Does “Security” always mean secure?

Looking back I now realize that wondering how I was going to accomplish various project obligations, at times separated by hundreds of miles, while balancing my personal life, should have never frustrated me as much as it sometimes did. After all, I had more work than I could accomplish at any given time. In these times, probably more than ever, many people in our country struggle to find lasting quality work. None the less, I often questioned whether I was over extending myself and neglecting either personal or professional responsibilities in some manner. How many of you can relate? Sounds foolish to me now.

Next thing I know, along comes the “pink slime” media frenzy. The project work I was tasked with was slowing as fast as various media outlets were picking up the story. Before I knew it, many of my coworkers were starting to question the future of the company for which we work, thus their own personal security. I would be lying if I didn’t admit some of those same thoughts crossed my own mind. The uncertainty seemed to build with almost every passing hour. The days seemed to get longer, the nights filled with worry.

I started to find myself in countless conversations with friends and family with questions like, “how much worse could it get?” coming at me. I would respond “I have no idea how a story with no merit can come at us so aggressively, day after day, for so long or what will come of it all”. It still makes no sense to me what fueled this whole mess or how it carried momentum for so long.

In spite of the best efforts of the company and by no fault of their own, several hundred people have lost their jobs. Many of which I knew personally and have worked side by side with for over 10 years. Now, I know that in the typical day to day business world, things evolve. Business models are always changing, some companies experience growth while others find themselves in downsizing situations. In many cases, technology effects demand forcing a shift in workforce from one sector to another. As tough as these transitions can be on workers, much of it can typically be attributed to the normal evolution of business. Not always, but many times these transitions prove to be for the greater good. I struggle to see the greater good in this particular situation.

As the title alludes to, there is a moral to my story. Don’t take for granted that security will always be secure.

Meet The Author, Tom Cother