Fired And Seeing Other Companies
They say the roots of comedy are conflict. For example, a sales graph cartoon showing record profits isn’t nearly as funny as one where everything is going horribly wrong. But when it comes to firing one of my characters in a cartoon, even those that clearly deserve it, I find I have a soft spot.
I was laid off once, and while it inspired me to launch my cartooning career, it was truly an emotionally wrenching experience. So even while I’m poking fun, I tend to try to cushion the blow for my soon to be unemployed cast, as evidenced by the cartoon above.
True, being fictional they don’t have a lot to worry about, but I can’t help but let them down as easy as I can. I don’t think you ever forget the pain of an unexpected job loss.
About the Author
Mark Anderson's cartoons appear in publications including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and Harvard Business Review. His business cartoons are available for licensing at his website, Andertoons.com.
Author of Excel for Marketing Managers
Mark, I love this line:
“But when it comes to firing one of my characters in a cartoon, even those that clearly deserve it, I find I have a soft spot.”
I literally laughed out loud when I read that this morning.
A lot of people can identify with your comments about it being an emotionally wrenching situation to be laid off … it is tough.
Anita
Dating break-ups and firings. How appropriate the comparison.
Well, if this line gets used on me, I’ll know who to blame.
Mark,
This cartoon could be an ad material for a dating service!
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