Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

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The Good News Is, I’ll Have More Time On My Hands

Dreamstime_s_7681799
If you read my blog regularly, you may recall me mentioning that the company I work for has been using AI more and giving their freelance writers less work. Whelp, they pretty much pulled the plug on me last week. All my work assignments just disappeared from the company spreadsheet we use to see what our upcoming projects are. No phone call, no email. They just removed my work assignments. 

When I emailed my boss in a panic, she ominously replied "I'll call you in a moment". Which she did. It turns out the company won't be using us freelancers much in the future because they are "cutting back". And she said the cutbacks included her. Her last day is August 30. She's worked for and supported this company for 10 years, and made all of us who reported to her feel like we were a team.

She was great to work with. The company itself clearly has some issues regarding the way they treat their employees. They didn't even exactly "fire" me. They just took away my work and said there wouldn't be more. I feel very disrespected and unvalued. At least the new AI robots won't get hurt feelings like the real people they used to employ.

So, I will be broke but will have more time to sew, train my new puppy, read books, and blog regularly.

Speaking of said puppy, here are a couple of pictures. In the first photo, he was sleeping in his crate with his head on his own little stuffed puppy. He uses it as a pillow.

Archie napping

In the next shot, you can see the setup we have rigged in our foyer. It is a really large space, with room for a crate and puppy playpen. Archie is great about using it. He can keep an eye on us from that central spot, which he likes. We get him out about every two hours for a walk or a play session.

Archie's set up
Besides feeling extremely sorry for myself this weekend, I did some sewing-related puttering. I brought out my Designer Mystery 2023 project to see where I was with it. I had finished the 12 monthly blocks and five of the alternate blocks. I have eight more alternate blocks to make in a log cabin design which is going to take some time. Here is my layout minus the missing blocks I have yet to make. 

DM 2023 on design wall
I'll keep you posted on those log cabin blocks!

Hope you all had a better weekend than I did.

 

 

96 responses to “The Good News Is, I’ll Have More Time On My Hands”

  1. I’m so sorry! No one should be treated that way. I hope doors open for you to have something much better coming your way soon. Maybe even a new and spectacular career path! 🙂

  2. I’m so sorry! No one should be treated that way. I hope doors open for you to have something much better coming your way soon. Maybe even a new and spectacular career path! 🙂

  3. I’m so sorry! No one should be treated that way. I hope doors open for you to have something much better coming your way soon. Maybe even a new and spectacular career path! 🙂

  4. Good news – there is life after a let-go, and I can attest to it. I’m glad you have a positive approach to your future. You won’t be broke; you’ll just manage your money differently. And retirement has its perks!

  5. Good news – there is life after a let-go, and I can attest to it. I’m glad you have a positive approach to your future. You won’t be broke; you’ll just manage your money differently. And retirement has its perks!

  6. Good news – there is life after a let-go, and I can attest to it. I’m glad you have a positive approach to your future. You won’t be broke; you’ll just manage your money differently. And retirement has its perks!

  7. All I can say is wow that is a terrible way to treat people. I am so sorry that it happened to you. I hope that another opportunity opens up for you. You are a very talented writer, perhaps have a book that you didn’t have the time to write waiting for this opportunity.

  8. All I can say is wow that is a terrible way to treat people. I am so sorry that it happened to you. I hope that another opportunity opens up for you. You are a very talented writer, perhaps have a book that you didn’t have the time to write waiting for this opportunity.

  9. All I can say is wow that is a terrible way to treat people. I am so sorry that it happened to you. I hope that another opportunity opens up for you. You are a very talented writer, perhaps have a book that you didn’t have the time to write waiting for this opportunity.

  10. I’m so sorry that you were treated like this. Sadly,I have been inthe same place but was terminated in person. It seems that my field was full of young credentialed persons who could work for less money and benefits than the 20 year + employees that built the business.
    It’s a pretty awful feeling and it is scary financially wise. I was just 57,ready to start socking away for my retirement. You will figure it all out too. It’s funny but we were brought up to have a good work ethic., that our good work would be reciprocated by job security. We know that is not true but it still hurts and confuses us. I wish you peace.

  11. I’m so sorry that you were treated like this. Sadly,I have been inthe same place but was terminated in person. It seems that my field was full of young credentialed persons who could work for less money and benefits than the 20 year + employees that built the business.
    It’s a pretty awful feeling and it is scary financially wise. I was just 57,ready to start socking away for my retirement. You will figure it all out too. It’s funny but we were brought up to have a good work ethic., that our good work would be reciprocated by job security. We know that is not true but it still hurts and confuses us. I wish you peace.

  12. I’m so sorry that you were treated like this. Sadly,I have been inthe same place but was terminated in person. It seems that my field was full of young credentialed persons who could work for less money and benefits than the 20 year + employees that built the business.
    It’s a pretty awful feeling and it is scary financially wise. I was just 57,ready to start socking away for my retirement. You will figure it all out too. It’s funny but we were brought up to have a good work ethic., that our good work would be reciprocated by job security. We know that is not true but it still hurts and confuses us. I wish you peace.

  16. Nichole, hard to accept even when you saw it coming. Hope something new comes along that is interesting for you and uses your talents. Meanwhile, we’ve seen your stash of fabric so enjoy and use it up!!!

  17. Nichole, hard to accept even when you saw it coming. Hope something new comes along that is interesting for you and uses your talents. Meanwhile, we’ve seen your stash of fabric so enjoy and use it up!!!

  18. Nichole, hard to accept even when you saw it coming. Hope something new comes along that is interesting for you and uses your talents. Meanwhile, we’ve seen your stash of fabric so enjoy and use it up!!!

  19. So sorry about your job! Honestly, they couldn’t have handled it more disrespectfully. If it’s any comfort to you, AI will not at this point in time be able to generate the quality of content you did and I don’t think you’re being replaced. I think the company you work for is just experiencing what they all are in terms of cost cutting. If you enjoy the work— I’m sure you could pull in some other clients if that is something you would want to pursue. But I’m reminded of something someone told me in my youth— the only thing worse than having a job is looking for one! Hugs.

  20. So sorry about your job! Honestly, they couldn’t have handled it more disrespectfully. If it’s any comfort to you, AI will not at this point in time be able to generate the quality of content you did and I don’t think you’re being replaced. I think the company you work for is just experiencing what they all are in terms of cost cutting. If you enjoy the work— I’m sure you could pull in some other clients if that is something you would want to pursue. But I’m reminded of something someone told me in my youth— the only thing worse than having a job is looking for one! Hugs.

  21. So sorry about your job! Honestly, they couldn’t have handled it more disrespectfully. If it’s any comfort to you, AI will not at this point in time be able to generate the quality of content you did and I don’t think you’re being replaced. I think the company you work for is just experiencing what they all are in terms of cost cutting. If you enjoy the work— I’m sure you could pull in some other clients if that is something you would want to pursue. But I’m reminded of something someone told me in my youth— the only thing worse than having a job is looking for one! Hugs.

  22. Ouch, that stings Nicole. With writing talent and computer know-how, and work-at-home drive, perhaps you could look into make big bucks with a blog business. Lord knows there are enough quilters and home sewing folks to bring along. Maybe just quilt to your hearts content till you see what’s out there. I worked happily at home on my computers for the last 10 years of my working life and loved working every minute of it.

  23. Ouch, that stings Nicole. With writing talent and computer know-how, and work-at-home drive, perhaps you could look into make big bucks with a blog business. Lord knows there are enough quilters and home sewing folks to bring along. Maybe just quilt to your hearts content till you see what’s out there. I worked happily at home on my computers for the last 10 years of my working life and loved working every minute of it.

  24. Ouch, that stings Nicole. With writing talent and computer know-how, and work-at-home drive, perhaps you could look into make big bucks with a blog business. Lord knows there are enough quilters and home sewing folks to bring along. Maybe just quilt to your hearts content till you see what’s out there. I worked happily at home on my computers for the last 10 years of my working life and loved working every minute of it.

  28. I’m sorry to hear your story. You are going to enjoy filling the time with all you have going on. Archie will keep you bust for a while and all that glorious fabric in your stash too. Keep a chin up and make the best out of it all.

  29. I’m sorry to hear your story. You are going to enjoy filling the time with all you have going on. Archie will keep you bust for a while and all that glorious fabric in your stash too. Keep a chin up and make the best out of it all.

  30. I’m sorry to hear your story. You are going to enjoy filling the time with all you have going on. Archie will keep you bust for a while and all that glorious fabric in your stash too. Keep a chin up and make the best out of it all.

  31. So sorry you have to go through this. It sure was handled poorly. However, the positive in this is that you won’t be sitting with nothing to do. Quilts-to-be are calling you!

  32. So sorry you have to go through this. It sure was handled poorly. However, the positive in this is that you won’t be sitting with nothing to do. Quilts-to-be are calling you!

  33. So sorry you have to go through this. It sure was handled poorly. However, the positive in this is that you won’t be sitting with nothing to do. Quilts-to-be are calling you!

  34. There is so much wrong with what happened to you. It’s upsetting, infuriating, rude & so much more. Your blog readers keep coming back each day because of YOU. You’re talented at writing about quilt making, book reviews, culinary skills & so much more! This place is never boring & always inspiring…because of YOUR writing skills.
    Little Archie with his pillow is so adorable! When our two were puppies we put three of those pens together in the yard for outdoor time without as much supervision…a/k/a time for us to actually get things accomplished without having to be right there with them.

  35. There is so much wrong with what happened to you. It’s upsetting, infuriating, rude & so much more. Your blog readers keep coming back each day because of YOU. You’re talented at writing about quilt making, book reviews, culinary skills & so much more! This place is never boring & always inspiring…because of YOUR writing skills.
    Little Archie with his pillow is so adorable! When our two were puppies we put three of those pens together in the yard for outdoor time without as much supervision…a/k/a time for us to actually get things accomplished without having to be right there with them.

  36. There is so much wrong with what happened to you. It’s upsetting, infuriating, rude & so much more. Your blog readers keep coming back each day because of YOU. You’re talented at writing about quilt making, book reviews, culinary skills & so much more! This place is never boring & always inspiring…because of YOUR writing skills.
    Little Archie with his pillow is so adorable! When our two were puppies we put three of those pens together in the yard for outdoor time without as much supervision…a/k/a time for us to actually get things accomplished without having to be right there with them.

  37. Oh Nicole, I’m so sorry you were let go like that! When I left my job I felt disrespected and undervalued as well, but at least I made the decision to leave. I hope you take some time for yourself to get over this hurt. I know it’s been hard for me and I’m still very resentful. It’s only recently, after a year and a half that I’ve really gotten back into quilting! Big hugs!

  38. Oh Nicole, I’m so sorry you were let go like that! When I left my job I felt disrespected and undervalued as well, but at least I made the decision to leave. I hope you take some time for yourself to get over this hurt. I know it’s been hard for me and I’m still very resentful. It’s only recently, after a year and a half that I’ve really gotten back into quilting! Big hugs!

  39. Oh Nicole, I’m so sorry you were let go like that! When I left my job I felt disrespected and undervalued as well, but at least I made the decision to leave. I hope you take some time for yourself to get over this hurt. I know it’s been hard for me and I’m still very resentful. It’s only recently, after a year and a half that I’ve really gotten back into quilting! Big hugs!

  43. I’m sorry you had your job pulled out from under you like that. An AI bot is never going to write the way you do. 🙁

  44. I’m sorry you had your job pulled out from under you like that. An AI bot is never going to write the way you do. 🙁

  45. I’m sorry you had your job pulled out from under you like that. An AI bot is never going to write the way you do. 🙁

  46. So sorry to hear that you were caught up in the current trend of disrespecting workers. Your positive attitude will be a plus in moving on and your work ethic will make another employer so pleased to have you (should you decide to head in that direction).

  47. So sorry to hear that you were caught up in the current trend of disrespecting workers. Your positive attitude will be a plus in moving on and your work ethic will make another employer so pleased to have you (should you decide to head in that direction).

  48. So sorry to hear that you were caught up in the current trend of disrespecting workers. Your positive attitude will be a plus in moving on and your work ethic will make another employer so pleased to have you (should you decide to head in that direction).

  49. So sorry to hear about your job Nicole and the horrible way you were treated. Since you did not quit, live in California and were not “fired,” will you be able to collect unemployment?
    Keeping good thoughts for you.

  50. So sorry to hear about your job Nicole and the horrible way you were treated. Since you did not quit, live in California and were not “fired,” will you be able to collect unemployment?
    Keeping good thoughts for you.

  51. So sorry to hear about your job Nicole and the horrible way you were treated. Since you did not quit, live in California and were not “fired,” will you be able to collect unemployment?
    Keeping good thoughts for you.

  52. Sorry you were ‘quiet fired’! It really does mess with your head, time, funds, & self-esteem! Hoping you can find another income that suits you well, very soon. And that you enjoy your fabric in the meantime!

  53. Sorry you were ‘quiet fired’! It really does mess with your head, time, funds, & self-esteem! Hoping you can find another income that suits you well, very soon. And that you enjoy your fabric in the meantime!

  54. Sorry you were ‘quiet fired’! It really does mess with your head, time, funds, & self-esteem! Hoping you can find another income that suits you well, very soon. And that you enjoy your fabric in the meantime!

  55. This is so outrageous! I am angry for you! You are taking this very well! The only thing worse would be if the AI had written you the severance letter. That is sarcastic and not helpful at all. We. have a sign that reads, “When God closes one door, He opens another. But it is Hell in the hallway!” I am sorry you are in the hallway. Best wishes and prayers to you

  56. This is so outrageous! I am angry for you! You are taking this very well! The only thing worse would be if the AI had written you the severance letter. That is sarcastic and not helpful at all. We. have a sign that reads, “When God closes one door, He opens another. But it is Hell in the hallway!” I am sorry you are in the hallway. Best wishes and prayers to you

  57. This is so outrageous! I am angry for you! You are taking this very well! The only thing worse would be if the AI had written you the severance letter. That is sarcastic and not helpful at all. We. have a sign that reads, “When God closes one door, He opens another. But it is Hell in the hallway!” I am sorry you are in the hallway. Best wishes and prayers to you

  58. awful. just awful. throw yourself into your sewing. that is my escapism from the world.
    I was so thankful we had tile floor in our kitchen so we could setup a pen area and contain him. we have never had a puppy b4 and were not prepared for the accidents. yikes.
    try to stay cool this week.

  59. awful. just awful. throw yourself into your sewing. that is my escapism from the world.
    I was so thankful we had tile floor in our kitchen so we could setup a pen area and contain him. we have never had a puppy b4 and were not prepared for the accidents. yikes.
    try to stay cool this week.

  60. awful. just awful. throw yourself into your sewing. that is my escapism from the world.
    I was so thankful we had tile floor in our kitchen so we could setup a pen area and contain him. we have never had a puppy b4 and were not prepared for the accidents. yikes.
    try to stay cool this week.

  61. Disgraceful way to treat employees. Expendables! Big hugs. Puppy is adorable and enjoy the extra sewing time!

  62. Disgraceful way to treat employees. Expendables! Big hugs. Puppy is adorable and enjoy the extra sewing time!

  63. Disgraceful way to treat employees. Expendables! Big hugs. Puppy is adorable and enjoy the extra sewing time!

  64. I am so sorry you were treated that way! Just shameful how employers are handling people today. Enjoy the break for now and if you desire to seek something in the future, I wish you the very best! If not, you are extremely talented and I know you’ll figure out a good budget going forward.

  65. I am so sorry you were treated that way! Just shameful how employers are handling people today. Enjoy the break for now and if you desire to seek something in the future, I wish you the very best! If not, you are extremely talented and I know you’ll figure out a good budget going forward.

  66. I am so sorry you were treated that way! Just shameful how employers are handling people today. Enjoy the break for now and if you desire to seek something in the future, I wish you the very best! If not, you are extremely talented and I know you’ll figure out a good budget going forward.

  67. Employers really have lost any sense of decency! Very sorry you were treated so badly Nicole. You deserve better! I love your writing and I think you have a best seller in you! And Archie is darn cute! What a face!

  68. Employers really have lost any sense of decency! Very sorry you were treated so badly Nicole. You deserve better! I love your writing and I think you have a best seller in you! And Archie is darn cute! What a face!

  69. Employers really have lost any sense of decency! Very sorry you were treated so badly Nicole. You deserve better! I love your writing and I think you have a best seller in you! And Archie is darn cute! What a face!

  70. So sorry for how you were treated in your ‘dismissal’- Hugs to you – hopefully that cutie patootie Archie will help to make you feel more wanted and needed. 🙂

  71. So sorry for how you were treated in your ‘dismissal’- Hugs to you – hopefully that cutie patootie Archie will help to make you feel more wanted and needed. 🙂

  72. So sorry for how you were treated in your ‘dismissal’- Hugs to you – hopefully that cutie patootie Archie will help to make you feel more wanted and needed. 🙂

  76. What a bummer! Even though you knew something was up, it sure could have been handled better. Still, on the bright side, you will have more time for the fun things in your life: reading for fun, more quilting, more time for Archie, traveling. As someone who retired at age 57, I can tell you, I never looked back.
    If you decide you aren’t ready to hang up your spurs just yet, I know you will find another employer or start your own thing. One door closes and another opens! Sending hugs. Dianne

  77. What a bummer! Even though you knew something was up, it sure could have been handled better. Still, on the bright side, you will have more time for the fun things in your life: reading for fun, more quilting, more time for Archie, traveling. As someone who retired at age 57, I can tell you, I never looked back.
    If you decide you aren’t ready to hang up your spurs just yet, I know you will find another employer or start your own thing. One door closes and another opens! Sending hugs. Dianne

  78. What a bummer! Even though you knew something was up, it sure could have been handled better. Still, on the bright side, you will have more time for the fun things in your life: reading for fun, more quilting, more time for Archie, traveling. As someone who retired at age 57, I can tell you, I never looked back.
    If you decide you aren’t ready to hang up your spurs just yet, I know you will find another employer or start your own thing. One door closes and another opens! Sending hugs. Dianne

  79. Nicole, I’m so sorry you were treated so poorly, being laid off is hard enough all on its own. Don’t let them take your own integrity and dignity. You’re not the first person I’ve heard of being disregarded. I believe in you! Chin up!
    Bonnie in Minneapolis

  80. Nicole, I’m so sorry you were treated so poorly, being laid off is hard enough all on its own. Don’t let them take your own integrity and dignity. You’re not the first person I’ve heard of being disregarded. I believe in you! Chin up!
    Bonnie in Minneapolis

  81. Nicole, I’m so sorry you were treated so poorly, being laid off is hard enough all on its own. Don’t let them take your own integrity and dignity. You’re not the first person I’ve heard of being disregarded. I believe in you! Chin up!
    Bonnie in Minneapolis

  82. I am sorry this happened to you. Remember you have great value and you aren’t defined by that position!! Many companies don’t respect their employees anymore. Enjoy your time!!

  83. I am sorry this happened to you. Remember you have great value and you aren’t defined by that position!! Many companies don’t respect their employees anymore. Enjoy your time!!

  84. I am sorry this happened to you. Remember you have great value and you aren’t defined by that position!! Many companies don’t respect their employees anymore. Enjoy your time!!

  85. So sorry this happened to you. Employers are not like they used to be, everyone is disposable and undervalued. Then they wonder why they can’t get quality employees or keep them. Hang in there, I’m sure something will pop up.

  86. So sorry this happened to you. Employers are not like they used to be, everyone is disposable and undervalued. Then they wonder why they can’t get quality employees or keep them. Hang in there, I’m sure something will pop up.

  87. So sorry this happened to you. Employers are not like they used to be, everyone is disposable and undervalued. Then they wonder why they can’t get quality employees or keep them. Hang in there, I’m sure something will pop up.

  88. Nicole, I didn’t even know how to respond the first day I saw your post. It was such a dreadful way of terminating services, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. There is such a lack of integrity in the business world. It has been trending for years in the direction of automated machines replacing workers. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised it’s taking over intellectual processes as well. I find it more disturbing from a copyright point of view. So much of AI is programmed with existing materials, both text wise and visual arts. I hope and pray you continue to find the silver lining in this new path you’ve been forced upon. And pray it isn’t too much financial burden. Hugs!!

  89. Nicole, I didn’t even know how to respond the first day I saw your post. It was such a dreadful way of terminating services, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. There is such a lack of integrity in the business world. It has been trending for years in the direction of automated machines replacing workers. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised it’s taking over intellectual processes as well. I find it more disturbing from a copyright point of view. So much of AI is programmed with existing materials, both text wise and visual arts. I hope and pray you continue to find the silver lining in this new path you’ve been forced upon. And pray it isn’t too much financial burden. Hugs!!

  90. Nicole, I didn’t even know how to respond the first day I saw your post. It was such a dreadful way of terminating services, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. There is such a lack of integrity in the business world. It has been trending for years in the direction of automated machines replacing workers. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised it’s taking over intellectual processes as well. I find it more disturbing from a copyright point of view. So much of AI is programmed with existing materials, both text wise and visual arts. I hope and pray you continue to find the silver lining in this new path you’ve been forced upon. And pray it isn’t too much financial burden. Hugs!!

  91. Well that just sucks about your job! The whole AI thing is getting pretty scary. But, as you said,a whole lot more time for sewing, reading, puppy, etc!

  92. Well that just sucks about your job! The whole AI thing is getting pretty scary. But, as you said,a whole lot more time for sewing, reading, puppy, etc!

  93. Well that just sucks about your job! The whole AI thing is getting pretty scary. But, as you said,a whole lot more time for sewing, reading, puppy, etc!