Every time I hear that word, I cringe…“DOWNSIZING”,

It never means good news. The first time I became a victim of “downsizing” was 12 years ago when I left “Toys “R” Us”. They “downsized” by eliminating 10 regional offices and running all their operations through 4 offices. Although I was offered the opportunity to relocate to Houston, TX, I chose to take the severance package and leave after 15 years.

Yesterday I was told that I downsized my home. Since the rooms are slightly smaller, it seems I downsized. Not sure what that means exactly, considering I still have a 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath colonial with full basement, living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen and 1/2 acre of property…but apparently to some people I have downsized. Okay, if that’s downsizing I won’t argue. The only thing I know I DID downsize with my home was my mortgage payment AND my taxes, by 50%!

And now today, my wife was notified that SHE will be a victim of downsizing too. GMAC Mortgage is closing shop on their retail end of mortgage loans. Over 5,000 employees will be let go in the next 10 days. Sounds more like a fire sale. But they were kind enough to send out a corporate e-mail to the employees who remain for the next 10 days, “I ask that you remain focused on helping us to weather the current storm in the credit markets and emerge as a stronger, more effective organization.” I’m sure they will all remain focused.

Downsizing…who created that word?