Just another statistic
Written by hootenannie on 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.
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How can I work in a financial office and not know about this except through your blog? Praying for you guys…..
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Wow Annie! I’m praying for you and your co-workers.
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this is MADNESS!!
we love you!
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Hang in there Annie! Maybe the temptress job is actually a good place to be these days…though you could have a lot of company soon.
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Ugh. This feels like iron boots. I’m so sorry, friend. :(
Currently in Missoula, which is the sweetest, tiniest, friendliest little airport, and which is surrounded on all sides by beautiful snowy hills, and which– confetti– has free wireless.
There is a baby sitting across from me that is literally bald. Like, old man bald: a ring around his lower scalp, and a patch on top, but a large round bald spot on the top.
I had a scrunchy sighting in Minneapolis.
All things I instinctively wanted to tell you, except you were not right next to me anymore. Praying for you and your company. Praying about Nashville. Love you.
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Wow, Annie, sounds like you may have your hand forced regarding the idea of looking for another job. I heard about this second big scandal in news yesterday and wondered if it could possibly reach to Nashville to the very front desk where a well-known temptress sits…. So sorry.
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Wow…I’m so sorry! For you and your co-workers!
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My heart’s breaking for you guys. I know your “Only a Temp”, but that’s still your office and you care for the people there.
As Dave Rohrer quoted a few short weeks ago: “In this world you will face trials of many kinds. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.”
I know it’s hard, but now more than ever, we kling to the only person with strength to weather the storm. He is in the mess and crap.
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I’m so sorry that you have to deal with this, prayers headed your way.
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sounds absolutely terrifying, I’m not gonna lie. But you’re not alone (actually or metaphorically). As my mom likes to say, “Don’t give up.”
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what a strange experience to go thru… good thing you’ve got:
your wits,beauty,creative mind, lovely voice, guitar…you’ll make it lady, hang in there!! thinking of you!
xo
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Geez ~ it’s like your blog is a window.
I am so sorry you and your coworkers are experiencing this.
At the same time, I encourage you to see it as an open door, not a closing one. I would love to see you find something else to do for that paycheck ~ something you love and enjoy.
God bless, Annie.