Re: Dan and Carolyn Post QVC

ozzbee · ‎08-13-2010

I am sorry to see what they did to Carolyn and Dan. Yet their stock plummets and they fire two GOOD and professional hosts, regardless of age, to keep the younger, unprofessional, unkempt giddy ones. One doesn't shower, one hoots like a schoolgirl, a few who stuff their faces as if they'll never eat again and then talk with their mouths full. Of course, keep those irritating ones, so that LOYAL viewers as I used to be, get disgusted and change the channel.

Sorry, but I just needed to get that off my chest. The Q isn't worth my time anymore.

Jannygaz · ‎12-28-2018

Well, I'm still working. If 62-65 is now retirement age, I'm well past my "expiration" date

turtle52 · ‎03-15-2010

I just think that if they had chosen to leave they would have been given a proper goodbye. Not here one day and gone the next.

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

@Othereeeen I believe Mary Beth is 63 and Rick is 59.

Othereeeen · ‎03-13-2010

@Grnthumb

I did NOT "judge" them by age.

I simply pointed out that IF there are going to be job cuts ( READ THIER QUARTERLY REPORT) and the employees know it, it's much better to take the offer and go, than to stay and go down with the ship.

I never implied they were happy to leave.

Just that there's a BIG DIFFERENCE between being laid off at 65 when you CAN collect Social Security ( if you even have to...many are now waiting til 70)....and at 45 with a young family and kids in college.

Yes they probably could have said no. Maybe not. I beleive, having worked in a MegaCorp my whole life, that sales metrics also figured in to the choice of WHO to pick to offer severance to.

The younger hosts? Yes they probably cost less to retain. But they also fit the demographic that QVC is aiming to capture. Doesn't matter if WE don't like the childish, boorish sales tactics. They didn't ask us.

And in the end....I hate to keep banging this drum...they are DROWNING in red ink.

Actually, I think it's "nice' the laid off WERE offered severance and job placement. They did not HAVE to do that.

Let's look in at Carolyn and Dan's house:

Carolyn and Dan are enjoying thier third cup of coffee right now, maybe reading these boards and smiling at the support and heartfelt messages, while also thinking...

."Ahhhhh....the whole day to do NOTHING.

No traffic, no makeup, no sales meetings, no products to demo that if I have to pretend I like one more second I WILL go insane.....

and c'mere honey!!!...look how much my retirement savings jumped with that severance!!!

And I can STILL get another job if I want to....naaaahhhhhh...I'm good...where's that cruise brochure?!!"

I wish them luck!

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

I have heard Rick say he is over 60.

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

@Othereeeen Exactly. Most commonsensical post written, so far, regarding this situation.

Carolyn and Dan will be just fine, after they process the advantages of leaving now, with the Q's future looking a bit uncertain. I doubt they were completely blindsided by the termination.

If we're following the Q's financial reports, you can bet staff is, too. Rumors of cutbacks likely existed, and they're happening everywhere, not just the Q.

Longevity in the workplace no longer guarantees you're safe from termination. It's not about years of dedicated work; it's about the dollar.

Many young professionals today are recognizing that they often aren't supported in their work place, whereas in years past, our workplace was often an extended family.

Unfortunately, this affects service. There's a sense of detachment, when we don't feel valued for our work.

But, that's where we are today, so if eligible, I'd grab an early retirement and run. Dan and Carolyn's situation is not a bad one for these unstable times.

Othereeeen · ‎03-13-2010

QRTEA stock ( QVC)....

Hit it's high on July 31th, 2015 at @ 30.00) a share.

Last night's close: 1.51

I'm not too worried about Carolyn and Dan being packaged out,

I'm more worried they held on to Company stock in their retirement portfolio for the full ride down in value.

I'm shocked they stopped at 400 layoffs.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@Othereeeen wrote:
People take a chill pill!!!

Carolyn Gracie is about 65, and Dan Hughes, about 62.

Typical retirement age in the US.( average age is 64).

They are both elegible to start Social Security, and Carolyn, Medicare.

Add a severance package to their retirement savings...why WOULDN'T they take it?

Corporations make offers to incentivize people to retire, ahd they usually make the offer to those who are most likely to accept it.

Especially if it's going to happen anyway ( job cuts).

It's actually a lot more respectful that just tossing someone out the door. Come on now.

The way QVC's sales and stock prices have been going lately,they must have seen the writing on the wall and waited to see what would be offered.

At thier ages it makes sense...so they took it.

Yes they wrote teary goodbyes on thier social sites, but even those who retire voluntarily have a bittersweet last day.

They are NOT going to be found living under a bridge on the PA Turnpike ( where they live in PA).

Imagine it another way.

QVC does NOT survive, and Carolyn and Dan, who clung on to the end, now say "Why DIDN'T I take that generous package when it was offered?!?!?!?"

Sheeesh.