Employment Limbo

Just like many other people in our alledgedly disintegrating economy, we have been enduring layoffs in the City of Inver Grove Heights. At the community center, I technically go by the title Guest Service Specialist. My direct supervisor, who worked very hard for our members and her employees, was laid off last week along with another woman who carries the same title as myself. Since I have been here for only six months and we are part of a union she has the opportunity to take my position and bump me out because she has seniority over me.

In the end she chose not to take my position, therefore, I am officially still employed...

Until the layoffs were not approved by the city council after the fact.

Apparently someone jumped the gun and escorted these women out of the building before the actual layoffs were approved. These women are sitting at home on paid administrative leave and my job is up in the air again for another two weeks. It kind of sounds like I am upset but I'm not. To be honest, I don't really understand what is happening. I have never been in a union and I have never been through the layoff process so I am not sure what the proper procedure is and if it's the same across the board regarding union and non-union companies.

I have been assured by a few fellow employees that this woman will not take my position because she doesn't want to work these particular hours (4:45am until 8:45am). I do not feel anxious that I potentially may be unemployed soon because I know that my family could survive on Chris's salary alone, albeit rather frugally, and that the whole situation is all in God's hands. He knows our needs and desires before we do. He carries us and sustains us.

So here I am in what I call "employment limbo" and very grateful to have a job, however long it lasts.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.

Ecclesiastes 9:10a