Journal - The Layoff

Comic written and illustrated by Ryan Reid

Panel 1: Our HOUSE, seen from the front lawn.

LIZ (from inside the house)

So, your manager is driving two hours from Toronto to have a meeting with you at the Belleville Library?

Panel 2: RYAN and LIZ. RYAN is putting on his jacket.

RYAN

Yes. Trenton would have been closer. I should tell him that for next time.

Panel 3: Close up on NARRATOR.

NARRATOR

This is March 24th, 2016. After 16 years with the company, today I’m getting laid off.

Panel 4: Close up on LIZ and RYAN.

LIZ

Isn’t that unusual?

RYAN

Well, I work from home so we’ve never spoken outside of Skype. Maybe he was just in the area.

Panel 5: Close up on NARRATOR, pointing at a fist full of PAPER.

NARRATOR (sarcastic)

Nope! But, he brought presents! A separation agreement, a dour look, and a small severance.

Panel 6: Close up on LIZ and RYAN. RYAN is kissing LIZ on the cheek.

RYAN

Anyway, I’m going to be late. Bye!

Panel 7: Close up on NARRATOR, leaning on parking meter.

NARRATOR

In 20 minutes I’ll learn two things. One - Belleville parking meters only take change which I never carry. And two - they don’t just take away your job…

Panel 8: Panel frames RYAN and MANAGER. MANAGER is holding PAPER. They are shaking hands.

MANAGER

‘You don’t have the skills to do the work.’

Panel 9: Close up on NARRATOR.

NARRATOR (peeved)

…they burn you.