Real Real

Donald Trump moved the phrase “You’re fired!” from the personnel office to reality television. But in The Donald’s world folks go from the board room, to an elevator, to a waiting cab to be whisked away not to be seen again until some reality reunion gives them another moment of airtime. In real real life when people get the boot, there is no afterglow of residual fame to soften the blow, no career waiting at home to be resumed and no parting gifts. People suffer. After the walk of shame back to their desk, they gather their belongings – with or without the helpful oversight of a member of corporate security. Next they leave their access cards, sign some paperwork and head to their car for the last time. No one celebrates their retirement. No one takes them for a farewell lunch at their favorite haunt. The newly unemployed drive from the lot and head home to share the news with waiting family.
Sometimes it happens with cause – the task and the laborer didn’t match. Sometimes it happens with circumstance – the role has changed and now three people can do the work of ten. And, sometimes it happens for what seems to be no real reason at all. Whatever might be the genesis, it rarely seems bearable at the time. I’ve been on both sides of this transaction and didn’t like it from either vantage point. But if we had to choose, wouldn’t more of us prefer to suffer the pain while drawing a paycheck? If we are fired, it is rough. Nothing makes it better. Well maybe, time, the support of family and a good plan can ease the pain. And if we have to be the bad guy, respect and sincerity are required – bad doesn’t have to be awful.

This column was published on Tuesday, July 31, 2012in the Current in Carmel, Current in Westfield, Current in Fishers , and Current in Noblesville - http: //youarecurrent.com/

Photo taken from http://imagesdegradingforever.blogspot.com