The negotiation process (Up In The Air 2009)

Alexandru Bordian

8 Nov 201503:44

Summary

TLDRIn this intense dialogue, an employee confronts the reality of being let go after a decade of service. The conversation delves into the emotional and financial struggles that follow, including the impact on the employee's family and the loss of benefits for a child with health issues. The script challenges the individual to reassess their life choices, suggesting that the termination could be a catalyst for pursuing a more fulfilling career, such as returning to their culinary passion, for the sake of personal happiness and setting a positive example for their children.

Takeaways

📅 The character is discussing a strategy packet and facing the reality of their last week of employment.
😔 The character expresses shock and disappointment at being let go after being a loyal employee for over 10 years.
💔 The character is concerned about the impact of job loss on their family's lifestyle and financial stability.
🤔 The character questions the sincerity of the company's concern for their well-being and the well-being of their family.
🏠 The character fears the inability to maintain their current standard of living, including paying the mortgage and affording necessities.
💊 The character is worried about the health implications for their daughter, who suffers from asthma and may not receive necessary medication.
👨‍👧 The character is urged to consider the potential positive effects of career transition on their children, suggesting resilience and academic improvement.
👨‍🍳 The character is reminded of their passion for French culinary arts and is encouraged to pursue what makes them happy instead of settling.
💼 The character is told that they have an opportunity for rebirth and to make a change not just for themselves but for their children.
🤷‍♂️ The character is confronted with the idea that they may have given up on their dreams early in their career for a modest salary.
🏀 The character is inspired by the idea that following one's dreams, like athletes do, can be a source of admiration and fulfillment.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the conversation in the script?
-The main topic is an employee being informed about their termination and the subsequent discussion about their career transition and its potential impact on their life.
How does the employee react to the news of their termination?
-The employee reacts with disbelief, frustration, and concern about their future, expressing anger and disappointment at the company's decision.
What is the employee's tenure at the company?
-The employee has been with the company for over 10 years.
What are the employee's concerns regarding their family after losing their job?
-The employee is worried about not being able to afford their children's activities, their mortgage, and their daughter's asthma medication.
What is the suggested positive effect of the career transition on the employee's children?
-The script suggests that children under moderate trauma may apply themselves academically as a method of coping.
What is the employee's current annual salary?
-The employee makes approximately 90,000 dollars a year.
What is the employee's background in culinary arts?
-The employee minored in French culinary arts and has experience busing tables, indicating a passion for cooking.
What is the first job the employee had after college, and how much did they make?
-The employee's first job after college was at the company where they are now being terminated, and they were paid 27,000 dollars a year.
What is the role of the person speaking to the employee?
-The person speaking to the employee is not a therapist but a 'wake-up call,' meant to provide a reality check and motivate the employee to pursue their dreams.
What is the 'wake-up call' person's perspective on the employee's situation?
-The 'wake-up call' person sees the termination as an opportunity for rebirth and encourages the employee to follow their dreams, not just for themselves but for their children as well.
Why does the 'wake-up call' person mention athletes and their dreams?
-The 'wake-up call' person mentions athletes to illustrate the idea that following one's dreams is something that is admired, and they encourage the employee to do the same with their passion for cooking.

Outlines

00:00

😔 Laid Off: A Difficult Conversation

The conversation begins with the harsh reality of job termination. The employee is told that this is their last week at the company. They express disbelief and anger, questioning the fairness of the situation and worrying about the impact on their family. The employee has been with the company for over a decade and feels betrayed, discussing the financial implications and the emotional toll on their children.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Strategy Packet

A 'strategy packet' typically refers to a set of documents or a presentation that outlines a plan or strategy for a specific purpose. In the context of the video, it seems to be a document that the speaker is discussing, possibly related to the company's approach to employment or management. The script does not provide a detailed explanation of the 'strategy packet,' but its mention suggests it is a significant part of the conversation.

💡Employment Termination

Employment termination refers to the end of a worker's contract with an employer, often involuntarily. In the script, the theme revolves around the character being informed that it is their last week of employment, highlighting the emotional and practical implications of job loss. The dialogue captures the shock and disbelief of the character as they try to comprehend the news.

💡Career Transition

Career transition is the process of moving from one job or career to another, often involving a change in skills, industries, or roles. The script mentions 'Career Transition' in a sarcastic tone, referring to the character's forced change from their current job to an uncertain future. It underscores the challenges and potential opportunities that come with such a transition.

💡Unemployment

Unemployment is the state of being without a job while actively seeking work. In the video, the character is facing unemployment, which is a central theme as it brings up concerns about financial stability and the impact on the character's family. The mention of unemployment benefits, such as '250 bucks a week,' illustrates the character's dire situation.

💡Mortgage

A mortgage is a loan used to purchase real estate, where the property serves as collateral for the loan. In the script, the character expresses concern about not being able to pay their mortgage, indicating the financial strain that job loss can impose on an individual's ability to maintain their home.

💡Asthma Medication

Asthma medication refers to drugs used to treat asthma, a chronic respiratory condition. The script mentions the character's daughter suffering from asthma and the potential inability to afford her medication due to job loss, highlighting the personal and health-related consequences that unemployment can have on a family.

💡Academic Coping

Academic coping refers to the strategies students use to manage academic stress or challenges. The script suggests that children may apply themselves more academically as a method of coping with trauma, such as a parent losing a job. This concept is used to provide a potential positive outcome amidst the negative circumstances.

💡French Culinary Arts

French Culinary Arts refers to the study and practice of cooking techniques and styles originating from France. In the script, the character's background in French Culinary Arts is revealed, indicating a passion or skill that was set aside in favor of a job that did not fulfill their dreams. This serves as a reminder of the importance of pursuing one's passions.

💡Dreams

Dreams, in this context, represent aspirations or goals that an individual has for their life. The script uses the concept of dreams to contrast the character's current situation with what they once aspired to achieve, emphasizing the idea that it's never too late to pursue what truly makes one happy.

💡Rebirth

Rebirth metaphorically refers to a new beginning or a significant change in one's life. In the video, the character is encouraged to view their job loss as an opportunity for rebirth, suggesting that they can redefine their life and career path in a positive way.

💡Children's Admiration

Children's admiration refers to the respect and positive feelings children have for someone they look up to. The script uses this concept to highlight the potential positive impact that a parent's actions and decisions can have on their children, even in difficult circumstances.

Highlights

The employee is being informed that this is their last week of employment at the company.

The employee expresses shock and disbelief at the news of their job loss.

The employee questions the fairness of the situation, as they have been a loyal employee for over 10 years.

The employee laments the impact on their family, as they will no longer be able to afford certain luxuries and necessities.

The employee is told that their career transition could have a positive effect on their children, who may become more academically focused as a coping mechanism.

The employee expresses frustration with the financial implications of unemployment, including not being able to pay their mortgage or afford medication for their child's asthma.

The employee is reminded of their passion for French culinary arts, which they minored in, and is encouraged to pursue what makes them happy.

The conversation touches on the importance of following one's dreams, as kids love athletes because they do just that.

The employee is asked when they planned to stop working at the company and return to doing what they love.

The employee reflects on the people who work at the same company their entire lives, never experiencing true happiness.

The conversation emphasizes that this job loss is an opportunity for rebirth, not just for the employee but also for their children.

The employee is told that they are not the only one losing their job, implying that layoffs are a common occurrence.

The employee is consoled with the idea that their children may admire them more for taking this difficult step.

The employee is reminded that they were initially paid a modest salary to give up on their dreams, questioning when they would have taken action to change their situation.

The conversation suggests that the employee has an opportunity to redefine their life and career path, urging them to seize it for the sake of their family.

The employee is encouraged to consider alternative career paths, such as working in a fryer at KFC or bussing tables, to support themselves financially while pursuing their passion.