It has been forty-four days since I was laid off, and not a day goes by that I do not think about it. However, it is not the company, the products, or the position itself that comes to mind but the amazing coworkers that the layoff affected. But to call them coworkers is an understatement - we became a family over the past nineteen months and more than I ever expected!
When I joined in October 2021 and thrust into my first holiday season with the company, I was unsure how I would survive this new remote life. Compounding the chaos of training and the holidays, my team was in the middle of a merger with our sister team, our company launched in a second country and launched accessories that would wreak havoc on our team for almost nine months. Looking back, it is no wonder we became so close, as change does invite the need to hold each other closer through a free fall.
Through all the chaos, something beautiful began to bloom within our team. I have never experienced anything like the love, support, and comradery we collectively shared. Our managers made it a point to allow us to bring our whole selves to work and celebrate our wins within the company and those in our day-to-day life, lifting us up like superstars. We cared for each other through the rough patches and loved on each other as much as possible. Clearly, we were doing something right when everyone at off-site wanted to be a part of our team, and then on the day of the layoff, the collective worry for our team because of our bond.
To Abby, Alison, Alyssa, Ashley, Chelsey, Chloe, Diana, Emily, Gabi, Gina, Gretchen, Helena, Jacob, JM, Katie, Kendis, London, Saylor, Talha, Waylor, and our mascots, Reese and baby Captain America: thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be unapologetically me, holding me up when I felt I was falling apart, putting up with my manic moments, all the silent meetings, the uncontrollable laughter, and the many core memories I will cherish forever.
In my family, we say it is never goodbye, but bye for now. I look forward to seeing what this next chapter in your lives brings and will be cheering you on along the way. If you need anything, I am a text or phone call away.
I think Stephen Schwartz said it best, "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."
Love,
Leelee
Such sweet words, Lee. Here for you professionally and as a friend!
SOBBING. Love you so much.