Nah. You just have to take all emotions out of the situation and think, "What's in it for them?" "How much can they get away with by doing as little as possible?"

So, for instance...I'm aware that my job is always expendable- no matter how much I do for my department, no matter how intricately I am involved in the business. No matter my contacts. This is because my salary costs money, and businesses don't enjoy paying people's salaries. Hence, when they feel their personal paychecks might take a hit, they may cut me down instead as a temporary money-saving measure. This is true and is happening all across america. Businesses don't care if you have 5 children and a pregnant wife at home. They don't care if you were planning on a nice vacation in August. they only care that their own paychecks do not suffer. Hence the throwing out of emotions- DOES NOT COMPUTE should be a sign on their foreheads.

So I'm a cog, a peon...I get that. But for now, I'm making a decent paycheck that covers my bills. I get some benefits so that I can see the doctor, for only a slightly less extraordinary price. I get *something* to do day in and day out so that I can feel productive.

I've already got a file at home waiting...my 'in case I'm fired' kit. It's got a copy of my updated resume, some personal and business contacts, and a list of decent places to look for work, along with a listing of how to get unemployment checks. I'm prepared. and I keep my eyes peeled for any 'can't pass it up!' job opportunities. More importantly, I accept this as a possibility, so that I can breeze through the denial and anger stages of grieving, etc etc, and get my butt moving on getting a new job.

Now it's possible that I will have a hard time finding a new job- in this horrible economy. In my kit I also have information on how to delay payments on my student loans, the number to contact my car loan bank, etc etc to discuss delaying payments.

I guess my point is that...never overestimate your own importance and never underestimate the ability of corporate america/your girlfriend/joe schmoe down the street to screw something up for you or to act out of utter and complete selfishness. I don't believe people are inherently bad, but I do believe most people are inherently...well...near sighted. And never believe that someone is being honest with you unless what they say has proven to be true again and again, and it has never lead you into harm. I have a close circle of friends who I know are honest, and yet, I still don't trust them to always do what is right for me or for anyone else.

ya know?