My first day working at what was then Weight Watchers was about three years to the day before the mass firing call. Facebook memories was sure to remind me.
Tha twas one of my happiest days. I had lost over 100 pounds on the program, and it truly helped turn my life around. I was 45 and walking with a cane because of my weight, with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, not to mention pre diabetic.
With Weight Watchers, I was able to create a new way of life, and helping to pay it forward was a dream come true.
It was not about money, I am on disability and can not earn much. I have some health issues that cannot be changed by lifestyle alterations. Being healthy enough to do this was pretty amazing at that time!
Over the past three years, I know I was able to change other’s lives, like my coach had done for me.
It was truly the most rewarding thing I have ever done! I knew to try pursuing coaching I could lose my Medicare, which I greatly need. Then, the chat coach opportunity arose, and this was perfect! I could work a minimum of a few hours a week, and be able to do more with members.
I was so happy when I got the chat coach job, I started to cry, in the good way!
Over the three years I worked in studios, many at Works, held App Academy and was a digital tools expert followed by chat coach.
I learned I could work more if I submit my medical bills to Social Security. I felt I could inquire about coaching. I was at my goal weight, and off immune system suppressants for the first time since I had been at WW. So feeling pretty good.
Then in February one of my best friends died suddenly In a car accident, I was so heartbroken. The only time I remember getting up and dressed nicely was to go to my “At Work” workshops at NYC companies and NYC social service locations.
Focusing on our members instead of my grief was therapeutic.
I will never forget the next month, where we got an email from our client contact that they were cancelling the workshop due to an abundance of caution due to Covid19.
The week prior would be my last workshops ever, I could not have fathomed that then.
In the following weeks my life was inundated with more grief through Covid19 illness and death.
April 26 A family member passed away, I felt incredibly sad for not being able to go see them.
What I held on to was my chat coaching. I spoke to front line workers late at night. A doctor messaged me! After saving lives and losing lives all day she felt like a failure for reaching for potato chips and ice cream. When people like this actually thanked me for being there, it was stupendous, to say the least.
During this uncertain time, following my program and keeping active was also a lifesaver.
Then the phone call. Those being fired were on mute on an audio only Zoom call. We were read a script, and abruptly disconnected.
I loved getting to be a part of member’s lives and share their joy. I’ve seen people turn their health and life around as I did. It is really beautiful to be a part of that, and to know you actually played a part in that.
It is with tears and great sadness I say goodbye to this positive time in my life. My heart is shattered, perhaps more so by the way corporate handled this in an exceptionally painful way.
I know I did good things at this company, and impacted the lives of others.
I cried for about 24 hours because a company that I respected and valued, devoted my life to, felt I and countless others deserved to be permanently fired with a cold mass script!
What was that? This is supposedly a Wellness Company. Wellness is both mental and physical, and this was abject callous cruelty.
Asking us to keep the “conversation” confidential? How is something a conversation when it is a script that you are not able to reply to, due to being muted?
Please see this company for what it really is. It is not what it was initially intended to be. It has as much heart and soul as QVC now.
Barlowpetty@gmail.com