OT - Life Changing Event...

[Dr Stankface]

Ah man!!!!!!

Would have been cool for you to come. We should be driving back through there on our way back. Maybe we'll stop somewhere near there!

[T-bone]

Your positive outlook is inspiration to us all. Congratulations, adelucia, there is no doubt in any of our minds how this will turn out.

tbone

[phatduckk]

ah man! that blow - but youve gota good outlook on it.

i went thru a layoff early on and honestly i loved it. Its completely different since i dont have kids or a family but the next job i landed was a great stepping stone for my career and things are much better for me now as a result.

im glad youre all possitive about things. thats the best/only way really. enjoy your summer and we'll jabber it up in a few weeks and have a badass time!

[Aussie Mark]

20 years with the same employer is not the norm for this generation, as the job cycle averages around 5 years these days. It's great that you're seeing this as an opportunity rather a disaster, and in many ways you're better off making the move to another job now rather than in another 5 or 10 years time, because it gives you the chance to prove yourself with another company, which as your career continues will be a more important asset to potential employers than a CV that says you've worked for only one company for 25 or 30 years. Just an alternate point of view, from one of the forum's resident HR people. Stay positive, and best of luck in your job search.

[AnthonyD]

Agreed Mark - for the past 5-7 years I've wondered hiow long it could go, realizing that the years just don't pile-up like they used to.

I started my career in Human Resources, originally in disability benefits for a couple of years, then in retirement benefits for four or so years - I was the guy that the old-timers sat down with and reviewed their benefits with - the rewards of a lifetime career for many of them.

This is not the same world it was back then (1988-92).

I followed that time in Employee Relations and Corporate Policy, developing and administering policy - then jumped to technology in 1994.

Ah, the memories!

I am quite aware that at 42 I'm likely better positioned than if this happened to me at 52 with 30 years. Looking forward to my second career, whatever it may be!

[thunder]

good luck.

[crazybass888]

Good luck!

I got laid off last year after 9 years in the radio business... moving from personality up to Director of Ops....

But now I'm in an easier job that requires less hours, has better security, and is much more friendly to my music... did I mention the better pay?

Good luck my friend, oppurtunity knocks

[Evolver]

I wish you and your family the best! I am nearly 52 and lack of security in corporations as is now common is quite scary, especially with a large family. I think though a positive attitude in these situations is a great benefit and I agree with everyone that this can be a wonderful opportunity.

[PzoLover]

Yesterday, at 11:15AM E.S.T. I got the official word... I will be unemployed come November this year...

I actually spent yesterday laughing and sharing thoughts with some of my closest friends at the office - also exited like me - it was surreal. There was no wailing or stomping around; everybody took it in stride. Folks were being informed all day long at 15 minute intervals, starting at 9:00AM - it only took a few interviews for the entire floor to know what was going on.

For me, this follows 20+ years of service with my company, through which I not only "survived" four major mergers but actually benefited and grew professionally with each one, holding multiple positions in various organizations over the years. The only employer I've ever known has decided my services are no longer required. My company put me through college, expensed many a conference, paid for all of my advanced and specialized technology training... Overall, they've been very good to me over the past 20+years.

Sign of the times, Corporate America and the "Almighty Dollar" - gotta show the saves and push down the spend. I was one of approximately 75-100 people informed yesterday... Approximately 40-50% of my organization. The action looks great on paper - it's amazing to watch the cuts over the years - there's always more to cut no matter how stretched the folks on the ground are.

Anyway, I've got a reasonable serverance coming and I'm weighing all my options - everything - career paths, relocation, everything.

One thing, though, for sure is a re-focus on what really matters; health and spirit, family and friends, and personal joys like music. While I generally keep them a priority, I anticipating investing heavily in all of them over the next few months.

And I am so looking forward to a party in the Desert come September!

congrats on paying the price for freedom, but sorry to hear the tough luck etc.


in the words of an IT consultant from decades ago "you can't save your way to prosperity" ...

Good Luck with your music career
/PL

[AnthonyD]

Continued thanks, guys...

Since I've been informed "unofficially" (this is the way it's done at my company - my "official" notice comes in written form in a few weeks) I've not told many people yet - glad to share and get the support here.

I am a big believer in the power of positive thinking - and practicing what I preace!

[Aussie Mark]

I've not told many people yet

Members: 7,174

[MrMusashi]

hehe.. perhaps your family takes a sneek peak too?

change isnt necessarily bad, just different.. like its been said: might be scary though when you got family to worry about, but it might be a very good thing as well

MrM

[SharonG]

Good luck and bless you for the positive attitude. I was laid off in June after 15 years of faithful service. I was only given 9 days notice, however, despite the fact that my contract specified a minimum of 60. I have chosen to take the high road and finished out may last weeks without saying much at all, really. As luck would have it, I will start a new position at a hospital across town in September at fewer hours with better pay and beneifts in a much friendlier environment, so I really have been done a favor.

In the meantime, I've had much of the summer off with my kids, a chance to re-evaluate my career, and a lot more time in the woodshed!!!

Here's hoping you'll have the same!

[AnthonyD]

Right there, Sharon... That's exactly the template I'm looking to follow, albeit with longer timelines (my "notice" is approximately 105 days and my severance will carry me for a while).

Glad to hear of your happy ending!