Well dear readers, like my idol Mame Dennis, I did my best to keep up with the telephone lines at Widdicome, Gutterman, Applewhite, Bibberman and Black.....and one could say I made my big splash at Macy's. I have been wanting to post this, but wanted to wait till it was an official wrap. You see, about a three months ago, I and half our team of visual and merchandising found out our jobs were being eliminated. It of course came as a complete shock to us all, as the last five years there, the parent company that owned our store did lay-offs, but it has never touched the support side of our luxury retailer. Since Macy's Inc that owned us, had a terrible year with business gone to online shopping, and being down in business anyway, it started affecting our side now. I have seen a huge decrease in foot traffic, even in our store, as more and more people are shopping on-line. But anywho, it still came as a complete shock. I was heart broken. I love what I do more than anything. Our team had been together almost my whole tenor there. It was even more gut wrenching when I found out everyone was let go that week, except me...they gave me the three months to work out. Luckily being there 11 years, I was offered a very generous severance package, and my health benefits will carry for four more months which is great. My last day was Thursday before Memorial day. And was it ugly. When the store made it public about the news to the store family everyone was shocked, but the inevitable day finally came. I never expected such a send off with cards and swag of all sorts and it was very hard. Talk about raccoon time!!! I never reapplied mascara so many times. I was completely shocked since I came across like a blend of Cruella Deville, Karen Walker and a drunken Mame Dennis. I had no idea just how much my presence affected the store. They were shocked to see Cruella crack too I bet! I even saw some of the stone cold fall that day, and when I finally left, I felt like a retiring actress leaving MGM for the last time. I hope I never have to go through that again. The Mistress was a huge mess. Thanks goodness the clan rescued me and it was off to Rehoboth for the holiday.
What now???
After working for the last 28 years in the visual field...I'm burnt. My boss and HR manager and even myself, am not worried about me finding work right away with my experience and resume. They have already told me if a positon opens in another door...it's mine. I have since decided to take the summer off since I had trips planned already. With my severance, I was also paid out for my 7 weeks, don't act surprised...vacation, and luckily from design projects, had that money put away too. I feel I will take the time to enjoy, regroup, and decompress and then put my contacts out, and start to look for a new chapter closer to fall, contrary to what Ms.Moorecock said of me starring in a Chi Chi LaRue flick. I have already been contacted by a friend who is in HR about another visual positon in the fall. And if all else fails, I talked to my financial guy who can dump stock I own, but I don't think it will come to that. But it still feels weird not working, knowing you don't have a job. I have also contacted our local ASPCA for volunteer work and also a place called Last Chance Ranch that cares for horses. This will give me a chance and time to finally do this, as I enjoy animals so much, and give back to these wonderful creatures and hopefully do some good in the meantime.
Ms. Moorecock looks worried no?
Meanwhile, Daddy Warbucks came to town this weekend. We spent an evening in New York. It was a lovely time, but now with me not working he wants me to come back to England with him till the movie project he's with wraps, which would mean being there for two-three months. Of course with other travels already booked, I couldn't oblige. At least not till my other travel is done. So I am pretty much over the shock of course, but still seems weird to have my daily routine different, that's for sure. And still yet I maintain my independence..... when the Lad wants me to move to VA and Daddy Warbucks wanting me to move with him, whatever house, in which ever state he's at, or country for that matter. But I am so fond of them both, for coming with a gallant effort.
So I just wanted to share this tidbit with you all, because I pride myself on being an open book. This will be bound to be a new chapter coming up...and it may go well, or it could be a bumpy ride. But worry not....I have collected myself, took a powder. And worry not....when one door closes, another opens.
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