View Full Version : My job abolished
Well, just got word yesterday that my job was abolished as part of a RIF/huge re-org. There were four others in my department also RIF-ed, all of them wonderful people and excellent performers, so at least I've got no reason to take it personally. But "ouch" anyway. And thank goodness it happened before my husband retired. (And after I got my Ruby!)
I've been assigned a talent acquisition person to help me find another job at my company within the next two weeks, if I can. I'm meeting with him today. Not sure that as a 50+ I want to stay in the software industry. Most of the people with whom I work are 30 and early 40-somethings, and I've felt a bit like an oddity over the last couple of years. Got a decent severance package and had a bit of vacation saved up, so I don't have to panic just yet. And the only retirement this company was ever going to give me was my 401K.
So now begins another great adventure! Wish me luck.
tlc20010
04-29-08, 04:39 AM
Well, just got word yesterday that my job was abolished as part of a RIF/huge re-org. There were four others in my department also RIF-ed, all of them wonderful people and excellent performers, so at least I've got no reason to take it personally. But "ouch" anyway. And thank goodness it happened before my husband retired. (And after I got my Ruby!)
I've been assigned a talent acquisition person to help me find another job at my company within the next two weeks, if I can. I'm meeting with him today. Not sure that as a 50+ I want to stay in the software industry. Most of the people with whom I work are 30 and early 40-somethings, and I've felt a bit like an oddity over the last couple of years. Got a decent severance package and had a bit of vacation saved up, so I don't have to panic just yet. And the only retirement this company was ever going to give me was my 401K.
So now begins another great adventure! Wish me luck.
It always sucks when this happens (at least it did to me 3 years ago when it happened to me), but it did not take long for me to realize that it was a real opportunity. Don't worry about those bad feelings you have now, I promise they will pass very quickly. My wife is a 60+ geek and has the same isues of working with people a generation (or more) younger than she is. They think of her as sort of the Earth Mother and she gets an amazing amount of respect (although never to her face). Clients often ask for her by name to help with projects because of her people skills--something often lacking in your business, as you know.
My revelation was how much more time I had to ride and enjoy stuff. I got in lots more biking (5000 the first year and 8,000+ annually since.
I'm writing all this just to tell you that you ought to think of what has happened as a lucky break and start a whole new plan for life.
Godspeed on your journey and keep us posted on life with Ruby:D
Tim
geofitz13
04-29-08, 04:55 AM
I agree, that sucks. As one who has been through it many times, due to the industry I was in, you really have to look at it as an opportunity. Good luck, and keep us posted.
mustang1
04-29-08, 05:10 AM
Congratulations!
Jet Travis
04-29-08, 05:11 AM
Damn, that's too bad. I hope what I'm about to say doesn't sound too polyanna-ish, but you may end up in a much better place than you could have dreamed of. I've seen it happen more than once. Good luck, and keep that adventurous spirit!
BSLeVan
04-29-08, 05:21 AM
Ouch! Here's wishing you lots of luck in finding employment that is meaningful to you while meeting your financial needs.... and that gives you time to ride.
donheff
04-29-08, 06:33 AM
This is a good time to evaluate you circumstances and future plans. Many an early retiree was catapulted into that status only to find that it works well. That may depend on how long your husband wants to keep working.
Beverly
04-29-08, 06:37 AM
Well, just got word yesterday that my job was abolished as part of a RIF/huge re-org. There were four others in my department also RIF-ed, all of them wonderful people and excellent performers, so at least I've got no reason to take it personally. But "ouch" anyway. And thank goodness it happened before my husband retired. (And after I got my Ruby!)
I've been assigned a talent acquisition person to help me find another job at my company within the next two weeks, if I can. I'm meeting with him today. Not sure that as a 50+ I want to stay in the software industry. Most of the people with whom I work are 30 and early 40-somethings, and I've felt a bit like an oddity over the last couple of years. Got a decent severance package and had a bit of vacation saved up, so I don't have to panic just yet. And the only retirement this company was ever going to give me was my 401K.
So now begins another great adventure! Wish me luck.
Sorry to hear this, TruF. Often an event like this ends with acquiring a position much better than the one you're leaving.
I'm going through the same thing with my current employer. Fortunately it came at a good time for me as I'm able to take the severance package and retire. Many of the people in my department who will be looking for another job say it won't be in Information Technology. Most of us who have been in this field for 35+ years have serious job burnout.
Maybe this is the time to consider entering another field that interest you. Hope the new job hunt goes well.
Timtruro
04-29-08, 06:51 AM
Sorry to hear this, TruF. Often an event like this ends with acquiring a position much better than the one you're leaving.
I'm going through the same thing with my current employer. Fortunately it came at a good time for me as I'm able to take the severance package and retire. Many of the people in my department who will be looking for another job say it won't be in Information Technology. Most of us who have been in this field for 35+ years have serious job burnout.
Maybe this is the time to consider entering another field that interest you. Hope the new job hunt goes well.
Opportunity to re-evaluate, and examine all options. Maybe retirement is in order, if not, good luck with the search. Think about it while riding the Ruby, it will put things in perspective.
Good luck in your job search, TruF. At least I would expect that there are a lot of high-tech opportunities in your area vs. where I am here in the Rust Belt, with vehicle sales not exactly booming. You still have some productive years ahead of you, so don't give up hope just yet!
I'm 61 and have been a full-time software developer for 40 years now. I sometimes go back and forth between just being tired of the "same old stuff" all the time, while still enjoying the development process when I can be left alone long enough to do it. But I'm retiring in a few months, so will also have a whole new set of decisions to make as I figure out what I'll be doing for the rest of my life...
maddmaxx
04-29-08, 07:39 AM
Experience in an industry often opens up opportunities to work as a consultant or as a temp. These positions often pay more than the original full time job.
When one door closes..............another opens up.
Little Darwin
04-29-08, 07:44 AM
There are times I almost wish for a RIF, but I know from the last time the rumors circulated that it is different to actually deal with it.
Good luck in dealing with whatever the future holds for you.
HopedaleHills
04-29-08, 08:31 AM
TruF, hang in there, take the summer off and enjoy. I'm 58 and also in the software game, it's pretty scary right now with the economy taking a nose dive. I've already told my wife that if I lose this job, my chances of getting hired somewhere else are slim to none.
I was out of work from 2001 until 2005 and I can't tell you how many places I interviewed hired someone younger with less experience.
BengeBoy
04-29-08, 09:31 AM
TruF,
Sorry to hear that. It will turn out OK, but I know it will feel pretty disruptive to your plans right now.
I think the fact that you just got your Ruby is just good karma coming through -- if you don't find another job in your current company, your time on the new bike will be the best place to sort out your next steps.
If you're not already on LinkedIn, by the way, give it a try -- at my company we've been using LinkedIn for hiring a fair amount...especially in the IT world it's a good way to network.
BB
Good luck, TruF, this economy is getting a lot of people in a bind right now. I hope something turns up for you. I'm retired and still have to worry about what's going to happen, from one day to the next.
Tom Bombadil
04-29-08, 09:46 AM
Bummer! Very sorry to hear this.
Two weeks? They are giving you only 2 weeks to deal with the loss of your job, the potential change to your life, and to find something else in the company. That is not enough time. Not saying you can't do it in two weeks, or even in two days, but the company should have doubled that time.
Did you have any clue that this was coming?
I just got rif'ed and they hired someone younger with much less experience to replace me. They can get away with that in education. I wasn't tenured. Luckily I have found another position, but still I've got to go through the hassle of starting over again.
Bud Bent
04-29-08, 10:48 AM
Good luck, TruF! I'm betting you'll land on your feet.
Artkansas
04-29-08, 11:22 AM
So now begins another great adventure! Wish me luck.
Good luck. Four years ago I was in a similar situation in CA. A major reduction in force and I discovered that it was hard to be 50 getting hired by 30 year old bosses. Not that I objected, but rather that it didn't happen. I spent 10 months looking.
That's why I now go by Artkansas.
qcpmsame
04-29-08, 11:54 AM
That is a short period to adjust but I guess those that have been told this is your last day felt worse. I hope you find the job of your dreams in whatever environment you choose. You will remain in my prayers during your search.
Bill
Thanks, everyone! Got a couple of leads, but feel really pressured to hurry up and make a decision if a job comes my way. I was thinking last night about taking some time to take a step back and think about what I want to do. But then the practical side of me kicks in and says, no time to dilly-dally! You need a paycheck and health insurance, woman!
Agreed that two weeks isn't enough time. But I'm certainly focused and motivated! And everyone at work is giving me leads and offers for recommendations. It's a good company, and I understand why it needs to make these changes. Challenging times, indeed. For people and the companies for whom they work.
Feathers
04-29-08, 01:59 PM
sorry to hear of this. hang in there!
Ken Brown
04-29-08, 04:55 PM
Virtually everyone I know who has had this happen has ended up better off. That includes me. This may be a great opportunity, perhaps not financially, but for your wellbeing.
linux_author
04-29-08, 05:49 PM
You need a paycheck and health insurance, woman!
- that COBRA is expensive for interim care from what i understand...
- good luck on the transition...
SaiKaiTai
04-29-08, 06:03 PM
Well, now... that just sucks.
Having been unemployed myself about 4 or 5 or 6 times (once for a whole year) I can appreciate it, for sure. Seems I can never enjoy the time off -don't want to- cause I have no income and the uncertainty is hard to take. Besides, I feel guilty when Mrs S has to bring home the bacon. I have pretty good savings stored up and I think I could find something to do with my time (if Mrs S would allow) so I might be OK with it. One more RIF, though, and I'm rethinking my "career".
conurejade
04-29-08, 06:42 PM
Virtually everyone I know who has had this happen has ended up better off. That includes me. This may be a great opportunity, perhaps not financially, but for your wellbeing.
+1
Been there, done that. Definitely happier in the long run!!!
Don't let it get you down.
Got three leads so far. Find myself taking the path of least resistance, which is the natural networking that is happening as word of my RIF reaches various folks with whom I've worked at our company. Also networking at my previous place of employment.
Some highs and lows today, but I'm not feeling devastated. My husband says the worse that can happen is that we end up at Journey's End trailer park, which gave us both a chuckle. No offense intended to those of you who may live in a trailer park; it's just that we've always laughed at the implications of that name.
And yes, I too believe with all my heart that when one door closes another opens. Thanks so much for all the good wishes you are sending my way. Means so much to me right now!
It's always tough when those decisions are made for you rather than by you. Hang in there.
Hey Tru, I'm so sorry - what a shock. I'm one of those who believes that when one door closes, it leads to another, better one. In fact, that happened to me late last year. I hope this will lead to a new, refreshing opportunity for you, something you'll love and look forward going to every day.
Jen
Boudicca
04-29-08, 08:01 PM
Good luck, stay postive, which you seem to be anyways.
And take advantage of free time and perfect weather to get some quality riding in between job hunting.
TruF, Your positive attitude will bring you success. I know that sounds like a fortune cookie, but it's true.
Whoever named that trailer park Journey's End Trailer Park wasn't really into metaphors were they. At least let's hope not.:eek:
You could think of it this way: This happened so that something else can happen. I am on my 3rd distinct career. Each time one ended something then happened that could never have happened otherwise, and I ended up much better off (and not necessarily richer either). Good luck - and try to stay out of the way of the Tao because it "knows" what's best for you. My best to you too.
oilman_15106
04-30-08, 09:27 AM
Went to work for US Steel(Steal) many years ago on the basis that they had never laid anyone off in 30 years at that facility. 6 weeks later - on the street! Got called back and eventually went into management.
Got home from a night shift and got called back in by the Plant Manager. Who got hurt or something. The plant manager pulled a letter out of his desk from the Division President - "You will cut your management staff by 10% or YOU will be fired". Back on the street again. Mortage, 2 year old and another on the way.
I ended up demolishing houses until they decided I knew more than the old timers they kept and called me back with what amounted to a promotion. So somehow you just have to learn to land on your feet.
The Smokester
04-30-08, 03:58 PM
TruF, Stay positive. You got shaken loose but now you are free to rise to your full potential. Signed, Fortune Cookie
dlharrison
04-30-08, 05:18 PM
I went through the downsizing back in early 2002. I was replaced by a younger person who was also paid less. The company got around the age discrimination issue by changing the job title and some of the duties of my replacement. I looked for a number of jobs but my age and the salary that I was previously earning was a big issue. I went through several interviews where the interviewer directly asked me my age. I tried a number of ventures without much success. During the time that I was unemployed, I was paying for my health insurance through COBRA (very expensive).
I then to work for the state government (environmental protection) since my COBRA was running out and I couldn't pick up health insurance on my own (heart disease). In my department, there are more younger people than people in my age bracket. At first it was a bother but not so now. Government pays a lot less than I was earning with private industry. However, the upside is that there is a lot less stress, good insurance, a supervisor who lets me do my work, a lot of vacation and sick time time off, low risk of being laid off and I have every other Friday off (alternate work schedules). I am planning on staying with my present position until I retire in 4 to 5 years. Things have a way of working out for the best.
twobikes
04-30-08, 05:37 PM
I am sorry to hear about your dismissal. I cannot say I have been in exactly that situation, but in something very close to it.
Take a look at the book What Color Is Your Parachute? It is a large worksheet on yourself designed to help you find a better, more satisfying job. The more months you spend on your worsheet, the higher wages you find in your new job, according to the testimonials and claims of the book.
Also, one of the best pieces of advice I ever heard was, "Do not confuse who you are with what you do vocationally."
Thinking seriously of going back to the government job. I'd put in 23 years before leaving to see if I could finish my degree and make it in the corporate world. So in a little over eight years I finished my BA, got a job at this software company. Got my MS courtesy of their tuition reimbursement program and survived three previous re-orgs. Proved to myself that I could do it. Might be time to return to the security of the government job, if they'll have me. But everyday I feel differently. That suggests that I not rush into any decisions just yet. That severance package might be the blessing of a bit of time for the ups and downs to smooth out.
or do something that you've always wanted to do...
Good luck! I've heard that these kind of "forced changes" can be really, really liberating! think creatively, if you can afford to.
donheff
05-01-08, 05:52 AM
Thinking seriously of going back to the government job. I'd put in 23 years before leaving...
Wow, that is a lot of time. Do you still have credit in the retirement system or did you pull out your funds?
Wow, that is a lot of time. Do you still have credit in the retirement system or did you pull out your funds?
Still have credit.
donheff
05-02-08, 07:09 AM
Still have credit.
As a 50+er it would certainly seem sensible to reenter government in a few years, if not now. Get your 30 or whatever the particular system requires and exit with a pension. If you are a Fed you can roll that 401K into the TSP.
Survived the week. Was a roller coaster through Thursday, but have felt rather peaceful since then. Since I've got some options and I wasn't let go because of poor performance, I'm rather OK with everything. Still don't know in which direction to go. Back to the government, another job in the company, take the severance and do some contracting. Take the severance and enjoy some time off. I feel so fortunate to have options, even though it sucks to lose my job. I have until a week from tomorrow to make up my mind.
donheff, sounds like you're in the government? I appreciate your advice. I keep going back and forth about sensible.
Road Fan
05-04-08, 08:46 PM
TruF, as an aerospace engineer I had several layoffs. Once I understood that I was not beieng let go for poor performance, and that I had done all that could be done to be one of the retainees, I could take a deep breath and move on. It sounds like you've reached that happy point, where you feel good enough about yourself to move on and seek other jobs. You are a survivor, indeed!
Now I'm an automotive engineer, and we can't decide if it's good luck or bad luck that we still have these jobs!
Road Fan
BSLeVan
05-05-08, 06:36 AM
Survived the week. Was a roller coaster through Thursday, but have felt rather peaceful since then. Since I've got some options and I wasn't let go because of poor performance, I'm rather OK with everything. Still don't know in which direction to go. Back to the government, another job in the company, take the severance and do some contracting. Take the severance and enjoy some time off. I feel so fortunate to have options, even though it sucks to lose my job. I have until a week from tomorrow to make up my mind.
donheff, sounds like you're in the government? I appreciate your advice. I keep going back and forth about sensible.
These are tough decisions. I would strongly encourage you to consider doing some information interviews with folks who earn their income primarily from contract and/or consulting work. Moving into this kind of niche can be an adjustment for folks, and not everyone is cut out for it. If you are, it can be wonderful and very liberating. If you're not, it can be a nightmare. Being in such a situation myself for the last 15 years, I can tell you that there are times when I feel like I have my feet planted firmly in mid-air, and other times when I think I'm the luckiest person on the face of the planet.
Red Rider
05-05-08, 11:42 PM
Survived the week. Was a roller coaster through Thursday, but have felt rather peaceful since then. Since I've got some options and I wasn't let go because of poor performance, I'm rather OK with everything. Still don't know in which direction to go. Back to the government, another job in the company, take the severance and do some contracting. Take the severance and enjoy some time off. I feel so fortunate to have options, even though it sucks to lose my job. I have until a week from tomorrow to make up my mind.
donheff, sounds like you're in the government? I appreciate your advice. I keep going back and forth about sensible.
Sorry to hear about this. I hope you find a way to be at peace and still make a living...at least enough to support your biking habit.
roccobike
05-06-08, 07:56 PM
TruF, my heart goes out to you. A week and a half ago I sat in my office waiting to see if I was one of the 58 who were let go from my firm. I was "passed over" by the ax, but the lady I just completed a project with was not as fortunate. She was let go as was one of my best freinds at the firm. And this was only round one! Now the remainder of the group has to pick up all the work she was doing.
I wish you the very best and am very glad to hear you have options. Like you, if it happens to me, I'll have to weigh my options.
Timtruro
05-07-08, 12:35 PM
TruF, my heart goes out to you. A week and a half ago I sat in my office waiting to see if I was one of the 58 who were let go from my firm. I was "passed over" by the ax, but the lady I just completed a project with was not as fortunate. She was let go as was one of my best freinds at the firm. And this was only round one! Now the remainder of the group has to pick up all the work she was doing.
I wish you the very best and am very glad to hear you have options. Like you, if it happens to me, I'll have to weigh my options.
Being a 'survivor' can be very stressful too, feelings of guilt for being one of the "lucky" ones etc. I have been in both positions and each has serious downsides.
Congratulations!
I got layed off April 10th.
Since then:
Biked the Katy Trail from Clinton to St Charles MO. 225 miles of prairie, river bluffs, blue birds, ice cream, flowing streams, mushrooms just in season and no deadline to make it to the end.
I leave May 23rd to thru hike the 205 mile Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota. 3 weeks of backpacking. Mail drops go out around the 19th and the gear is ready and training hikes are going well.
July is week long backpack trip to the Medicine Bow Mountains in Colorado.
August to visit friends in Kentucky, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota.
You have been presented with a wonderful opportunity.
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