‘The firm has some serious money issues – hard to believe with the hourly rate we charge, Iknow, but we’re going through a process and need to cut costs by twenty per cent asap.’
I was shocked and… scared. I’d be having money issues too if I lost my job. ‘I had no idea. Antony’s never mentioned any problems before.’
Cheryl sighed. ‘Consider yourself lucky. One of the many benefits ofnotbeing a partner. Believe me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.’
‘Can I come in and see you both? Have a meeting to discuss it?’ My heart was racing as I tried to take it all in.
‘You absolutely can. Although you’re still signed off for a few more weeks, so legally we couldn’t see you until then. We need to make sure you take the full two months before you come into work. But honestly? It’s a clusterfuck here right now. You’re best off out of it. We’re letting a lot of people go, and Antony and I are in non-stop meetings trying to sort it all out.’
I pushed my feet into the floor to try and ground myself, as the blood rushed to my head, but I couldn’t feel my feet or the ground. My whole body felt centred in my lungs and my breathing had gone shallow. I couldn’t control it.
‘As I said, your package is an option – unlike the others.’
‘And if I opt to say no?’
‘Then we’ll save the money elsewhere.’
‘Right.’ I was totally stunned.
‘Why don’t I email the details over and you can have a read through and think about it?’
Like I had a choice. ‘Sounds like a plan. Although I’m blocked on work email. Can you send it to my personal email – chocolate cake at Gmail dot com?’
‘Sure. Very professional. I’ll be in touch in a couple of weeks if I don’t hear from you before. It’s a generous offer, Sara. See it as an opportunity.’
Easy for you to say,I thought, as I silently hung up.
