You're Out

There I found myself at ten minutes to quitting time on a Friday, sitting in Dorothy's office, listening to her tell me my time was up.

"I'm sorry, Fran, but your services just aren't needed here anymore."

I stared dumbfounded, not convinced what she was telling me is true.  "What happened?"

"We work in an at-will state so we really don't need to have any other reason besides not needing your services."

"But I just got back from surgery.  I have bills to pay."

"The decision was made before your surgery.  HR will not contest unemployment when you call to file."

"But."

"Go clean out your desk."

I could see that Dorothy had a smirk on her face when she told me.  It was awful.  Next, I found myself being escorted to the lobby of the building by security as if I were some criminal.  It was humiliating and I felt so sick.  It was as if someone had died.

I drove home and sat staring at the wall of living room for I don't know how long.  I can't stop crying.  What am I going to do?  I'll never get a good reference.  I'm ruined.