Opinion

Carol and Simon are architects in London. They are standing by the office water cooler and talking about their company’s plans to cut costs.

Carol: what’s your opinion of the rumored layoffs?

Simon: Boy,they’re scary, aren’t they? But it seems like every comany these days is going through the same thing. Everybody’s having a tough time and the company needs to cut costs.

Carol: Simon, I thought you of all people would be more worried about this. I mean, you’ve got a wife and kid to worry about.

Simon: I know what you ‘re saying, but I don’t think it helps to be negative about it. Besides, we’ve been here for a long time. Wouldn’t you agree that we’re too valuable　to fire?

Carol: I think you’re being naive. Just because we’re　experienced doesn’t mean we’re not expendable. In fact, that makes us an easy target because we make more money than the newer employees.

Simon: Then what do you think the company should do?

Carol: The company should change contractors. If we switched to a cheaper contractor, then everyone could keep their jobs thanks to the money we saved. That’s what I think.

Simon: In my opinion, we should avoid changing contractors. The company has a long history with the present contractors. Changing would cause more problems than it would solve.

Carol: Well, if you ask me, the whole thing stinks of bad management.