But so are paychecks.
Last August I walked into the office only to be met and ushered into my VP’s office. Not unusual as I work on a lot of projects for her. What was unusual was the HR rep sitting in her office. I quickly found out my 28 year career was ending right then. Thirty of my associates found out the same thing that day. I was still technically employed for another month, but due to my clearances I was walked to my car (company policy for someone in my position) with no chance to say good bye. My VP was very nice about it, and I understand it was just business and our numbers were way down… “restructuring” is their last resort to make the numbers work for the share holders. It was my turn to be on the list this time around.
I decided I didn’t want to rush into anything and I had also not had more than a week’s vacation at a time in the last 30 years (many one week ones, but none longer). I had a great severance that only ended earlier this month. I traveled, did yard work, spent days playing with the dog, fixed things around the house, met with friends, and generally had a great time. Every now and then I would check the want ads, but my experience is very specialized and I was spoiled by my old job.
In January I applied for one that looked perfect for me… same industry I came from, great company, five minutes from home, and doing roughly what I did before. Never herd anything… until last week. They asked if I was still interested and the next day I was on a conference call with several VP’s, directors, and tech people. Within 15 minutes after it ended I was asked if I could meet with a VP locally the next business day (Tuesday after Memorial Day). Met, had a great rapport and this morning I was offered the job. Roughly the same pay and benefits.The VP I met with is my new boss.
Worked out perfectly… I got paid to do nothing but take a break and have fun for nine months, and now it is back to work. Oh, yeah… I’m taking a vacation using my “retirement” benefits from my old company next week, so I’ll hit the road running when I get back. I should be well rested.
tl:dr Sometimes life works out well… I got a new job.