Feeling Sad and Worried…

[wildhawk]

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.

[emily_in_nc]

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.

[wildhawk]

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.

[DebTX]

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

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.

[emily_in_nc]

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...

[Smilie]

Sending good vibes to you.

[sgtiger]

(((((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) when I put us on a tight budget restriction, but he's always glad when the tough times hit.