Just another statistic
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009This is what happens when an international financial firm goes down in flames:
The CPA with two small children and a blue-collar husband rushes out of the office, not returning for a half an hour. She wears sunglasses to hide the red eyes and the fear.
The executive assistants commiserate as the systems get shut down one by one. “We have no access to our accounts.” “I can’t get into my email.” “Why won’t this program open up?”
The unflappable, jovial advisor with the infectious laugh and generous spirit has a vacant look behind his eyes. He smiles, but only out of defeat.
When the temp-receptionist asks what she can do to help, she is met with a silent motion from her co-worker: pray.
All employees suddenly become equals. There are no titles – only the shared experience of crumbling stability.
The boss nervously jokes that he has dibs on the artwork on the walls. No one laughs.
All workers are warned to not answer the phones, and, under no circumstances, speak to the press. This is difficult when reporters plant themselves outside the office doors.
The partner from Memphis who frequents the office gives the temp-receptionist his business card, telling her that if they don’t see each other again, to please keep in touch.
No one is given any information. No one knows what is going on. No one has any idea what to expect, and wonders when the SEC will show up.
It feels like the Titanic sinking, and the members of the string quartet shaking hands and exchanging their final words before getting back to business, playing their songs until they are swallowed by the ocean and silenced.
