The downside: well, I just got laid off - that would be the biggest thing. The axed the entire project. This is the best job I’ve had in 14 years of professional software development, the best boss I’ve had, and the best group of peers that I’ve worked with, and the best teams that I’ve led, the only place where I’ve really respected upper management. I’ve job hopped a lot in those 14 years; ironic that the one place I could see myself staying for the long haul is the place I where I get laid off
The upside: A fairly generous severence package - I basically will have 60 days with full pay and full benefits, plus an additional 1 month’s pay, plus of course any vacation I’ve accrued.
I’ve been waiting for the ax to fall for a couple of weeks. I was out of the office for a long weekend, and thought I would walk in Monday and get the bad news. I was only off by two days.
However, my mental state is surprisingly upbeat (but demoralized at the same time). I don’t deal well with unresolved situations. At least now I know where I stand, and I can put a plan of action together. I’ve already decided I will put together two versions of my resume - one geared for technology/engineering industry, and one geared for financial/service industry.
Good luck with your job-hunting!
I just want to say that I hope you look at this as an opportunity instead of a downfall. Look at the bright side. You can get another job!
I hope it all goes well. Take a week or two and have fun. But then get back to hunting. Don’t let yourself get caught up in not having a job.
The dopefest will help!!! I have several friends (and a brother) who have recently been laid off. I know about the happy and sad feelings you’re probably experiencing. I’ll think only happy thoughts for you!
Bummer, Barb. Three months pay and everything is really good, though. I know what you mean about the unresolved situation thing, though, it’s really almost a nice feeling just to know, just to have the shoe finally drop.
It’s funny (or scary, I’m not sure) - at the end of July I was at a Coney Island birthday outing for a friend. Three women, four men in the group.
None of the men was working. One investment analyst, one lawyer, one misc-MBA and one music teacher. All unemployed.
Enjoying it, mind you - my severance is decent and I’ve got savings, so there are worse things to happen in summer. But yeah, it’s disappointing when the work was actually something you liked.
We’re all bouncing back, though, and you will too…
{{{{Barbara}}}}
…on the upside, you can take a little time off before nailing an even better job…I mean, let’s face it: You are too talented and bright (not to mention cute…yeah, yeah, I know…probably shouldn’t mention that part) not to be in demand somewhere. You can’t keep a good woman down.
You rock. Plain and simple. Keep us posted when you land the new job.
Sweetie, I’m so sorry.
Tell you what, I’ll drive to the 'fest Saturday and then you can get as liquored up as you like. I got laid off this past Feb and even though I hated the job, it still sucked. I’m happy to be your designated driver if you need me.
I know you were kind of expecting this, but I was still hoping for a better outcome.
But Scott is right…you are bright, intelligent and creative. You will find something even better. Or you can just move out here and live in my spare bedroom. Wouldn’t that be fun? Unfortunately, the job market here in the sticks isn’t up to your talent. But…maybe Seattle? In the meantime…
You just go to that DopeFest and have a wonderful time. Then take a vacation before you tie yourself down to a job again.
Thanks to everyone for all the good wishes. I’m sure I’ll land on my feet. And I very much doubt I will have to relocate, which is a good thing as I really like Chicago and all my family and a lot of my friends are here. Hell, maybe I’ll get a good job in the city proper and move out of the boredom that is the suburbs.
This is an odd feeling, though. Except for senior year in college (when I worked my ass off the summer prior and saved up so I wouldn’t have to work senior year since I knew I’d be carrying a heavy course load), this is the first time since age 16 when I’ll be jobless.
I will have to work out the math, but I think I will be ok financially as long as I can find something by January or so. I really doubt it will be that long, but who knows… The nieces and nephews have to settle for fewer/cheaper Christmas presents this year, and my planned trip to Egypt in February may be blown, but such is life.
I’m really looking forward to ChiDope Drunken Debauchery this weekend.
Ooh, porc, that sucks. The severance sounds good so that’s a plus. You’ll be back on your feet in no time, I’ll bet, and I’ll also place bets that your trip to Egypt will be okay. [sub]crossing fingers, crossing fingers[/sub]
We’ll take your mind off things this weekend; you know, beer, Marines and jello. No problems, eh?
porc, if you want me to look over your resumes I’ll waive my usual rates. Email 'em to me whenever you want, or let me know when you can come into the city and I’ll cook you dinner.
I wish you luck on your job search, and hope you take the time off to relax and recharge your batteries - ahem - well, those batteries too ;).
