After smacking us around for the "right-wing lunacy" of that Kent Smetters interview about savings and Social Security (boy, did a lot of you not like that one), Elon writes:

I really meant to write you about something that I found quite touching. The architecture firm I work for prides itself on never having laid off an employee in 15 years of existence, but the current economic climate is really testing us, and a couple months ago we went to 90% time & salary.
As work dries up and clients pull back, the staff has been waiting for the next shoe to drop, and yesterday we did get notice that one of our senior employees -- who sits right next to me! -- will be leaving.
Through my bosses' great connections & a lot of effort they found a colleague who needed someone with his skills for an active project, so they've loaned him out for three months -- lightening their salary load and keeping him employed. I have learned a lot about living right from my bosses, and this may be the best example yet.

categories: Letters

9:46 - April 1, 2009