“I love working for bad employers…..”

My friend just called me up less than 2 hours ago to let me know he just found a job.  Problem was it was the same employer that fired him less than 3 weeks ago.  My friend, lets call him Steve, is a client relations specialist.  In corporate America, thats slang for someone who handles clients complaints or questions all day.  Steve was at this marketing firm for over 3 years.  He was there when they took off, he was there to help the company prosper and grow to who they are today.  Well, in case you’re heads stuck in the sand on a beach somewhere, you already know this economy stinks.  Steve was promptly let go after dedicating more than 50 hours a week to this small marketing firm in North Carolina.  They quickly repaid him by laying him off when times were tough.

I touched based with Steve a few times after being let go and just today we spoke via phone.  He told me that he found a job!  I was excited for him, at least now knowing he wouldn’t have to worry too much about bills.  I of course asked the million dollar question:

“Who is it? Who do you work for?”

“The same company.”

“What? Are you serious?  After treating you like crap for 3 years and firing you not three weeks ago, you decided to accept their offer?”

“Well the markets bad and I have to do what I have to do.”

Isn’t thay typical? Everyone has an excuse. Steve’s was, “its the market”.  Steve is an educated gentleman aged at about 34 years old.  He holds a bachelors degree and has very good experience at several local marketing firms.  What possesses a man to take a job with the same employer that just fired him giving his great background and work experience?  Why would Steve believe that employer will not turn around in 2 weeks and let him go again?

It doesn’t matter what walk of life your in.  When it comes to corporate America you better believe if you’re not in top management you should be prepared to get laid off or fired at some point in your life.  Theres always going to be ups and downs in the market.  Companies will grow and companies will fail.  Are you going to be safe from the reduction in workforce?