My company, where I've worked for 23 years (with a couple of brief interruptions after which I returned to the fold), is currently doing deep layoffs in the department I work in. I have about a 50/50 chance of being laid off by the end of the year. If I am not laid off, I'll be training the folks we are outsourcing most of our R&D and support work to, thanks to executive orders to reduce our development costs. Training, then hand-holding/babysitting. I'm not sure which is the best alternative -- losing my job, or being one of the "lucky" ones left behind.

If I do get laid off, DH and I are discussing (and have been for a long time) taking off on our sailboat and going cruising for a year or three. We have a decent nest egg, and my severance would pay for the first seven months. It would be a HUGE change from our current existence, but possibly one of the most rewarding things we've ever done. However, change is scary, especially as we get a little older, so I find myself torn between wanting to get laid off so that I can go for this adventure we keep dreaming of, and wanting to be spared so that I can continue pulling in a good income. And part of me thinks that if I don't get laid off, I'll be bitterly disappointed and unhappy in the changed role I'll have, working with the outsource company folks.

Definitely a crossroads...I feel your pain! (All emotions come into play here, don't they???)

Emily