OT - Life Changing Event...

[AnthonyD]

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!

 

[GreyDad]

Been through that after one-merger-too-many - also in NJ incidentally

View it as a positive thing, a chance to try something different and head off in a new direction. Most friends and colleagues I know over the years who've been through it seem to have grown and done better as a result.

Besides, it's a great opportunity for some quality Ball-time

Me, I sold the house and took the wife, kids and my SR4 on a sailboat for 6 months - puts the whole work-life-thing into perspective

 

[Psycho Ward]

Dang Anthony, 20 years then the ax, that sucks! But you seem to have a healthy attitude and I know you’ll be alright. I really look forward to seeing you again and we’ll do just that in the desert! Good luck with whatever your new direction will be.

 

[KennethB]

You've got a great attitude about all this, Anthony.

 

[Jodizzle]

Anthony,
so sorry to hear man. Glad to see your positive outlook though, even if the circumstance sucks. Be careful when you come out to the desert bash ... you might not want to return home

 

[Kirby]

Good luck with whatever direction you decide. I firmly believe there is some good that can probably come from this for you.

 

[AnthonyD]

Thanks - there's always a tinge of "worry" - it is a change and change is always a bit scary...

But with change comes opportunity and I am looking forward to it.

I expect to take some time to seriously evaluate what I really want to do with the rest of my life, which includes considering what my wife and kids also want to do with the rest of my life!

I refuse to be bitter - there's no value in that. And this experience which ultimately ends my relationship with this employer does not define my relationship with it - it has been a very good, very long run.

 

[Sterling_Bass]

I'm sorry to hear that, but from my experience with you, I can tell you are a great person and without question, some good will come out of this. Everything happens for a reason.

 

[Eggman]

Anthony - with your positive outlook I am sure you will find your next venture with ease. I am also sure it will be even more rewarding and fulfilling. See you soon.

 

[mynan]

Great attitude Anthony...keep it up and I'm sure this will turn out to be a good thing.

 

[Dr Stankface]

Glad to see you're keeping your spirits up!

I was playing in New Jersey on Sunday. How close are you to Sparta?

I would have PMed you but I had no internet access. Oddly enough, i'm in Jackman, Maine right now in sticks about an hour and a half away from the nearest Wal Mart and I have internet access. No cell phone service though! Ack!

Keeping you in my prayers bud!

 

[AnthonyD]

Thanks guys - I am certainly looking forward to something fresh and new!

And, I am soooo looking forward to a carefree fun time in the desert for sure! Both the repeat hangs as well as making new (in-person) friends!

...I was playing in New Jersey on Sunday. How close are you to Sparta?

Andrew - I just fell off my chair - Sparta borders my town!

You were like 10 minutes away from me!

 

[Dr Stankface]

Oh wow! I was at the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta!

I'm taking it you know where that is?

 

[Big Poppa]

Good luck.....now you get to do what you want

 

[AnthonyD]

Oh wow! I was at the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta!

I'm taking it you know where that is?

Yep! Less than 10 miles away from me! Next time, my friend...

Good luck.....now you get to do what you want

Exacta-mundo!

That's how I'm choosing to see it!

 

[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!