When I walk out the door today, I will be unemployed....

[Skidmore]

I've worked at this place for 20 years. Our contract was not renewed, and although this has been in the works for a while there was some possibility the funding could come through. Well, it didn't, and only yesterday that I learned that today would be my last day. So, I'm cleaning my office now. I need to regroup. At age 51, I'm a little scared about looking for work, and worried that no one will want to hire me. My resume is ready again. I feel like I just left high school or college and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

Guys, I feel so sad.

[KitchenWitch]

1. I am so sorry about your situation

I wish for you a speedy job hunt.

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. Skidmore, I am so very sorry. I remember when my father lost his job with

Stroh's after almost 30 years. Same deal. A job one day. Done the next. It is the most difficult thing in the world. He had worked at Schlitz/Stroh's headquarters as a distribution director/budget managment for most of his adult life. My heart is breaking for you. Best of luck in your job search.

On a positive note, my father was hired, at 55, by American Axle and engineering. I will hold those same hopes for you.

[In_The_Wind]

3. I'm sorry the contract wasn't renewed.

I'd like to offer you encouragement. The attitude is very favorable for older more experienced individuals in the job market.

Indeed it is a sad day for you, 20 is a big chunk of your life.

[madokie]

4. and it makes me sad reading it

This morning through the tears, try to remember it is not the end of the world. In a lot of ways losing a job is a lot like losing a friend, no matter the cause, it's gone.

[hobo_baggins]

5. i believe that any company that is profitable...

should have to plan for job placement in case of potential layoffs...

I know people that run companies and spent their taxable dollars on parties at the end of the year for tax breaks....they should have to put there profits in a savings in case they have to lay people off.

[leftofthedial]

6. sorry! :-(

welcome to the club

I hope you don't run into the age discrimination I have (at 49 and now 50)

good luck!

[Skidmore]

7. It's getting better, guys.

I've been whaling away for about 3 hours now. The shredder is my friend. Boxes are my friends. The recycling box is my friend. I may be done by noon. This is very liberating. I still don't know what to do next--this project has been my life for the past 5 years. But the scope of my responsibility now is down to about 3 piles on my desk, a cabinet full of binders, two drawers of supplies, and a couple of essential files boxes.

Could use some career counseling though about next Wednesday. I'm taking a few days before I start worrying about income again.

[Redstone]

9. Think of it as an adventure.

It could very well end up being one, you know. I left a job after 11 years (not as much as your 20, I know) at a time when I could not really afford to do so.

But I started my own business, which is going strong after 25 years, and I'm a hell of a lot happier (and making more $$) than I would have been if I'd stayed.

Hang in there. Have fun. The dislocated feeling will last a while; there's nothing you can do about that, but it does go away.

Redstone

[Allenberg]

8. My mother just went through the same thing in October

Her company told her that in two weeks, she doesn't have a job. She was just glad that she doesn't to raise me (24) or my sister (34). Her and my dad took part of their retirement out to start their own small business to supplement their retirement income.

Best of luck to ya. :)

[DawgHouse]

10. I am sorry this happening to you.

I've been unemployed three times in the past ten years and I know how you feel. You will survive and you will find another job.

[Callalily]

11. Although this may be

a difficult time right now, this gives you the opportunity to re-evaluate your life, to start a new career. I'll keep you in my prayers and hope that you find what you're looking for.

[peacefreak]

12. Skidmore,

I'm sorry this is happening to you. All I can offer is a:hug: The same thing just happened to someone else I know. I hope you're not too long between jobs, but long enough to give yourself a breather. A little time to do something that you might not do if you're working 50 weeks a year. Best of luck.

[leftyladyfrommo]

13. I'm Out of Work, too. And I'm 57.

Let yourself be depressed for a while. I think that is important. Then you just have to pick yourself up and get on with things.

I just can't decide what to do with myself. I can't do the work I did for my whole life so I have to start over.

And you are not alone. I think there are a whole lot of us out there all in the same boat - and many more to come as babyboomers get layed off.

[samplegirl]

14. So sorry to hear this

You are not alone there are tons of people here with the Delphi
crisis. How could anyone not long for the Clinton years?
You have every reason to be sad, scared and worried. Hopefully
you will find something quickly and put these feelings behind.