Despite inklings of hope in the stock market, my industry, aerospace, continues to slide into recession, especially the commercial work. Surprisingly military programs are picking up but not enough to offset the losses in the commercial sector. Today I had to do what I absolutely hate doing; notifying good people that they will lose their jobs. I realize now that my earlier post today was a diversion. I believe I wrote it to take my mind off the awful thing that was going on at work. That’s ok, I also think it’s better to be real, present and open with my emotions. As much as possible, that’s what I’m trying to do with this blog. In that sprit I’ll speak about today’s events. I had selected, hired and trained three guys almost two years ago. They’ve done everything I’ve asked and more. Showed initiate, potential, exceeded my expectations and became good, decent citizens of our office community. When it first become evident that I might have to lay these guys off I lobbied for their retention. I did everything I could think of: enlisted allies, tried a couple of different strategies, all to no avail. I couldn’t sleep last night and I did one smart thing. I let myself sleep in this morning so I would be as ready as possible to do what I knew I had to do.
Knowing this day was coming I considered pushing my retirement up to avoid this unpleasant business but upon consideration that seemed like a copout. I then thought of the Bhagavad Gita, the part where Arjuna balks at participating in the battle of India and drops his bow. Krishna tells him to pick up his bow and do what needs to be done. Krishna went on to scold Arjuna for thinking he could or should take responsibility for other peoples karma. With wisdom in mind I marshaled forward; called the three into my office at nine and gave them the bad news. I assured them that this action was no reflection on them or their abilities and encouraged them to seek the opportunity in this crisis. I told them that they all had a lot of potential as well as a valuable skill set. Although I’ll help them as much as possible, their future is in their hands now. In the little time left I’ll turn my energies to the people I have left, realizing that it’s often as hard or even harder on the folks who survive a layoff.
What does this have to do with sailing; nothing and everything.
