Twenty years at my job. I’m scared, mad, and upset. I’m getting a severance package and they’re offering a job placement service. I haven’t been on any interviews in years.
I’m planning on getting drunk tonight, then I’ll have to figure out what to do next. I don’t even know if my skills are relevant anymore.
I’m sorry to hear that. Was this out of the blue?
What field are you in?
Sorry to hear that, ivylass. I hope things work out for you.
Ouch, ivylass, that stinks. It’s happened to me twice, once after 15 years and once after 5, so I can commiserate. On the bright side, a 20 year severance package should be pretty generous and the job market over much of the country is very good for seekers right now. With some luck you may be able to quickly find something similar or better and “double dip” for a time. I’m pulling for you!
Pay to have a professional write your resume and update LinkedIn.
250-350 USD.
Ignore every person who says, “Why don’t you just ________.” or, “You should just _______.” or “I don’t understand why you need to _______.”
The applicant tracking systems are gamed against people who try to format a resume on their own. They change constantly. People who write resumes/CVs professionally know how to format a resume TODAY/NOW. If you are the best candidate by far with a resume that doesn’t jive with different systems, no human sees your resume. Repeat that to yourself.
Yes, some day, makers of applicant tracking and human resources info systems will be in court making lawyers rich as they lose class-action lawsuits. Until then, you have to play the game and pay the evil people, who have experience in HR and recruiting, to help you game the very mess they live in.
No platitudes to offer.
IT SUCKS. Take the time to improve or maintain your health.
Sleep late and I have no sympathy for you.
.
Get drunk tomorrow night, too.
Sorry. 
Very sorry to hear this, best wishes on your job search!
That is crappy news and change is always scary.
The US currently has the lowest unemployment in 50 years or so, and the market is getting tighter, so that should be good news.
Best wishes, there is some good advice in this thread, that part about resumes seems valuable.
That does, indeed, suck. I’ve been laid off twice in the past seven years (the first time, from a job I’d held for 12 years). The hunt is never fun, but, as Mikemike2 notes, the good news is that it’s a seller’s market for jobs right now.
And, I think that Philster’s advice about having an expert work on your resume and LinkedIn profile is an excellent one.
Lots of good vibes going your way.
That does indeed suck most royally - sorry to hear it.
Last time I was laid off, it was from a company for which I had worked in various roles for 16 years. And the severance package, accrued vacation/PTO had not yet run out when my current job fell into my lap.
My prayers for God’s providence for you and yours.
Regards,
Shodan
Ditto this.
I was only laid off one job that mattered in my life. Well, fired, really. And it came as no surprise, although the reason was surprising: “I just don’t like you.” It’s ok. The feeling was mutual.
I took the opportunity to grow a part-time self-employment pursuit into a full-time one. I will never again be fired or laid off by someone who has total control over my employment situation. I may lose a company here or there, but they are easily replaced. Is this an option for you to explore?
Just mentioning it as a possible alternative to working for someone else.
Happened to me a couple of times. It sucks. Hoping for the best for you, but you’re entitled to bitch, whinge, and get stinkin’.
I’m sorry to hear it.
I just missed the axe myself—a third of our division got riffed. The union has filed an age-discrimination grievance. About 70-some of my most experienced colleagues were cut and marched out by security. Not even allowed to stay during their four-week notice period to make a proper goodbye and apply for internal openings. All this in a week in which management boasted of record profits.
Ah, shit. So sorry to hear it.
I like the way you think. I’ll drink a toast to you tonight, and wish you the best.
Twenty years in any job and you have skills. Believe it!
Sorry to hear this, but I agree, if you have 20 years in, you have experience and skills to find another.
Sorry. This sucks now, and is definitely scary and upsetting; but in the long run it could turn out to be a blessing.
I have a severance package equal to 40 weeks of pay, my bonus, and my unpaid vacation. I have an appointment with the tax lady on Monday to find out what tax hit I will get in this lump payment.
I’m on the payroll until Nov 15, so I have two more paychecks coming. I’m on Ivylad’s insurance, so no worries about COBRA.
This was a bolt out of the blue. I had just gone to New York on a business trip with my boss. She didn’t find out until this morning. It’s part of a restructuring…I’m one of about 100 or so. My boss is losing two people in her department, and we only had nine to begin with.
I’m assuming since I’m being paid until Nov 15 that I can’t apply for unemployment until then? The company offers an outplacement service and I will contact them tomorrow.
This is so surreal. I’ve never been laid off or fired from a job.
You should check, but I think you may have to wait the 40 weeks before unemployment will kick in.
(Sorry this is happening to you.)
The document said I’m terminated as of Nov 15, so I think after that I apply for unemployment.
I don’t know how old you are, but if it’s any reassurance, my husband and I both got jobs when we were over 50, and I was over 60 when I got my current job. So in some companies, there’s not necessarily a youth obsession. Some places value maturity and experience!
Good luck to you!!