Free Republic

Research in Motion, the maker of the BlackBerry smartphone, did a layoff at its U.S. headquarters in Irving Wednesday, a source familiar with the situation said. The source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that a majority of those affected were call-center staffers. There was speculation that approximately 200 staffers were let go, although the source could not confirm a number. RIM employs in the ballpark of 700 people in Irving, the source said. In an emailed statement, a RIM spokesman declined to comment on the layoff. The company is reducing its global workforce by...

"The Journey Continues--Week 2" Posted by Doc Farmer Wednesday, August 20, 2003 As most of you know, I lost my job in Doha, Qatar. It’s been two weeks now, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many of you who sent me e-mail messages of encouragement. They were greatly appreciated. What’s it like, being unemployed? Most of us have experienced it at least once in our careers, but it’s rare that we really examine it or talk about it. But there are things that I need to really get off my chest. Partly, this is a simple...