Well, it looks like I’m joining the ranks of the unemployed.
After 17 years with the company, I got the news yesterday that our whole team has been let go. Including my boss, who has been with the company more than 20 years.
I have plenty of savings, plus they’re giving me almost half a year in severance pay, so I’m in no immediate danger. Still, it’s rather a shock.
I’m sorry to hear that. I got laid off in 2007 myself and have only had a few short-term temp jobs.
Here’s hoping you find a new permanent job quickly.
I am sorry to hear your news and send out lucky thoughts your way.
Having said that, I enjoy moving on from time-to-time. It keeps my job interesting and lets me meet new people.
I am sorry to hear your news. Good luck processing the news and transitioning over to new activities. Figuring out how to network is its own beast when you are dealing with news like this - good luck.
I had somewhat similar news at this time in 2007, with Christmas and the New Year to chew over the thought of who would be let go and who would stay. But it turned out for the best. They gave me $76,000 to go, and I’ve got a better job now, and one that pays more.
I’m sorry for you. I also got laid off in 2007 and haven’t really had any permanent employment since. I can assure you, though, that there is life after layoff.
That bites. I’m glad they’re giving you a decent severance. Fingers crossed for a good new job soon.
i wish you the best of luck! it is a tough market out there. it is even a bit difficult to find places to volunteer!
after 17 years in one company it is a bit difficult to break into others. your pool of work connections tends to be a bit tight.
networking is the way to get a new job. call or email everyone you know or worked with. knowing someone, or knowing someone who knows someone is key right now. i was able to get a new job after a year and a half because i knew someone, who knew someone, who had an opening in their office. personal recommendations are very important.
Been there, and can agree that it sucks big time. For me, it was the feeling of not being 100% needed, something I really thought was the case.
As much as I hated to hear it, I will repeat it. It will get better.
It will.
Hang in there. I’ve been laid off twice and can commiserate.
Thanks for everyone’s thoughts.
Though by no means complacent, I’m fairly optimistic. There are a lot of opportunities for people with my skills and with experience in my industry. I’ve already had some people indicate some tentative interest.
So sorry to hear that. I was laid off from my job in NYC about a month before 9-11. It sucked but even in the middle of that chaos I was still able to find employment opportunities.
Wow. 2007 sucked.
17 YEARS?!?!?! Wow, sorry to hear that.
I took the bullet in 2009 and have only had 3 temp jobs, none more than a month long. I wish you the best. Glad to hear you have a safety net.
I’m so sorry. But glad you’re already talking to some interested people!
Wow that sucks… after 17 years? You’d think you’d be safe! At least you got that silver-lining severance package. Are you eligible for unemployment? Good luck finding a new job!
I’m sorry to hear that. At least the job market doesn’t bite as much as it did a couple of years ago. In fact, the bay area in general and Silicon Valley in particular is leading the way in job growth. I don’t know if it’s relevant to your job search and skillset, but here’s a link talking about specifics:
Damn, sorry to hear that. Hopefully you’ve kept your skill set relevant, or at least relevant enough to get through the filter of clueless HR people who frequently want five years experience in a language that was invented two years ago. Good luck!
Bummer, big time. But a soft landing is better than a boot out the door with nothing.
Same thing just happened here, SO shown the door after 17 years. Not a big surprise, a relief actually as the corporate culture had changed drastically - going to work had gotten to be a bit of a drag. Also sales are flat and bonuses are non existent. Not a fun place to work these days.
Got laid off in October 2010 myself. Got six months severance which put me right at full retirement and SS age So a really soft landing, and according to fellow employees, a really sweet deal.
Best of luck to you.