My Position Was Terminated...Or...

You've got to focus on the future.

You can look into staffing agencies. They typically provide you initially with a part-time or position with a probationary period but 1) part-time will likely result in a full-time position and 2) it will buy you more time to find the job you want.

Make your resume succinct.

Around the house - stay active. Do your organizing - it will make you feel productive and will help you enjoy your time at home a bit more. They say finding a job is a full-time job but you can only do so much.

Are you on LinkedIn - it's about who you know for the most part. That's the easiest way to find employment, especially if you're in an industry that gives bonuses for referrals.

My wife was in a unhappy position like yours in a job she held for over 20 years. She quit and took the summer off to enjoy with her family, read some books and catch up on projects she had wanted to work on for years.

She ended up losing 50 pounds just from having less stress in her life. She looked for jobs a the end of the summer and had multiple opportunities. She took a job where she works 30 hours a week from 8-2 every weekday.

She gets full time status, has much better benefits and is actually appreciated at her new job. She is so happy and and excited about going to work now.

Just remember when one door closes another opens. Sometimes we hang on to something that isn’t right for us and then life gives us a nudge or even a kick to push us towards our next chapter.

The economy is good and employers are thrilled to have older, reliable workers these days. You will be just fine.

originally posted by: six67seven
You've got to focus on the future.

That's what I agree with. Forget all that crap. Yea it was unfair but it's done. Move ahead.

Most of my best jobs came from talking to everyone I know. You've got to network. Leads can come out of the most unlikely places. Depending on your field, don''t be too quick to go with temp places. They can be a trap.

originally posted by: six67seven
You've got to focus on the future.

That's what I agree with. Forget all that crap. Yea it was unfair but it's done. Move ahead.

Most of my best jobs came from talking to everyone I know. You've got to network. Leads can come out of the most unlikely places. Depending on your field, don''t be too quick to go with temp places. They can be a trap.

I'm just curious why you signed the agreement. What were they going to do if you didn't? Fire you?

originally posted by: chiefsmom
"I Underestimated Evil".....Or....
"The Universe Kicked Me In The Butt.

Any of these titles would have worked I guess. I can explain them all.

After 20 plus years of working at the same place, I was informed a few weeks ago, my position was being terminated. I worked for the same company, then we were sold to a bigger company. Sometimes that happens, right?


Well, that is were Evil comes in. I had been having some problems with some employees. I had also been keeping notes, about my supervisor, who is at another location and the things that were going on at our location, and another. My supervisor has been sleeping with the CEO for a while, and nobody could complain about the supervisor. (We were told we could not go to the CEO directly, by the supervisor, and I knew what happened when people did.) The problem employees were apparently letting the supervisor know that I was keeping track of things, to look good themselves, to the supervisor. So said supervisor shows up to our location. Starts off accusing me of things. Ridiculous things. Then all of a sudden says my position is terminated, and gives me a separation agreement to sign. And has another employee escort me out, without letting me get all my stuff. Says I have till the end of the week to sign, then I can get my stuff.
At this point I am completely stunned.

I was advised to have a lawyer look over the agreement, so I did that. My state is a right to work state, so I knew what that meant going in, but I had a few questions. Lawyer looks it over, says yeah, sign it. I wanted one little change, that I requested and got before I signed. Got my stuff at the end of the week.
I am still stunned. And now depressed.


Now the Universe. I had been completely unhappy and had already started half a** looking for another job, since the begining of the year. The week before all this went down, I was physically sick, from dealing with the supervisor and the bad employees. I was miserable. I had also been reading a very interesting book, Akasha Unleashed, The Missing Manual to You. A lot of the things discussed in this book just "resinated" with me.

So I get it. Things happen for a reason. I needed the kick.
But I am also just human. I'm scared to death. I have had this job for over 20 years. I have never been "let go" for any reason! I went through some serious depression for a few weeks. It has been really different, doing everything online, applying for jobs and such.
What if I don't find something right away? Being at home is making me crazy!
But..
I did get a severence, through the end of June, that includes benefits. I can also file for unemployement after that. (another thing I have never done.)
I also was a bit of a money horder the last few years, and have enough stashed in addition to the severence and unemployment that I would be ok for 10 months or so. But I don't want to touch it!

My problem is... How do I get out of panic mode? Really, I don't know. I feel like I'm on a roller coaster. The high is "Hey, take the summer off, keep looking till you find the right job!" But the low is "Apply for EVERYTHING! TAKE THE FIRST OFFER THAT PAYS DECENT!!!!!"

Any advise is appriciated. Just please don't kick an old lady when she is down.

Well as you said, "You did know (kinda???) what you got into".

The fear and panic are normal and can be mitigated without meds (Please!!!). The fear and panic will not help in a job search and interviews either.

Take this time to step back and breathe, this can be an opportunity if you can let go of and minimize the anger and panic.

Nothing bad is happening right now - you are covered for a bit (luckier than a lot of people in fact). Use it.

Stress, anger, axiety can all be lessened with regular exercise (don't push it) and meditation and artistic endeavors. This might be a good time to pick up a new (healthy) hobby as an occasional distraction from the reality of life.

Best wishes and keep us informed about how you are progressing.

When one door closes, even if it slams on us, another one will open sooner or later. You just have to wait and be ready.

Trust that this new opportunity will be better than what you were dealing with. Honestly, it sounded like hell on wheels.

I'd give yourself some time to get gathered then maybe look for a nice little part-time job while you're looking for a more solid position unless it turns up first. That part-time income will let you keep busy so you don't fall out of the groove and it''ll help you draw out your savings, but right now, it should be easier to find a job than it has been for a long, long time.

Good luck, and I'm sure you'll land on your feet with solid history like that.

a reply to: chiefsmom

I've been through that- being let go when the company got bought by a bigger one. I completely understand and vividly remember those feelings of panic, despair, dread, and the OCCASIONAL relief when the knowledge really sinks in that you don't have to put up with that crap anymore. When that feeling shows up, nurture it! You never have to deal with that supervisor again!

Applying for unemployment is pretty simple once you get going; when I was doing it, you had to enter into the computer the names, addresses, phone numbers, and names of positions you applied for. Then it was a minimum of 3 a week.

That was it. And I qualified for the largest percentage of benefit, and prepare yourself because it's not very much...I think my amount was something like $389 a week (when my salary had been $4000/month). But it's enough to keep you fed, and since you have a severance and some cash put by, you'll be much more comfortable than I was, and I made it through just fine!

You're right to be aware of the impulse to take the first thing that's offered to you. Only do that if it's what you want and deserve! You will find something.

Also, now you find a job that hopefully does not include aspects in your last job that you didn't enjoy, or maybe you can look for a job that focuses on things you wanted to but didn't get to work with in your last job. It's the perfect time to pursue new interests or job areas you didn't get to experience before!

Keep your head up, you'll make it!!!



ETA: I ended up going back for my master's degree during that time, and while doing it I ran into and reconnected with people from my first love career (what I had gone to school to do in the first place, but was not the field of this job I had just been laid off from), and promptly and easily got back into my chosen career. That's why I said its worth looking into things that used to interest you, or things that you're good at, that your last job didn't have.

Your position has been removed. Go ride the unemployment train for a while, as you look for a position in a healthier environment.

a reply to: chiefsmom

Oh no!! That is terrible! I don't like people who abuse their power and that is what it sounds like. I'm so sorry this happened to after 20 years!

I too live in a "right to work" state and it's utter BS. You can be let go for anything and they don't have to tell you. It causes so many problems in the long run like people being terminated because someone doesn't like them.

I was in a similar situation last year. I totally feel you on not getting into a depressed place or going crazy. I was out of my mind staying home and applying for jobs, doing interview after interview. I had 8 in ONE week one time and never heard a word from any of them. I remember the times when if a position was filled and you applied and interviewed they at least let you know it was filled! I did not like being home. I didn't know what to do!

As my best friend tells me daily, everything happens for a reason. Maybe you needed that push and something better will come your way. I always hated that saying but I am starting to think there is some truth in it.

I would also say that you being at a place for 20 years will speak volumes to employers you apply for.

a reply to: Iamonlyhuman

The jist of it was, I sign, I get the 6 week severance pay and benefits, and I am not allowed to "badmouth" the company.
If I didn't sign it, no pay, no benefits, could badmouth.
For me, the money was worth no badmouthing. Future happiness is worth more to me.


@ All
Again I want to say thank you to all of you. There is some great advise here. Besides that I have already started applying to a few jobs, I am going with the other most advised.
Relax, step back for a minute, look at the big picture.
That will take me a bit to master.

They simply removed you from a bad situation instead of you having to do it for yourself.

Never involve yourself in office politics, it makes you look bad even if you "win".

a reply to: chiefsmom

That's scary for those of us who may or may not be finding themselves in situations that are 'tricky'...
I think that you will be okay as you seem to have a level head and plans in place in the event of an emergency such as no income for a time.
I also try to keep a savings put back in case of whatever emergency could arise, including lack of employment.
I suppose that years of construction/remodeling type work which is 'feast or famine' made me that way however I am currently saving for a BIG move.
I wish you all of the luck in the world and hope that you find new employment that is worthy of you and your loyalty.

a reply to: TNMockingbird

Hi!
Funny you mentioned construction. That is what hubby does, so that is part of why I started saving. Then we were bought, and I had that OH S(*&^ moment.

I hope the BIG move goes well. Hubby is doing well?

originally posted by: chiefsmom
a reply to: TNMockingbird

Hi!
Funny you mentioned construction. That is what hubby does, so that is part of why I started saving. Then we were bought, and I had that OH S(*&^ moment.

I hope the BIG move goes well. Hubby is doing well?

Hey you!

Side jobs have been great this past year! Lots of work.

He is well enough. He really never did recover completely from the stroke. He moved back home with me and his girls when his bills became unmanageable (mostly medical) and I have taken over cook and chief bottle washer (just kidding). I got him a job where I work and we are managing our side work together...someone has to be there if he keels over and needs CPR!

It certainly is a 'different' sort of living arrangement but is working for us at the moment.

Truly am hoping the best for you!!!!

Whooo hoooo
I got a job offer!!
Here in town, plus, healthcare, laid back envoriment. Super exicited!

originally posted by: chiefsmom
Whooo hoooo
I got a job offer!!
Here in town, plus, healthcare, laid back envoriment. Super exicited!

Way to go !

a reply to: chiefsmom

I have seen first hand what happens when a woman in Lowie position hooks onto a male in a high position. She influences his behaviour and decisions. Soon becomes the proxy manager and receives promotions that leap her way beyond her abilities. Then the feed off each other and target anyone who poses an inkling of threat to them. Seen it all before and it destroys the fabric of the workplace.