Feeling Sad and Worried…

I have worked at my company for over 18 years and it was generally considered a ”recession-proof” business. But I got a phone call from one of my dear friends and co-workers on Tuesday before work to get a heads up that numerous jobs were cut. I went in with a heavy heart and sure enough, several people that I had worked with for years were out of a job. The rest of us are worried and stressed that if business does not improve, that we will follow suit. I know that this is happening all over the country right now, but it is hard when it hits home. I am not only worried for my friends who are out of work, but for us too - both I and my DH work for the same company so essentially all our eggs are in one basket. Please keep us in your prayers - I would appreciate it.

I'm sorry for what's happening; you're right that the pain is widespread.

Remember, it's darkest right before dawn. I'm seeing a lot of data that indicate we may have found bottom...but we have to remember that when things get "better", they won't be "great".

I encourage you and DH to "prepare for the worst and hope for the best"...think about how you will respond to the worst case with a recommitment to one another, a commitment to prudence in spending, and a plan of action. Comfort comes in preparation;)

Keep us posted:)

Hey,

this almost happened to me last year - by an inch.I handed in my notice, had found a better job, and two weeks later my whole department was axed.

10 out of 12 have a job now, didn't take long either. For some, it wasn't easy. For #12, it is a "special case" - of not facing up to your limitations. Someone went into early retirement.
But almost all of my former workmates are now in a better position that will take them further than the old job would have, so it was, in a way, a healthy kick in the butt.
I understand, however, that it can get tight until one does find a good fit, especially when the economy is not doing well.
But if you keep your head up high, research your options, there will be another door that opens.
(Poor me, I missed out on the severance package. But I'm glad I just got out before the axe fell, because it had taken me a looooong time to "get it right". Worth more than any package)

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Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

I
I encourage you and DH to "prepare for the worst and hope for the best"...think about how you will respond to the worst case with a recommitment to one another, a commitment to prudence in spending, and a plan of action. Comfort comes in preparation;)

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The prepare for the worst and hope for the best scenario is what my dad always told me and it works. Keeping busy helps a lot. Dust off the resume. Look through the want ads. Go over your finances. Cut coupons. etc.

We as country are all in this together.

My dad, by the way worked at the age of 6, during the depression, in a bakery, his pay was a few loaves of bread.

(((((((wildhawk)))))))

Long ago when I was young, single and already had a plan for the future, I was in a position of uncertainty about my job for the better part of a year, and remembering how INCREDIBLY stressful that was, I can only imagine how much worse it must be for someone farther along in her life and career. :(

I agree that the more you can do to feel in control - start the job search now, have a plan for what you'll cut back on first if either or both of you do become unemployed - the better you'll feel.

Hang in there. I'll keep you and your DH in my prayers.

Wildhawk, I'm keeping you close in thought and prayer.

(((Wildhawk))). So many people in that situation, waiting and hoping the worst doesn't come. My office just restructured the staff and cut all of their hours, and let one person go. We are all holding our breath, too.

What great advice Mr. Silver gives. I think we all could benefit from it.

Hang in there.

((wildhawk)). One bright side for the moment is that you have some indications and advanced warning so to speak, and are not blindsided. This will allow to to be pro-active early and plan, re-adjust, and revise some contingency plans for alternate scenarios if possible. The two eggs in one basket is a little unsettling. I wish you the best.

Since some of you are gettin' warning signs already..better to be proactive.

I recall a long time ago, I had not updated my resume for 7 years because I was in a job that I loved so much that I would forget to take my allocated vacation.. Then one day I decided to update it..well, completely rewrite it. It took...hrs.. many hrs..because time spent on figuring out skills taken for granted..or more importantly, what we've learned but have taken that for granted also.

The newly rejuvenated resume became handy 3 years later.

Even now, it takes time for me to update resume since it takes time to rewrite certain parts to keep it uh...succinct (short?) every time I get a new job.... now if I stayed with 1 employer for 40 working years, I wouldn't have problems trying to distillate the number of different job experiences that I've had which are all..relevant to the jobs that I choose to apply for.

Note: I have a contract job that ends mid next year. So life isn't that cosy yet. Yes, there's a part that wonders...will I be in the latter part of a milestone year (when I turn 50) and be unemployed? It blows my mind that I know friends my age who will retire in 5 years because they have comfy pensions for being government workers.

Well, there could be worse things..but yes, the thought is difficult enough to wrap around my head even though doing everything else in the job search.

Sending good karma your way, Wildhawk.

((((((wildhawk))))))) ! Here is to hoping all will remain well with you and your dh!

((wildhawk)) I've been there too. Everyone gets depressed, not just the people that are going to get the axe. Then a few people with courage actually leave and get other jobs and "save" the others. that's what happened with me. I had enough seniority that i wasn't targeted, but it was so sad! All I can say is try to keep each other's spirits up and this too, shall pass.

((wildhawk)) hang in there!

While typing the above, I accidentally typed "wildhacK" before realizing my mistake. Perhaps if you do find yourself in a new role it will have to do with HACKing computers! :D:D:D:eek::eek::eek::D:D:D

(((((Wildhawk)))))

I remember facing the angst of a 50% layoff. Waiting for the phone to ring.... Was not fun, but I did survive that particular layoff. The one that blind-sided me was when I was promised 18 months of work, then layed off after 5, and two weeks after some other folks in the office were looking for field people.

Good juju coming at you and DH from the Big Easy.

(((hugs))) for the sad and worried. Man, it's rough out there. I'm no longer at my job from my place of 13yrs this year too. And DH has been hanging on by a thread. They have cut and cut. They were suppose to cut some more right before xmas. But, they let it go until after the holidays. Will we have income or not... no one knows. I think all you can do is go in, try and do your best like you would any other day, and keep the other eye open on any potential opportunity.

This year was a pretty awful medical one for the fm. At one point, I thought my DS was going to die. When DH comes home stressed wondering about what tomorrow will bring with work, I look at DS alive and just almost cry. I think, there are way worse things in life. Come one way or another, something has got to give for a lot of people.

Here's to good Karma to you and those near you:cool:.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers. DH and I are taking it one day at a time, but focusing on backup plans in case the worse happens. I have spoken with a couple of my friends that were let go, and at least the company gave them generous severance packages. I know that a lot of companies are not able to do that these days, so at least that is something. I think the scariest thing for me is the age factor and starting a new job this late in the game, but thankfully we do not have children nor elderly folks to care for so that is in our favor. I will keep you all posted as to what happens. Your kind thoughts and advice mean so much - bless you.

wildhawk, I feel your pain (and fear). On our product team, we were told early this year that 50% would be cut by year's end. A few found other jobs and left voluntarily, several volunteered to take early retirement because they were old enough to get the package, but the vast majority of the cuts were folks who really would have preferred to stay, even though the severance package was generous. Each round, I was worried I'd be one of the ones let go, but I made it through the year. It is so sad to see your friends and co-workers be let go, even if you get to stay. And the worry about the future takes a lot away from the day-to-day job satisfaction and can surely keep you up at night. I hope you'll be okay, but it won't be easy, either way. Just wanted to let you know I understand.

Thank you Emily. Since the layoff last week, work has been miserable. Those of us who are left are feeling the pressure, not only of covering the others’ jobs, but also fearing that we may be in the next cut. And since I work nightshift, there have been rumors flying around that the entire nightshift may be eliminated or forced to switch to dayshift. Not sure what January and February will bring, but I am just taking it one day at a time. To keep my sanity, I have been focusing on cycling and working in my studio - wish the art market were more lucrative. I will keep you all posted on things.

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Originally Posted by wildhawk

To keep my sanity, I have been focusing on cycling and working in my studio -

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Sounds like a smart strategy to me! There's so much worry right now, over things we can't necessarily control, that I think it's wise to focus on things that bring us comfort and ease our fears.

Yes, do keep us posted, wildhawk. These are tough times for so many people -- I've never felt more thankful to (still) be gainfully employed at a job that pays well and has good benefits. I took that for granted for years. Even though I'm not happy with the direction my company is taking (outsourcing much of R&D, for one thing), I don't take for granted having that paycheck coming in every two weeks.

Take care, and hope your job will be spared...

Sending good vibes to you.

(((((wildhawk))))) Hang in there. Sending good vibes that you survive the cuts or that something better will come along. In the meantime I hope you have enough saved and have a plan in place should the worst happen. Dh sometimes thinks I'm being a tight fisted beotch (he would never actually call me that, but he's admitted to thinking it a time or two:rolleyes:) when I put us on a tight budget restriction, but he's always glad when the tough times hit.