It has been awhile since I have been rejected. I have been married for a little over a year, and with the same man for over 5. The last boyfriend that I had before James had a hard time going away, so I would say that it has been about 6 years since someone has point blank said, "Go away. You are not welcome here anymore."

I was laid off on November 23, 2007. I really loved my job. I had a lot of responsibilities, and was able to take a lot of initiative. I worked for the company for 18 months. I understand not a long time, but enough time to establish a routine with my co-workers. Enough time to know that what to expect on a Monday. Enough time to know that I was appreciated. Enough time to know that if there was a problem with my performance I would be re-directed.

The reason why I have juxtaposed a breakup with a layoff is because I have gone through the same emotions. When I was told that I was being let go, and that "Today will be your last day" I thought my heart was going to break. I couldn't stop my heart from pounding. I couldn't calm down enough to drive myself home. I called my mother, and she put me on the right track. (What a great Mom!) I got home and James told me that it wasn't my fault, and that it could be a lot worse. Indeed, it could be a lot worse.

I had gone back to work at the place that I called work through out my college days. I went back to checking groceries. I have fell right into it. I had seen the writing on the walls at my main job about a month earlier, and had started back to the grocery store when my full time schedule had been cut by 20%. My "pretend job" had now become my life saver. The real difference between my life saver and the one you see at a swimming pool is that mine is not attached to land, a bigger object, or anchored to the floor. So while I am not drowning, I am adrift in the sea.

I have tried to keep myself balanced, but this task is difficult when the bills are paid, and the cars are running. Now I have to find $400 to fix my husband's car while it may be hard to say how long the lights will still be on.

I have been rejected, and my heart and ego are slowly mending themselves. New adventures are on the horizon, and I know that I will keep rolling with the punches.

I will say this to anyone that is intending to let some one go:
Don't let them work all day, then help them pack their box.
Don't ask them to fill out an exit interview form until they have stopped hyperventilating.
If you say you are going to keep in touch then do it, if you don't you look really in genuine.
Finally, If you see them at their new job, don't avoid them it makes you look like an ass.