again you prove yourself to be the most remarkable person. You saved jobs and maybe lives. I can just imagine the 80′s hair band ballad playing in the background as you walked away from the building that day. Slow motion…fade to white.