I was part of the recent EDMC workforce reduction layoff, in AZ. I was not in shock, but I was somewhat surprised. We were all looking forward to being a part of The Dream Center Foundation and the merger.
I have been part of a workforce reduction, at another company, back in 2011, so maybe that is partly why I wasn't hit so emotionally. However, none of us are ever totally ready to be part of a lay-off.
It's been two weeks out, and I am OK, at this point. I applied for a position, but did not get it. However, I am sure that at least 2/3 of the 38-40 employees, that the lay-off affected, applied for the same position(s).
When these things happen in life, we can only control how we let ourselves react, and/or feel, about it. Each one of us will have experienced different situations, people, environments, responsibilities, supervisors, etc., during our individual length of employment. I experienced mostly good. (However, there are always the personality "differences" and challenges. There may also have been some questionable behavior by coworkers and/or management. But, that is beyond me, and doesn't matter in the present.)
I, personally, experienced assistance, during the announcement meeting; while boxing up personal belongings; leaving the building; and post last day communication. I am ok with, and grateful, for the fact that there severance was offered; benefits available short term, and other coverage. (I have heard horror stories of other companies, across time, that give no notice to employees, lock the doors, and people show up to no one there. Those employees had to chase those companies for pay due to them, and sometimes had to get legal counsel to try to get it.) Thank goodness that EDMC (AZ) was as professional as they could be, and truly seemed troubled that they had to do what they had been made responsible to do.
I would have liked to have gone on working for EDMC in some capacity. I will still continue applying. I would like to work for the Dream Center Foundation in the future. Please don't judge me. I am not a "Polly-anna" by any means. I have just had too many things happen in life, to spend too much time dwelling on the negative. ...especially, things that I have no control over. I choose to use my energy on what I can control, in my life. One person's experience and situation is different from the next person's. We each are entitled to our opinion, perception, and feelings.
I wish everyone the best. I choose to have the mindset that when one door closes, another opens. Or, when given lemons, .....make lemonade. I hope that these actions, by those in power to make decisions, and that have affected so many, will actually be a blessing in disguise. I know it can be, because I have gone through many, many situations where my life has been totally changed in a minute, because of someone else's decision making, that affected my life big time. And, you know what? I'm still standing, and breathing, and enjoying life. It may not be what I had hoped for, or worked towards, or envisioned. However, I still have the power to decide what to do from here.
I am saddened about the employees that may have given many, many years to the company, and may still be in shock. I hope that you end up doing something that gives you more money, more satisfaction, more fulfillment, and happiness. ....Take the time needed, to emotionally, and physically, process what has happened. However, don't waste too much time in staying angry, depressed, resentful, or revengeful. True "revenge", if you will, is to go on with your life, and be happy.
Take advantage of any kind of benefits that may be remaining for you, whether it's health/medical, counseling, job re-entry & resume writing assistance, etc. If you have EAP benefits, still, make an appointment, and go talk to a professional about everything, while it's covered. Make positive, ethical & healthy choices, be present in your life, be joyful in simple things, take good care of yourself. .... and if you do that,.... all will be OK. ....and maybe better than OK.