Webster’s definition of a pink slip is “a notice that is given to a worker by
an employer letting them know that the worker’s job is ending”. Whether
an actual pink piece of paper exists, is up for debate. It’s more of a softer
metaphor for getting fired... canned... sacked... axed... laid off.
Even if you despise your job, getting fired hurts. It’s a blow to the ego.
And many people take it personally. Feel like a failure. Feel a loss of
identity.
Years ago when I worked for a company that gave away free passes to
movie screenings, I was fired for not showing up at work one day.
At the time I was an actor and had gotten a part in a phone commercial
the day before. I didn’t have time to call and let them know I wouldn’t
be there since I had to show up at about 6:00 in the morning.
In the actual commercial I had to make a phone call and decided to call
my boss to let him know I wouldn’t be in. That’s when he told me not to
bother coming back... “You’re fired.”
I tried to act like it didn’t bother me and had to keep smiling throughout
the commercial. But inside I was crushed. It didn’t matter that I really
hated the job and never made any money at it. I was fired!
The bottom line is that it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I
ended up starting what would be one of several businesses and I never
would have done that if I had been stuck in that dead-end job. I was
forced to make a move.
With unemployment at record highs, many people are in the same
position. And many feel the same sense of dread and hopelessness that
comes with it. After all, it’s a sense of loss.
© Julie Austin 2010 – All rights reserved
