Today has got to be one of the saddest days I've ever experienced.

Today was the day that the layoffs began/and supposedly ended at work. Yes, around 10:30, the management people started calling some people into their offices, to hand them their packages. Only after the first few did people around start clueing in, and work stopped for a long period of time. A total of 19 people were axed out of a total of like 86 people. No, I was not one of them, Thank God, but it was sad to see those around me have to leave. One of the people I was closest to, EH, he was called in, came out, and wished me good luck, and left. EH had helped me so much throughout my stay there, always there to help me when I ask, able to joke around and offer me advice. The other person I knew more, that was handed the pink slip is PL. He was also one of those who always was willing to help when you ask. The sad thing is he was about to go on vacation after tomorrow, back to HK for New Years. He was to stay for a month. And now, he goes back on a sad note. Good luck to both of you, EH and PL.

It's interesting the way they cut people. When EH and PL were already out, along came a guy from Marketing. He was such a funny guy, everything out of his mouth was in humour. Anyways, so he was asking around, who was gone. He said nobody from that side had happened. Then later on in the day, I received an e-mail from HR listing everybody who was cut, this guy's name included. It seemed the trend was to cut those who have been with their groups for a long period of time. This guy I know has been around long cause there was this old book I saw with his name in it.

An interesting discussion we had, talking about who decided the people to leave. Someone suggested this lady, who had taken over the manager of our team after the original manager, who just retired. This lady didn't know our team as well, and so she was the likely culprit. Speculation was she decided those who were a little less vocal. Again, when I saw the e-mail I talked about above, her name was right at the top. Either that was her last duty, or she had no idea, my guess is it's the latter.

After seeing this happen, it brings a little perspective to life and the business world. It's so tough. And you don't know what to expect during tough times. Things are nice when the economy is good, but life get's very hard when the economy is rough. I feel sorry for those who were cut, this is not something someone wants to go through in life, it can be very tough. But I am sure most will be able to pick up where they left off in soon time.

I think I may start looking for a job, maybe. I feel if I can find something better, then I should seize the chance if I can.