Ugghhhh, I think my job is done...

[Phil M]

Lots of weird rumors at the office the last few days, then some "quiet" layoffs. No real corporate communications. 12 years in. There have been rumors before that never amounted to much and I'd learned to tune them out. This is the first time it feels real...

[newking70]

do you work at xerox?

[The Golden Boy]

Best of luck Phil!

[Phil M]

No, not Xerox.

[SlyStrat]

I thought the recession was over?
I know a lot of people worrying about getting cut.

Most of the time when something bad happens, later it turns out to be a good thing.

[8mileshigh]

I work for a large pharmaceutical company that was just acquired by an even larger one(they make Viagra). We were told that our research labs would be closing down in early 2010.:FM

20 years gone....

[ford]

Well on the Office, they played a murder mystery game at work to keep their minds off of the maybe impending bad news. If it takes place in Savannah, Ga it would be best.

[tonefinger]

I feel for you, I lost my job of 22 years about a year ago. It's not a good time to be looking for work.

[5E3]

Aetna announced more layoffs, 1250 I think.

Fridays are usually when it happens. You may want to stay home tomorrow. ;)

Good luck, hang in there.

[Erik]

Sorry to hear that, Phil.

[shallbe]

I hope you are ok, Phil. The layoffs and furloughs are not over in my area, not by a longshot. The job market will trail any recovery by a decent span of time. What we are seeing is depleted companies that have been trying to hold on, and the recovery has not happened. Much talent out there right now, not working.

[derekd]

Good luck Phil, sorry to hear about your situation. I agree, though the recovery seems to be slow but real, the job market will probably lag for a while.

[guitarist58]

Hope things work out ok for you and everyone else in this situation... :(

[Rattles]

Hope it's just another nasty rumor Phil........

[Hendrix95]

I work for a large pharmaceutical company that was just acquired by an even larger one(they make Viagra). We were told that our research labs would be closing down in early 2010.:FM

20 years gone....

I'm sorry to hear about your labs being closed. My wife works for the same company and it's a very scary time.

[Baloney]

Im sorry to hear that dude. I hope you dont get canned.

I know it sucks currently but I got to believe it will turn around soon.

[DonW]

Best of luck that your job is safe.

[Phil M]

I just found out that my counterpart on the other side of the team got her notice this afternoon. So it is real. She's in a totally different department though, so her being let go does not make me 'safe'. Watching these things happen around me but not having any idea whether I'm affected is the hardest part. I always said I didn't want to be left standing when the music stopped ... but I think I lingered too long in one place.

Thanks for the good words.

[furry]

that sucks.

We've had a similar vibe in our office for a few months now. The company is pretty clearly grasping at straws trying to create new revenue streams, but the situation seems desperate and futile at the same time.

I know this sounds trite, but years ago I worked with a guy--not the sharpest tool in the shed, mind you, but he had a great attitude--who, whenever things didn't go his way, would say, "one door closes...another opens".

Over the years, I have found that this to be mostly true. It's not necessarily a one-to-one relationship. In other words, just because you get canned, you can't expect to have a new job waiting for you. But all choices in life have an 'opportunity cost', and when you leave one path, you are now free to choose other paths.

Best of luck in these extremely weird times...

[lakehaus]

I got laid off on my 50th birthday... not the same week, but the same DAY! I did get a 3 week notification - shoulda seen the look on my bosses face when I told him that! That was the end of September this year.

It was pretty stressful there for a while - as expected. But, the good thing that came out of it - and I'm sure this applies to most folks - is you get a good sense of your worth while you're job hunting. Sometimes you can lose sight of your value.

I found the key to finding a job is exploiting your network. Yep. It's true. Just what the old guys said long ago. Whether or not you think you have a network, you do. Family, friends, neighbors, work associates, etc... I found my new job NOT thru Monster.com or CareerBuilders.com or USAJobs.com (although I set up accounts), but through my brother in law. I'm 3 weeks into it and it's a refreshing change.

If this rumor pans out to be truth, I wish you the best of luck - things WILL get better.

[Flyin' Brian]

Best of luck Phil. It's still very tough in the job market.

I got laid off last year and at my age (62) it became apparent that I wans't going to get back.

[Dillow4092]

I just found out that my counterpart on the other side of the team got her notice this afternoon. So it is real. She's in a totally different department though, so her being let go does not make me 'safe'. Watching these things happen around me but not having any idea whether I'm affected is the hardest part. I always said I didn't want to be left standing when the music stopped ... but I think I lingered too long in one place.

Thanks for the good words.


Not sure what skill set you have Phil but look into the federal government if you need to. I don't have a crystal ball or anything, but I hear they are hiring lots of people www.usajobs.com (http://www.usajobs.com)

[Phil M]

Today is the day I find out. It was very eerie driving into work this morning. Such a heavy weight over everyone's head lately. There certainly has not been a lot getting done for the last few days ...

[EricPeterson]

Phil, I hope it all works out for you. I can't imagine what that must be like.

[Phil M]

Phil, I hope it all works out for you. I can't imagine what that must be like.

In 20 years of driving, I've never crashed my car. I almost drove right into the back of a dump truck this morning ...

I do tend to think things happen for a reason and, eventually, for the better. That doesn't make the short term any easier though. Thanks for the good wishes.

[dkaplowitz]

Best of luck, Phil. Hope things turn out okay. Losing a job can be a big deal, I know from personal experience. But, ultimately, any one job is fairly insignificant in one's life, also IME.

[Shreve]

but I think I lingered too long in one place.

Trust me, you are not alone. 23 years and I fear the hammer will drop any day.

Job sucks, but the $ is good. Healthcare, 401K, etc. I'm not sure the daily stress is worth it. Hope it works out for ya.

[jnug]

It's not a good time to be looking for work.

this so true....

good luck hope it all turns out ok

[Amp360]

Sorry to hear that, I hope it all works out.

I once worked for Digital. I never took a day off then I took a Friday off. Came in Monday and everyone was gone except for my supervisor.

He called me into his office and gave me the corporate line, he was kind of a jerk. As soon as he was done his phone rang and he got fired while I was cleaning out my desk.

[jpervin]

Today is the day I find out. It was very eerie driving into work this morning. Such a heavy weight over everyone's head lately. There certainly has not been a lot getting done for the last few days ...

I hope it turns out well for you today.

I've been right there where you're at, where everyone was sitting on pins and needles waiting for the ax to fall...which it did for me last December 11th when, not only did I get laid off that day, but was escorted out of the building by my supervisor. I asked him why I needed to be escorted and he said it was "company policy". A bit humiliating, to say the least.

At least he offered to carry my box of personal effects to my car...

[Zelmo]

To the OP: Hang in there whatever happens. BREATHE. If bad news comes, it likely won't be the worst thing that ever happened to you; you're not alone, and you will recover. COBRA benefits are now more affordable than ever, and that is a huge help that you will come to realize. Like the old saying goes...one door shuts, and another opens. NO BS there - sometimes being jarred out of a situation helps you to see and find new opportunities that you never would have realized.

Good luck.

[stratman34]

I hope it turns out well for you today.

I've been right there where you're at, where everyone was sitting on pins and needles waiting for the ax to fall...which it did for me last December 11th when, not only did I get laid off that day, but was escorted out of the building by my supervisor. I asked him why I needed to be escorted and he said it was "company policy". A bit humiliating, to say the least.

At least he offered to carry my box of personal effects to my car...

The folks I worked with at my first corporate job (Xerox) experienced this back when Xerox was having big time issues around '90-'91. Manager AND security would show up at your desk, give you 10 minutes to pack, then you were out the door. Needless to say, by the next round of layoffs in '98-'99 the policy was MUCH different and you knew weeks in advance and the notice was communicated on a Friday, so you had the weekend to cool off.

I got hired in '97 and they still talked about Black Monday, the nickname they gave that day (everyone got laid off on a Monday). The fear was still alive 6-7 years later.

In my current job, there is a real threat of layoff (my department has been cut in 1/2 already). But you get weeks of notice here too.

[wstsidela]

Good luck!!

[Phil M]

It's done. I have "the meeting" in 10 minutes. People are dropping like flies around me too. My one glimmer of hope was seniority but it didn't work out in my favor. F.

I'm bothered that they're herding small groups of people into conference rooms.

[neastguy]

I've seen this done before and it sucks bad... I made it through it and am alright now.. you will too...

[wstsidela]

Yikes!!

[stratman34]

It's done. I have "the meeting" in 10 minutes. People are dropping like flies around me too. My one glimmer of hope was seniority but it didn't work out in my favor. F.

I'm bothered that they're herding small groups of people into conference rooms.

Not that this will help any right now... but this too will pass. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I have known a TON of folks that have been laid off over the years. Virtually none of them had negative life events happen (like dumping a house, taking a major step backwards, or even hitting rock bottom). The only exceptions to that have been mortgage brokers and custom home builders - the ones I know were way over their head in their own property and in "investment" properties. I've witnessed some major impacts there.

[donnyjaguar]

Let us know what happens, Phil. I've been canned from 3 different employers and always ended up on higher ground. If the axe drops, review your separation agreement with someone familiar with these matters before you sign anything. I did last time and walked out with another couple of thousand bones.

Network like a mad bastard and you'll soon see results. Every job I've ever had was from networking, and a couple from rather unusual sources too. If you're changing careers get some great references. If you're staying in the same industry it doesn't matter so much as you're like me and well known.

[8mileshigh]

Lets hope they offer you a decent severance package...

[OctalSocket]

I'm sorry to hear about your labs being closed. My wife works for the same company and it's a very scary time.

I used to do freelance multimedia work for the same company, and I'll never forget being at a meeting a few days after this announcement. No matter how the executive staff tried to paint the situation as a positive, everyone knew where it was going. I felt terrible for everyone in that room.

[jpervin]

It's done. I have "the meeting" in 10 minutes. People are dropping like flies around me too. My one glimmer of hope was seniority but it didn't work out in my favor. F.

I'm bothered that they're herding small groups of people into conference rooms.

Thoughts and prayers for quick reemployment coming your way.

[dkaplowitz]

Sounds brutal! Sorry to hear it. Hope you get a good severance package (if anything).

Bonus: You've got some time off! Hope you get to relax while finding your next gig (as tough as I know that is to do while unemployed).

[clothwiring]

Sorry to hear Phil. Hope you are well though!

[esoteric pete]

best of luck to ya phil...


thats a real bummer, but things always have a way of working themselves out, even when it really seems rough...

[shark_bite]

Man, that's a bummer. Best of luck, I've still got my fingers crossed that you're keeping the job.

But on the flip side, at least you don't have to worry about the day-to-day stuff until you start a new job. I'd love to wipe my to-do list clean.

[Erik]

Hey Phil, I'm sorry to hear about this. We'll talk soon.

[patl]

Hang in there, Phil. And don't be surprised if you go through some grief, fogginess, inability to concentrate, etc.

I've been out of work for 3 months, and I'm no farther into my honey-do list, or my doctoral studies, than I was before I got laid off.

[Phil M]

Yeah, it's done. I'll be here 'til the end of January--severance is good.

Hang in there, Phil. And don't be surprised if you go through some grief, fogginess, inability to concentrate, etc.


I'm very preoccupied with this whole job thing, but I've been thinking about this too. I joined a new band in October and had to cram 40 songs. First gig is tomorrow night and I know it's gonna be hard to concentrate! A bar band is a relatively minor concern right now, but I want to do something good this week...

[Chuck Snider]

Sorry to hear about this Phil..

I got to think that comming into work and every time the phone rings thinking "this is it" is got to be just as bad or worse that the hammer finally comming down..
I hope they'll set you up a bit so you are good till your next job comes along. Lets hope the next one is a pleasant upgrade..
Hang in there...

[Flyin' Brian]

Sorry to hear it Phil. Been there and I get it. I found it very necessary from an emotional standpoint to really consciously keep things in perspective. It was easy for me to panic at first, since I had never been unemployed. Things went together though, especially with the support of my wife (Midnight Lady). Your concentration on the good of your band is really important.

Best of luck to you down the road.

[Dr. Jimmy]

Sorry to hear that Phil, but things have a way of working out for the better. By all means, play the gig and have a blast, gotta do something positive!

My last three jobs have all ended in layoffs due to downsizing or the company moving out of the country. The last was the best (a corporate decision which my managers all disagreed with) since they told me I was no longer needed and gave me a date two months in advance, so I spent the last two months there surfing the net, looking for work and generally doing a whole bunch of nothing. "That's YOUR deadline, not mine" became my catchphrase.

[Platypus]

Hang in there Phil, been there/done that and in the end it was a great thing to have happened. Hopefully you can stick it out.

[Analog Delay]

Yeah, it's done. I'll be here 'til the end of January--severance is good.


So, you've got two months left to work while getting paid and good severance. Certainly nobody wants to lose a job, but it sounds like it could have ended a lot worse. As has already been said in this thread, when one door closes another one opens.

Good luck with everything.

[The Golden Boy]

Hey Phil,

My best wishes-

[semi-hollowbody]

Sorry for the rough news...I have seen it happen exactly as you described time and time again here in the auto industry...laying people off in groups...watching them disappear day after day wndering if its you

But you will bounce back and find something better, if a company is laying off that many people its in trouble and ultimately better off to be away from that...
good luck to you, Im sure you will land on your feet...

[BountyHuntr]

I was hoping for better news today Phil... Now... may you find a better job!

[ikan]

You got out much better than I expected. Good luck and all the best Phil!

[donnyjaguar]

If you're lucky they'll give you a big check at Xmas time and tell you not to bother coming in again. :)

[FlyingDutchman]

Well atleast thats over Phil. Sorry to hear. Its time to start focusing on the future. Stay positive. Positive energy will get you very far in life. This isnt the end of anything..Its just the beginning of something new.

[patl]

Yeah, it's done. I'll be here 'til the end of January--severance is good.



I'm very preoccupied with this whole job thing, but I've been thinking about this too. I joined a new band in October and had to cram 40 songs. First gig is tomorrow night and I know it's gonna be hard to concentrate! A bar band is a relatively minor concern right now, but I want to do something good this week...

Yeah, I hear you. I hope you can! I'm making more progress at guitar practice than I ever have before, but anything that requires complex thinking - reading a book, writing on my dissertation, etc - just floats away. More than usual :-). Bottom line, losing a job is trauma, and different people respond differently.

Enjoy the gig tomorrow!!!

[cr8z4life]

Know the feeling....out of work myself. Actually lost the job for having gone on an interview!! Employees have no rights!!! It is too one sided especially in current economics.....have been out of work more than I have worked for the past two years!!!

And yes....it f##cks with you......Anxiety, some depression- inabilility to concentrate (learning new songs and remembering them ....arghhhhh!) Memory issues-insomnia.....I can keep going......but it does help to know you are not alone and alot of people are going through tough times and that its not you......

[twinrider1]

Sure is a bad feeling. One one force reduction we sat around and watched each person walk into the office. When the person walked out, you didn't have to look at their face. You looked at the envelope they were carrying. A thin envelope was good; just a single page..."You have been retained." The thick envelope meant they were canned. It had all the separation paperwork.
Good luck man. They say it's best to go after a new job immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to motivate yourself.

[Joe Robinson]

I've been there and you have my condolences. I was out for a long time, so I learned some good coping strategies. Try not to obsess about it, which for right now, the day of the notice, you can't help doing. But the best relief that I found was picking up the phone and making contacts at companies. Now you can't do that 8 hours a day. Realistically, you can only do it for about an hour/hour and a half a day. That's a full day of job searching, which means, the rest of your day is yours. Excercise, read, and play that guitar. Reseach companies or industries that you are interested. Enjoy that new gig, and keep practicing that guitar. Plus with the advance notice you have a month of pre layoff to start the networking now.

But you do have my empathy, I've been there.

[Phil M]

Thank you all for the words of empathy and encouragement.

To recap, the job thing sucks but the gig on Friday night was great. I focused what little energy I had left on getting through this first gig with my new band and I had a blast. I really didn't want to get cut twice in the same week! ;)

[jpervin]

Thank you all for the words of empathy and encouragement.

To recap, the job thing sucks but the gig on Friday night was great. I focused what little energy I had left on getting through this first gig with my new band and I had a blast. I really didn't want to get cut twice in the same week! ;)

That's awesome! Congrats on your new band...and a place to focus some positive energy for awhile. :)

[Jiffy_Jeff]

Make sure you take your Red Stapler with you!!


When one door closes, another one opens!!!

Gig until yer fingers bleed!

Here's hoping for the best for you! :drink

[paulrocker]

Not sure if this helps but really no one is immune. I work for a large management consulting company and I've seen assistance up to senior VPs get the axe. This one guy was a 20 year tenured employee who was one of the first employees at the company.

Another was a retired General Senior VP who had a large division of people reporting to him. Sometimes no matter what you've done and how hard you work, it just doesn't work out. But you're not alone

[Phil M]

UPDATE: so here I am more than 10 months since the announcement of layoffs and more than 8 since actual severance. I have tried everything I could think of to attain local employment but had been unsuccessful. Headhunters, recruiters, DOL folks, personal networks, etc. Interviews have been tough to come by. At one point I went through a 2 1/2 month process with 2 rounds of interviews with 3 different people for a great job but in the end didn't get it. There has been lots of frustration with communication and lack of feedback concerning positions I didn't get. I was beginning to think my time in my home town was done. I know a lot of people have had to pack it up and move to strange places, so why should I be any different? I'm not.

Now the good news. I finally got something locally that at least preserves my home for a little while and gives me a chance. I start next week. It's only a 6 month contract but it's with my #1 prospective company so I really hope I can make something happen here. The pay is similar to my last rate of pay, but the benefits obviously aren't quite where I was as a 12+ year employee. Still, I am SO excited and grateful for the opportunity. There are no guarantees but I plan to make the most of it.

Thanks to everyone for the well-wishes (and to a bunch of you guys for buying my excess gear last winter and spring!). I've never been out of work and I never would have anticipated the 8 month drought that I experienced. These are some strange times indeed and you really have to always be on the lookout for the next opportunity.

[Wesman61]

Congrats! Hope it all works out.

[mj07]

Good luck Phil!

[yodude]

I work for a large pharmaceutical company that was just acquired by an even larger one(they make Viagra). We were told that our research labs would be closing down in early 2010.:FM

20 years gone....
I live 20 minutes from Pfizer. Over the past 2-3 years they've been laying off tons of people, so it's not just the smaller firms under their wing

[calpa94]

I hope things work out for you Phil. Being unemployed is one of the most degrading feeling I've experienced. At least that is behind you now.

[Franklin]

Awesome news!!


I'm here waiting for the other shoe to drop myself....
:(

[dkaplowitz]

Good luck, Phil!

Dave

[HammyD]

Glad to hear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for you, Phil. I have been out of work 53 weeks, being laid off a few weeks before my 53 birthday. Never thought I'd get laid off at a college but they let a fellow worker go who had been there 27 years. They intentionally targeted the older, better paid employees.

My only recourse was to try to go into business for myself so I wiped out the 401K. Got my first call just last Thursday. Just an audition for a spot, but a beginning.

Hang in there everybody! I am not sure it will get much better soon, but I think most of us older guys have been through enough to know we'll survive.

[Virtual Pariah]

Our hammer is supposed to be dropping by end of October.

Don't know whose going but, the morale here is terrible.

[semi-hollowbody]

glad to hear the news...sounds like you have the perfect attitude to go in there and dazzle them...good luck!! :)