You are being sacked, but we can’t legally tell you yet
Surprise! I think the messages I’m sharing speak for themselves. I can only add few things. Remember Harold and Maude? Now, Maude is talking about earthly possessions, cars specifically, after being challenged on morality of joy riding, but I think it’s well applicable to jobs too: “Well, if some people get upset because they feel they have a hold on some things… I’m merely acting as a gentle reminder - here today, gone tomorrow - so don’t get attached to things.” With that said, let’s see what I was told.
Message from -the business-: Please check your emails for an important business announcement.
text message from my employer, 3rd June 2026
Hmmmm, let’s see the e-mail.
Subject: Proposed Role Change
Dear [Jerry], Private & Confidential
Today we are announcing some proposed changes to our operating structure within -the business- which you may already be aware of, or will shortly hear about in your pre or post-shift briefing.
We are proposing to change the organisation structure in our [warehouses] by removing the role of [Team Leader] and increasing the number of Area Managers.
This proposal means that your role is at risk of redundancy. However, I want to reassure you that no final decisions have been made at this stage, and should the proposals go ahead, we expect there to be an alternative job available for everyone.
Why are we making these changes?
Over recent years, we have made significant improvements to our operations. We have increased efficiency [redacted]. With these improvements now embedded in our day-to-day operations across many sites, we are in a position to further simplify our ways of working.
We believe this flatter structure would create a simpler structure with clearer accountabilities and improved operational effectiveness.
What happens next?
We will now begin a collective consultation process for the proposal to remove the role of [Team Leader], working alongside elected employee representatives.
We will ensure you have the opportunity to ask questions, share feedback and explore alternative opportunities.
Should the proposal go ahead, we will create around 100 additional Area Manager roles across our sites which will be open for you to apply for along with other alternative roles as part of the process. We will share further information in due course.
[Relevant union], our recognised union, has been briefed and we will continue to work closely with them throughout the consultation process.
Over the coming days and weeks, colleagues you be asked to nominate - and, where required, elect - representatives. We will then arrange collective consultation meetings with those representatives acting on behalf of affected colleagues. Further information will be shared via [intranet].
Should the proposals proceed, colleagues you will also be consulted with individually and supported throughout the process.
We appreciate that this news may be concerning. As always, you can speak to our network of Wellbeing Champions and our Employee Assistance Programme provides free, professional and confidential advice.
Your first point of contact should be your line manager or elected representative. While we may not always be able to provide immediate answers, we will respond as quickly as possible.
We will also continue to share FAQs and updates throughout the process. Please continue to keep an eye out on [intranet] for future updates.
Finally, we ask that you keep this information strictly confidential at this stage and remain mindful that colleagues across other sites may also be affected by the proposal.
Thank you for your continued professionalism and support.
Kind regards, Managing Director
The most insulting thing is that the law that is supposed to protect me causes the employer to insist that no decision has been made. Yeah, you just randomly thought one day, what if we just completely abolished one of the roles? And instead of thinking about it first, you start lengthy and annoying “consultation”. Yeah, I’m sure. Also, proposal as a word, is usually quite serious. When a man proposes to his sweetheart, does it mean no decision has been made yet? Technically, if she refuses, yes, but practically nobody proposes if they’re not sure that the answer is resounding yes. Also, note, that unlike the bride to be, who again in theory can refuse, I can’t. “[Elected representatives] will have the opportunity to explore the consequences of the proposal and ask questions. We will listen to comments, concerns and objections that they will raise on your behalf and will answer these either in the meeting or shortly afterwards.” Not only I can’t speak for myself, but my rep is completely inconsequential from the get-go.
What gives, then? I am extremely fortunate, that I am in a situation, where this actually might help me. In my case, I have no idea what happens, but if I do get sacked, good for me. That place didn’t do me any good anyway. I think a lot about Americans and their disdain for “communism” lately. And as you can see here, the “communism” works against the worker, as I pointed out. The law, instead of helping, makes it an excruciating mandatory process. Because of this, Americans (generally speaking) like to say, that extreme freedom is necessary for society (dare I say democracy?) to function well. I find this annoying and short sighted, but many of people I look up to believe this, so let me attempt to direct you differently.
Normies would say something like: “The law is badly drafted, we need better laws.” If you say this, you already lost the debate, because the “free” thinking American will say :“There has been many revision of the law and it is only getting worse, so the only correct way forward is to not have law at all (or very lean law).” Therefore, this is not a way forward. Please note, that we are stuck here between so called “communism” (social orientation) and individualism (the American way). I hope I don’t need to make a case, that human beings are social creatures and therefore need other humans to thrive. Despite this many believe that being socially oriented is somehow evil, because if you even try, you are bound to turn into North Korea. To offer a different perspective, I’d like to present to you the ending of The Anthem. Did Equality 7-2521 at the end of the book pursued his research and enjoyed his time with Liberty 5-3000 or did he start scheming how to break out as many people as possible from the City to help them? And remember, the author invented objectivism, a philosophy where person’s own happiness is the moral purpose of their life.
“HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED.” Do you remember Into the Wild? And that is my case. When founder of objectivism invents a hero, that wants to help. When poisoned dying man longs for a fellow human. How do we keep insisting on individualism? Now, I don’t have a solution and if I had, I wouldn’t share it, because normies would tear me down. But individualism is not the way forward and I’d like at least my heroes to stop calling non-American communists. Hey, today I’ll meet you in the middle, despite I normally stand my ground. You’re right, this law and let’s face it, many laws are anti-individual and we’d be better off without them. See, I didn’t have to say the laws are communist.
Anyway, I didn’t know I’d write what I wrote above. I just sort of happened. As this is decidedly a personal affair, I guess I muddied the waters here, but it’s my website, my content, my call. I didn’t finish the bit, where I said how lucky I am. This is an opportunity for growth in my case. I’m not just saying it. It is my belief. Did you notice that a lot of content on my website is programming related? You know why? Because I am trying as hard as I can to learn to program. Honestly, this website was supposed to be more lifestyle blog. Programming is lifestyle, but very niche one. But the point here is, I did never think I can just continue working as a [team leader] where I’m at, so losing the job makes little difference to me. It is annoying that is has financial implications and … Many other implications. But if my employer stands on my throat for years, ready to break my neck at any moment, it is an actual relief when they do finally deliver the killing blow (well, we don’t know yet, so there’s that).
This still feels incomplete. But I don’t know what else to say. I guess speaking of my idols, I should bring up Jonathan Blow. I won’t link anything, so I won’t quote him, but anyway. On his stream someone was asking: “How to find time for programming, if I have busy schedule?” Jon was confused and suggested that the person doesn’t want to program. Now, here we get into the semantic trap, where the answer doesn’t necessarily relate to the question, but let’s just think about the answer regardless. I find it fascinating. I mean, if you wanna do something, you’ll do it, right? And like, I’m the first one to say, what about the homeless, or stupid people or you know, minimum wage slaves. Remember when Wiz in Taxi Driver said he doesn’t have his own cab, because he doesn’t want one? It’s hard to say if he’s just trying to justify his lack of ambition or if he’s genuinely content. But Wiz is a perfect case study for us, because he does admit that it was entirely possible for him to get his own cab in 17 years of driving. So, you know, if you want something, then maybe at least try to achieve it? IDK. I’m trying to program. And it’s hard, because I get tired, my sleep is disrupted, I have some nerve issues that keep me in pain, my employer hates me and is currently sacking me. It’s hard to find a quiet time to program. But I do find the time. And I do become an open source contributor.
Man, this all feels very disorganized and more importantly, not what I wanted to say. But, also, like I said in the beginning, the comms really do speak for themselves, so I’m good. I can only reiterate: Don’t get attached to your job, it’s here today, gone tomorrow. I was ready to be sacked, are you? And if you feel like you’re not doing what you want to do, start at least attempting to do it. It can be hard, it can be challenging to find time and place for it, but if you don’t do what you want to do, what the meaning of your life? And if you think that’s too individualistic, do what God intended for you to do on this Earth. Until next time.