Promotions are usually something to be celebrated. Most bring extra money in the pay packet, more interesting work, further opportunities and job security. At the end of September 2013 I discovered it isn’t always the case. This particular promotion slithered like a snake, unannounced, unwanted and with a venomous bite.
Today there is most certainly nothing to smile about. This afternoon our New, New COO gathered us all together and announced that our office is closing. There was a resounding silence, punctuated by the odd sniff. For me it was déjà vu, all I could think was, here we go again.
Of course there is a consultation period. Just twenty one days as there are less than twenty of us. The wording on the letters says we are ‘at risk of redundancy,’ but we all know the score. I certainly did, this is the third time I’ve been made redundant. People were murmuring, some asked questions, Grace was crying, everyone was grim faced. My brain kept repeating the same four words. Here. We. Go. Again.
They told us we could go home but, before I left the office, I went to speak to the New, New Coo. I wanted to know if Arabella knew and if this meant her job as well. He said she didn’t know, they were going to phone her later and I wasn’t to speak to her. She is no more safe than the rest of us. That makes no sense. If Arabella goes I can’t see how anything can survive?
I didn’t even look at my letter until I got home. The new Head Office has never inspired much confidence, they can’t seem to get anything right, what with all the missing invoices, paying people twice, not paying other people, making mistakes on tickets and bookings. According to my letter I’ve been promoted to Hotel and Entertainment Manager, Arabella’s job title until her recent promotion. In any other circumstance it would have been funny.
Arabella rang me a while ago. She was upset. She had no idea this was going to happen and she felt bad for me. She felt bad that she had given me a job and promised me it was secure only for this to happen. She needn’t have felt bad. I have loved every second of my time working with her. I’ve learned so much, met so many wonderful people, spent time on a beautiful ship. I wonder if I can put Hotel and Entertainment Manager on my CV now?
Please see my copyright information before you copy or use any of the above words or pictures.