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Layoffs

Layoffs

Date: May 28 2021

Themes: News, Work

Grammar: Comparing Quantity

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Even though we often complain about our jobs, nobody wants to get fired. If you have to lose your job, it should at least be for something crazy, like having an affair with the boss’s daughter or setting fire to your cubicle. But often, when businesses start losing money, they have no choice but to lay off a bunch of their employees.

Times are tough for a lot of people right now, and Devan is worried that she might lose her job as a waitress. Listen to talk to Marni about what she should do.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Devan

Devan

Marni

Marni

Devan:  So I think I’m getting laid off at my work.

Marni:  Oh no! Really? Why?

Devan:  ‘Cause it seems like they’re phasing me out. They’re only scheduling me two days a week, and I used to work four. And it’s been really slow lately ‘cause of the economy, ‘cause people aren’t going out to eat.

Marni:  Yeah, I think you’re, uh…Sounds like you’re gonna get the ax. It’s the recession, I mean, it’s happening, and it’s sad. It’s hitting all industries. It’s hitting people in office jobs, it’s hitting people who’re in the service industry...

Devan:  Yeah. I think I’m gonna have to file for unemployment, but unemployment checks are never for as much as you would normally make, so I’m pretty worried about it.

Marni:  Right. And there’s always the…And then you have to get a job and look for a job, and who wants to do that. So do you think you’re gonna get a pink slip or…

Devan:  I don’t know, I hope not. I open my locker at work every day hoping there’s not gonna be some pink slip waiting there for me telling me I’m not gonna have a job anymore.

Marni:  Well, best of luck to you, and hopefully…Maybe it’s a wise idea to start job-hunting now so you can be one step ahead of them.

Devan:  Yeah, I think I’m going to start looking for new jobs today.

 

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Discussion

Devan is worried that she’s going to get fired from her job. Her boss has been giving her fewer shifts lately and she’s noticed that there’s been less business at the restaurant where she works.

Marni feels sorry for Devan. She says a lot of people have been losing their jobs lately because the economy is so bad.

If Devan does get fired, she can get unemployment benefits from the government. But those don’t last forever and they’re not worth as much as a real job. Plus, looking for a new job is really annoying. So Devan really hopes she’ll be able to keep her job, but she’s going to start looking for new jobs just in case.

Have you ever lost a job? What happened? Are you worried about the economy?

 

Comments

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plasma

plasma

Ukraine

this subjet is very relevant these days…-(((

10:48 AM Feb 06 2009 |

Village girl

India

Yes, here also recession is the hottest topic. I could hear everyone having hush-hush on this issue at office. Though our firm is not facing any critical issues, all are worried as the future seems clouded. There are so many who, either lost their job or had to agree to a salary cut. Its sad indeed!!

09:59 AM Feb 06 2009 |

nil_fm

nil_fm

Turkey

i’m student,but eonomic crisis affects even me…
suppose,it affected ebaby…

09:44 AM Feb 06 2009 |

fdjl

China

god bless good man

06:20 AM Feb 06 2009 |

lulu6151

lulu6151

China

economy crisis or recession i dont have a formal job. so i dont need to worry about fire . always like to search some parttime job or free job . cannt earn much but pay my expend till ok. even though not like earn money as much as  formal job . i love love love love ya.

05:42 AM Feb 06 2009 |

cindy9999

China

It is very lucky that you have such friend who can help you when you are in trouble.

God bless good man, although in China few people believe God.

The bread will have of, the milk will also have of, everything all there will be.

 

05:06 AM Feb 06 2009 |

blueskun

blueskun

China

i have been layed off three month ago .for the help of my friend sun ,i work in this company now. thx my friend could give me a hand in the curse of the econmy.
i hope him could have lots of money as much as a rich one.

04:51 AM Feb 06 2009 |

Naomi1010

Naomi1010

Taiwan

Well, now it’s a global recession, it does happen everywhere in the world. And it does frustrate people. :(

04:04 AM Feb 06 2009 |

Cool English Teacher

Brazil

I'm also very worried about this recession. I'm unemployed now and I've been having a hard time looking for a decent job. But I still have hope that I will survive this global crisis=) May God bless us all=)

(OREGON ROCKS!!! I MISS SALEM AND PORTLAND SO MUCHFrown)

 

02:32 AM Feb 06 2009 |

mariannesss

Philippines

I am really worried about the global crisis now. If the economy is getting worse now I think we should concentrate on agriculture and go back to rural areas. (sorry, does this make sense?)

02:17 AM Feb 06 2009 |

fastry

fastry

China

just puzzled at why economy is so worse now. I have the same feeling with Devan, though our career is different. My boss always informs us that someone will get pink slip lately.

01:24 AM Feb 06 2009 |

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