Dear colleagues,
I never imagined I’d be writing an email like this. After almost 20 years with Edward Jones, I’ve been told I no longer have a place here. While I was encouraged to accept the narrative that our leadership team “cares” and that none of this should come as a surprise, I cannot leave without speaking my truth.
This firm is not what it once was. I remember sharing coffee with Jim Weddle and even his predecessor—leaders who embodied stability, integrity, and care for associates. What I’ve experienced in recent months is the exact opposite: a process that has been dehumanizing, disheartening, and nothing short of a debacle.
On more than one occasion, I was thrown under the bus to “save face” for our department, taking the heat for situations that were not mine to own. Work that should have been properly regulated by others was instead pushed onto me, leaving me to answer for nonsense that should never have been allowed in the first place. Carrying those burdens silently was one of the most demoralizing parts of my time here.
And then, with less than an hour’s notice, I was pulled into a meeting with a general partner—someone who had already announced her own exit from the firm—and an HR representative. In that moment, after nearly two decades of loyalty, I was told my job was gone. No warning, no dignity, no appreciation for the years of sacrifice. Just a cold, abrupt ending.
To add insult to injury, my most recent leader—the best leader I have ever had in almost two decades at this firm—was demoted. Make it fu--ing make sense. I am so angry, and I will never understand why this happened.
Meanwhile, we’ve watched Penny take home almost $30 million in bonuses in the last year. We’ve watched ALT members hired who don’t even live anywhere near St. Louis—the supposed heartbeat of the firm. We’ve watched David move to BACA and his New York high-rise. And months ago, we were already told we should just be “thankful we have jobs.” How tone deaf can you get?
Even worse, I literally trained someone who came in with no relevant background — a former shoe store manager — and watched as she was fast-tracked into senior leadership. Today, she’s untouchable as a general partner. That’s the kind of favoritism and politics that has replaced merit, hard work, and decades of dedication.
To those who think their jobs are safe, I urge you to think again. I was targeted long before this outcome, despite years of service and dedication. I’ve had colleagues tell me my communications were authentic, my work was valued, and that my exit is a mistake. Yet I’ve learned firsthand how quickly perceptions can be twisted, and how little “receipts” matter when people in power decide otherwise.
I’ve poured my heart and soul into this place. When my mom was dying of cancer, I worked 65 hours a week—balancing the phones, managing 14 contractors and interns, and carrying the responsibilities of multiple roles—all while being her sole caregiver. I gave everything I had to this firm. To now be told I wasn’t “good enough” is something I cannot accept as truth.
What pains me most is knowing Ted would be heartbroken by what’s happening. His vision was one of partnership, people-first values, and building something greater together. That spirit feels lost.
I know many of you have seen what’s happening on places like layoffs.com. I won’t hide behind an anonymous username or light up threads online. This is my story, and it’s just one example of the human cost behind these decisions.
To those who reached out with genuine kindness—thank you. Your words reminded me that my worth isn’t defined by a firm that has lost its way.
I leave not bitter, but resolved: to speak my peace, to hold my head high, and to remind you that no one is immune.
— A fellow associate