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I worked for a company for eight long years. Actually the first five weren't that bad. I had a boss who really liked my work ethic and encouraged me to be all I could be. You have to know that this company was continually changing.

It was the same corporate cycle. January through September all was right with the budget. October through December everyone had to stop spending money and cut the budget. Of course, cutting the budget always meant cutting staff. It was usually the people who do the work that got cut. It was hardly ever the upper management being let go. But to me doesn't that make the most sense for businesses? Cut the largest expenses first? I guess not, because they would lay off at the bottom before they would lay off at the top.

Never mind laying off that person you know hasn't done one bit of productive work since you started working for the company. Oh, no, we want to let the only person go who knows everything there is to know about that one single ancient software program. You know, the one they can't change because they are too tight to pay $1000 for a new, more efficient software package. I was laid off from this eight year long position. They said that my job was "eliminated" due to budget cuts. The other person who I worked with for three years was considered a supervisor when I worked with them. After I left this person was named an assistant vice president. Not that this person didn't deserve to have such a title. But that person never got a raise, never got an office, never even was told they were promoted! They found out in the monthly announcement email that went out to everyone in the company. How would you react if you found out about what appeared to be a promotion this way? Company's get by with this type of incompetence on a daily basis. They know we have to have a job and we take what they dish out.

My warning signs were pretty obvious, but you know what they say, "hind site is 20/20". I had enough of this company and was ready to go. I was very surprised and happy they offered me a severance package. I never expected it. I guess we take what we can get and grow from all of our experiences, if it doesn't kill us first!

10. Suddenly all upper management are having closed door meetings
9. Your boss cancels or repeatedly reschedules your regular meetings with him/her.
8. Your duties are slowly being given to co-workers.
7. The boss asks you how much sick and vacation time you have coming.
6. No one notices when you are away from your desk for extended periods of time.
5. Your annual review is accepted as is with no comments.
4. You arrive at work and have a meeting scheduled with your boss.
3. You arrive at the meeting and HR shows up.
2. HR requests that you leave immediately.
1. You take the check and run!

Everyone has the need to change. Sometimes we have to be shoved a little bit!

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