I can't believe your co-workers are making you feel guilty about having been laid off. If you're laid off you have to leave--in what way is this your fault?

A boss told me once that employees make the tasks they have stretch to fit the time they have available. I've never been able to do that. Like you, I just get mind-numbingly bored if I don't have enough to do. I don't think you should be regretful of not working when you didn't have ANY work to do. Blogging and personal e-mails were a way to keep your brain active - you didn't deliberately not work and wait for someone else to take up the slack.

So, I think they are right to realize that you're wonderful and they are going to miss you. Odd that they'd act like you're *doing* this to them (what's up with that?) but maybe they're projecting your situation onto themselves and it's freaked them out.

I admire that you're still going to work part time. Most people would have jumped at the unemployment. Now that my daughters are working I've been really pleased to see that they've inherited a good work ethic. I know there are times the economic aspects just have to work out, but it's nice to be able to choose to stay productive.

I'm sorry it's been such a stressful day.

LynnZo - They didn't want me to leave, that's all. I guess it's my fault I felt guilty about it.

L-i-K-S - I don't want to collect unemployment. :) I've done that...and it's hard on the ego. I like to feel I'm a contributing member of society, you know? Plus which, I can't support my shopping habit on unemployment compensation. LOL

The day is better because I'm home now and I had a fattening and very delicious dinner.

For one thing, listening to Bernie, the Tweenybopper, and Diamondgirl interact yesterday gave me flashbacks to Tuffy the Tank. Bernie has much the same management style (micromanaging one minute, being AWOL the next, and in-between, forgetting what he asked you to do and blaming you when you do it)

OMG. This sounds so much like my own boss that I am scared and crazy! Jeez. {{{big hugs}}} -I'm so sorry you had to and have to go through this.