Not so much like a falling axe, more like being nibbled to death by cats

The title is partly a reference to Babylon 5, where two of the characters make a half baked metaphor, and mix up ducks and cats.

Rumors abound at work, and I have been told that several people have already been walked out. In addition, several supervisors I know have be demoted to Sr. Engineers. Obviously, since I have not started with a despairing rant, I still am employed. This is not, however, the end of the cuts. It seems that the cuts may be happening over some time, unlike the last round in October, which happened all in one fateful day.

Today was the last day for one of my coworkers. He was not terminated, he took a voluntary buyout. This particular coworker started a few months after I did, and in the same group. Four years ago he was transferred to a different group. Last October, when the first round of cuts occurred, I was transferred to the same group as he. He was my lifeline while I was reeling from the changes. I still don't quite feel at ease in the new group, but now the one familiar face is gone. The corner desk, next to where I stood too look out the window, is empty. The company is just a bit colder.

Will, good luck wherever you go. I'll miss you.