I lost my job yesterday.

[Avalux]

Took yesterday off due to the Super Bowl. As I usually do on a day off, checked my work email periodically and did some corresponding. When I tried to check it around 1 pm I couldn't log in. About an hour later I got a phone call....

My boss - "do you have a few minutes to talk?" Sure I say. Then she starts talking really fast; my job has been eliminated due to the economy and slow workload, blah blah blah - then she hands me over to the HR woman who tells me they are fed-exing a separation agreement and I'll need to turn in my badge, keys and pager and collect my stuff. Might be best to do it after hours - need to call and make arrangements(!).

This - after the CEO promised us two weeks ago our jobs were safe. I'm not the only one; there were others.

*A shitty phone call*

I'm sitting here this morning, still in shock, trying to get motivated to work on my resume. Wondering how I'm going to take care of my kids and pay my bills...

:cry:

[wryter2000]

1. I'm so sorry

And, they didn't even have the courage to face you. Here's hoping something better shows up soon.

[Avalux]

11. No they didn't.

And I have to sneak in and get my things - I'm sure they've already gone through it all. :-(

[wryter2000]

80. That just sucks

I've often wondered what I'd do if my employer ever had security accompany me to my desk. Talk about adding insult to injury!

[RobinA]

123. Thankfully

when I got laid off from a big company the day I returned from vacation I didn't get the secuity treatment. They told me Friday (it was then Wednesday) would be my last day. Unfortunately for them, they decided I was having too much fun on my last two days, party, going away balloons, people dropping by offering condolences (lay-offs were old news in my company, by then I had survived 14 years of lay-offs 'til it was my turn), people helping take my stuff out to my car, that the operations/HR guy started getting nervous by Friday afternoon and approached me asking how soon he would have my keys and ID. Much to their disappointment, I didn't sabotage anything or steal my hard drive. Actually, I periodically took what I needed off the hard drive and paperwork-wise starting about a year before I was laid off, knowing it would happen eventually and that the company had pulled the security accompanying you to your desk trick on other people. Good riddance to that job and company. Still out there laying people off, still floundering, still changing management strategies every other quarter...

[Midlodemocrat]

2. Oh, sweetie. I'm so very, very sorry.

:hug:

Hopefully, everything will work out for you, my friend.

[Avalux]

15. Thank you.

I appreciate the kind words. :hug:

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

3. Welcome to our world. The support group meets whenever the hell we feel like.

:hug:

One step at a time.

[Avalux]

17. Thank you - I'll check out the support group.

This sucks...

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

23. Yeah. Just post on general discussion like you are now.

Usually someone else in a similar situation will respond (Me? Jobless since June although my inadequate part-time job has started up again at least).

The first thing to do is to go down to the unemployment office and file a claim. It can take up to a month to process, so it's important to get on that asap. Same with any health insurance benefits. Some states have plans for those with no discernible income that aren't that bad.

[barbtries]

45. regarding this:

in some states you can file online. quickest way possible.

[merh]

4. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[Avalux]

18. Thanks.

:hug:

[slackmaster]

5. Sorry to hear that - Please give yourself a few days to get over the shock

Spend some time with your kids, get your unemployment insurance claim going, figure out how you can trim the budget to make it through.

[Avalux]

20. I've done the unemployment claim.

Thanks for giving me permission to take a few days; I feel panicked; as if I need to do something NOW. I know I need to step back and let it sink in. :hi:

[RobinA]

124. Definitely

take a few days. In fact, take a weeks vacation where you give yourself permission to act like you are on vacation and do no job hunting. The "return" to work. You will be used to the idea by then and somewhat refreshed. In the future, believe NO ONE who says your job is safe. Always assume it in jeopardy, because it always is. I've been working since 1980 and never felt job security. People around me have, but they usually ended up laid off before I was.

[maddezmom]

6. I am so sorry

:hug:

[Avalux]

21. Thanks a bunch.

:hug:

[Taverner]

7. I'm so sorry - we just had a "no jobs will be eliminated for now" speech

Those often mean the opposite...

[Avalux]

22. I might have started looking if we hadn't had that speech.

Work has been slow, but I wasn't worried. I am pissed they were so callous about it.

[Taverner]

35. Just remember: CEO's always mean the opposite of what they say

If, before an earnings report, they are full of joy and happiness, there will be a loss and the stock will tank

Yes=no

Black=White

[fasttense]

8. Welcome to the crowd. I'm sorry

but we can all thank the Republicons for being unemployed.

But I would NOT make it easy for them. I would show up during normal working hours. This at least would give those remaining employees a heads up that something is coming down the line at them too.

[Avalux]

25. I was thinking of doing that.

I also know the separation agreement will be a bribe of sorts - so I don't talk and give away any trade secrets.

[rateyes]

43. Yes. That agreement will probably ask you not to file unemployment

in exchange for severance pay. Since you no longer work for them, why not go during office hours, instead of after hours and pick up your stuff? To hell with them saying "make arrangements." Make arrangements on your own terms.

[sweetpotato]

81. Go when you want - what will they do? Fire you?

nt

[myrna minx]

9. I am so sorry. My best wishes to you and your family. n/t

[Avalux]

33. Thank you.

:hug:

[tosh]

10. ...

:hug:

[ogneopasno]

12. I'm sorry. Before you do anything else, open your unemployment claim. But then, if you can, take a

day or two and just rant, feel sad, feel angry, and grieve over the whole thing. It does hurt. If you think there aren't a lot of openings in your field, consider calling your local census office and seeing if they need temporary long-term workers (many offices do). Some positions pay 12-14/hour, which isn't amazing, but it can help and they are flexible about hours. Good luck.

[Avalux]

13. Thank you. I just completed my unemployment claim.

Now I have to register for jobs. It's a start.

[buddhamama]

14. i'm sorry.

that sucks. if there is anything i can do to help, let me know.
good vibes on there way. :hug:

[Avalux]

26. Thank you for the good vibes -

right now, that will do. :hug:

[napi21]

16. First, go sign up for unemployment!!!!!

Talk to somebody! Wife, laid off coworker, friend...somebody who is good a listening. Believe me, it helps!

When you get that Fedex envelope, read that agreerment carefully. Make sure you arn't agreeing to something youshouldn't or don't want to do.

That should put you into at least tomorrow afternoon. If you're mentally up to it, gather together all the info you need to update your resume.

What kind of a job did you have?

[The empressof all]

19. Oh Jeeze, I am so so sorry.

It's bad enough but via phone call is brutal....I mean that's just not "done" is it. Oy!

I know you must be terrified. Read your separation agreement very carefully so you know all of the benefits that you might be entitled to. Check with your unemployment office immediately. I know here in WA they are backed up for weeks and those checks are getting delayed. Make sure you understand the process and jump on it. Use your local Work Source office. They can proof your resume, run through a mock interview and be a place to network with others in the same boat. It also is a good idea to register with any temporary agencies close to you. Lots of people get permanent gigs through temp work.

:hi: :hug: :hi: :hug:

[Avalux]

31. Yeah - I sure was blindsided with the phone call.

Thanks for the advice; in Texas, they issue a debit card and from what I've heard it runs pretty smoothly. Once I get my bearings and work on my resume, I will check out availiable resources. :hi:

[Jack Bone]

62. If Texas is like here in Indiana, watch the debit card..

they add a user fee to each purchase that comes out of your balance! I just take mine to the bank and have them X-fer it into my account...that's free here.

read the lil' pamphlet that comes w/ the card...I think here in Indiana the fee's like $3.00/use.

so if you run down to the mini mart for a gallon of milk and use that debit card, the gallon of milk cost you around $6.00!

[Avalux]

65. OMG - how can they get away with that??

I will definitely read the instructions. Thanks for the info.

[Jack Bone]

74. the large print giveth and the small print taketh away...

I think I heard that in a Tom Waits song years ago...always stuck w/ me.

Here in Indiana the debit cards are through Visa. They prob'ly had some really good lobbyists down at the statehouse.

I'm sorry this happened to ya...but I'm a firm believer in "silver linings"...maybe it was all the times I watched Pollyanna growing up?

[area51]

24. I'm so sorry.

And how cowardly of them in the way they did it. :grr:

:hug:

[Avalux]

38. Yeah.

They planned a mass layoff yesterday and when I didn't come in; guess they had no choice but to do it by phone. Whatever the reason - doesn't matter. Heartless. :(

[TwilightGardener]

27. Very sorry--hope you find other opportunities quickly.

[Avalux]

48. Thank you.

:hug:

[StillHopingForChange]

28. So Sorry....

Good Luck, and stay positive (as much as you can). I Start every day expecting the same thing.

[Avalux]

50. All I can do is take one day at a time...

...and do my best to stay positive. Thanks. :hug:

[ieoeja]

29. Laid off over the phone. That's cold.

On the other hand since they were laying off other employees, they probably worried you might hear about the layoffs and thought it was better to contact you ASAP.

Good luck.

[TwilightGardener]

34. No, you lay off/fire someone face to face. People are owed that courtesy, at least.

Maybe it's not all bad to not work for these gutless, rude weenies anymore.

[nichomachus]

51. I prefer over the phone

You don't have to listen to their bullshit lies face to face -- and you can cry right away. You don't have to try to keep a stiff upper lip as you do the "walk of shame" with your meager belongings in a cardboard box.

The first time I was in a company doing layoffs, people were escorted to their cars be security guards -- over the phone is less humiliating.

[TwilightGardener]

63. My situation was different: I worked on a part-time on-call basis, but noticed that

I was being called less and less, to the point where I went weeks without a single work day, no explanations from anyone--when I finally asked my supervisor "WTF is going on?", he said, "Oh, it's been real slow, nobody is working much here, maybe it'll turn around in a month or two, I don't know." Turns out, they had recently hired an additional person--we were suddenly all in a bigger competition for work hours, and the boss was just hoping someone's chopped-down hours would make someone so unhappy that he/she would voluntarily quit. That's the coward's way to lay off someone--if they didn't need me any more, they could have done me the favor of being up-front about it, instead of stringing me along. And yes, I demand the dignity and courtesy of being told TO MY FACE why I don't have a job anymore.

[TwilightGardener]

69. BTW, why would anyone feel humiliation, if the job loss wasn't your fault?

If you did a good job, and got canned anyway, then you walk out with your little cardboard box and your head held high--fuck anyone who looks down on you.

[Avalux]

73. I will keep those words in my head when I go to collect my stuff.

I worked my ass off and did a GREAT job for that company. Fuck them. Thank you.

[TwilightGardener]

79. Keep a little righteous anger, and keep your pride. It's a bad economy, good people

are losing their jobs left and right. There is never any shame in a job well done, even though it comes to an abrupt and undeserved end.

[wolfgangmo]

118. And keep in mind that if you haven't signed a non compete

or non disclosure statement they you are under no obligation to keep their company secrets. If that is the case, you might be able to get a good job at one of their competitors.

Just sayin.

[nichomachus]

75. That's an intellectual response -- your immediate response is different

I know that I, for one, had a hard time dealing with it -- even though I knew that it wasn't my fault. It's very easy to say when you're not in the immediate situation.

[TwilightGardener]

82. Perhaps--I've never been let go like that. Still, I'd like to think that

my pride and my "After all I've done for YOU PEOPLE!!" attitude would carry me out the door. My crisis of confidence and self-doubt can show up later, when I'm alone, hopefully.

[nichomachus]

90. You can keep a stiff upper lip -- but it really hurts

and you really do feel shamed -- even though you can tell yourself it's not your fault.

[RobinA]

125. I Did Exactly This

I enjoyed the hell out of my last two days, had people help me remove my belongings, tied the going away balloons I got on the back of my chair. Living well was the best revenge.

[slampoet]

106. I had to call a MOFO who was in his car to get him to lay me off while i was supposed to be sleeping

since i had just gotten off a 10 hour night shift. I was just getting to bed when i was awakened by my co-worker who said i should check my email and voice mail at work.

i already knew that i was part of that round of layoffs but they wouldn't let me A) go back to sleep and find out about it later or B) just talk to my supervisor over the phone.

Instead i had to make five different phone calls to find the hired STOOGE that they brought in to lay off everyone and he asked if he could call me back because he was in his car on his way to baseball game. I MADE him break the news to me then because I had already been awake for 25 hours at that point.

This also shows how the company treated their third shift workers.

[sinkingfeeling]

30. I'm so sorry. Don't sign any separation agreement until you've read it or had an attorney read it.

Will you be receiving any type of severence pay? Most of those agreements are to protect the company from lawsuits and they will try to hold the severence benefits hostage until you swear you bear no ill will towards them.

How long did you work there? Make sure you get everything you're entitled to.

[Avalux]

52. I worked there 2 years.

And there will be $$ tied the separation agreement; a bribe to keep me from disclosing 'trade secrets'. I fully intend to have an attorney look at it. :hi:

[progressoid]

78. Absolutely, get a good attorney to check it out first.

I know someone that didn't just sign on the dotted line like everyone else in his company. He was able to negotiate a bigger severance package.

[shrike]

89. Good advice

A friend of ours was terminated, I told her not to sign anything until she saw an attorney.

Fortunately, I know a few, and I was able to find someone who was willing to do it for free.

[geardaddy]

32. I'm so sorry to hear that.

:(

[Avalux]

53. Thank you.

:hug:

[supernova]

36. Welcome to the club

Sorry to say that.

I hope things work out for you soon. I have no advice, but plenty of empathy. I've been laid off three times since 2002.

:hug:

[Avalux]

56. It's hard not to take it personally -

how did you get over that? I know it wasn't due to my performance but I can't help feeling it was something - being a woman, being older...I don't know. They kept the male in my position who screws up all the time. :shrug:

[demokatgurrl]

64. If it's age, you have a case for law suit.

Don't dismiss the idea. Age discrimination is alive and well. The one thing they have in their defense is that it was a group layoff but look into who was NOT laid off, with less experience, etc.

[supernova]

37. Dupe

[SmileyRose]

39. All I have is hugs.

:hug: :grouphug:

[bertman]

40. I'm sorry to hear about this, Avalux. Best of luck to you.

[Avalux]

84. Thank you.

:hug:

[Coyote_Bandit]

41. So Sorry

Something similar happend to me six years ago. I'm still jobless - though I understand that the desk in the corner of a spare bedroom represents job creation. Took awhile but I'm now really glad I lost that job.

I hope you can see this as the opportunity it is. You are more resilient and likely have far more options than you think. You don't need to focus on getting another job. You need to focus on acquiring a source of income that is sufficient to provide your needs. The two are not necessarily the same.

Good luck.

[crispini]

42. I was also laid off over the phone.

It really does suck to do it that way.

[nichomachus]

49. So was I -- but I didn't mind

At least I didn't have to listen to their bullshit lies face to face -- and I didn't have to do the "walk of shame" out of the building.

[arikara]

55. I don't know about that...

I guess every case is different but I found out I was canned when I arrived to work after a weeks vacation. Commuted in to work and they met me at the door. I think I'd rather have had it done over the phone and been home instead of wandering around the city in shock and not knowing what to do with myself. The company I worked for was notorious for the cruel way they axed people. They walked one woman outside after her husband had dropped her off, it was raining and here the poor soul was soaking wet and wandering around the parking lot wondering what to do. Then they had the gall to tell everyone whenever they had their quarterly axings that it was done with "compassion".

As the others have said, take a bit of time for yourself. I have found that when one door closes, another one opens and I'm sure you will find something you will be happy with. Good luck to you.

edited to say that before you sign anything, see if you can negotiate more for yourself. I got an extra couple weeks pay and they extended my health benefits by 3 months plus a really good letter of recommendation by talking to them before signing.

[barbtries]

wow that sucks

i think i'd go in during working hours. make them sweat, the cowards. i hate the way they let you go. hopefully it leads you right into something better. chin up :hug:

[Blue Diadem]

44. I'm so sorry. What's with these people saying jobs are safe?

My DH's company had a similar meeting with the workers being assured the remaining jobs were safe. We had 4 days of feeling better. Within a week, more people were laid off permanently while the rest will be on a week layoff. Luckily for us, the permanent layoffs didn't hit my DH's department this time. He's next in line to go in his dept., so we hold our breath each day waiting and wondering.

A phone call is a helluva way for you to find out. Losing a job is awful, they could have at least had the courage to tell you in person.

I'm so sorry Avalux. Prayers and good thoughts for you to find something quickly. :hug:

[Avalux]

57. I don't know - they should give advance warning.

I knew we were slow and might have started putting feelers out if I hadn't been told my job was safe. The phone call really sucked. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. :hug:

[Blue Diadem]

122. My husband was told last night his entire shift will be eliminated at the end of this week.

I guess we don't have to hold our breath any longer.

[Missy Vixen]

96. They don't want people to leave, so they lie about it

If you leave voluntarily, client information, etcetera, has a way of making it out the door with you. ;-) Of course, my husband nor I would never, ever do such a thing.

If any employer ever says "jobs are safe", update your resume and start looking IMMEDIATELY.

[nichomachus]

46. STEP #1 -- Try to negotiate your severance

They tell you it's rock-solid, but it isn't. I negotiated when I got laid off (fired) five years ago. I got my severance increased by 50% and got to keep my computer and printer.

If you have some kind of leverage -- I was the oldest person they laid off -- then you have a better chance. My argument was that because of my age, it was going to take me longer to find a job. (I mentioned age about 100 times, so I might have scared them a little.) It may not work, but it's certainly worth the effort.

Step #2 -- Don't freak. I know that's easy to say, but there's nothing you can do about it. So, try to stay calm and figure out what next.

Step #3 -- This isn't your fault. It's their fault. Don't beat yourself up.

[Avalux]

59. Thanks for the tip.

I'm going to have an attorney review the separation letter/severance. How old were you when you were laid off?

[nichomachus]

60. I was

61

[The empressof all]

47. See if they'll write you reference letters

If they go belly up you may not even be able to get your dates of employement confirmed. More likely than not they won't give you letters but it doesn't hurt to ask.

[Avalux]

54. Some there will.

The management may not but the physicians I worked with will.

[IDemo]

58. I've been hearing "don't worry, you guys have the safest jobs on the site" for two years

and am now pondering a career change to medical/pharmaceutical after losing my job two weeks ago. The electronics tech field is stone cold dead.

[Avalux]

67. Don't bet on the pharmaceutical industry -

That's who just cut me. :(

[IDemo]

72. All I keep hearing is medicine is the one remaining field with any open jobs

On the other hand, the two large hospitals here together cut exactly 100 jobs last week.

Another long shot I have been considering is getting a Master Gardener certificate. I have a feeling this will become a highly desirable skill very shortly.

[GinaMaria]

61. Sending you a hug

:hug:

There are some great writers here on DU. If you want help wording parts of your resume, you can do a post in the lounge and peeps here can help you craft it. You aren't alone and it is difficult to write when you are in shock. Let people here help you.

So sorry this happened.

Peace
GM

[Avalux]

68. Thank you.

It is good to know people here are willing to help. Appreciate the advice. :hug:

[GinaMaria]

71. did you see this?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4962962&mesg_id=4962962

Good to have a collection of resources, even if you don't end up needing them/

[Avalux]

76. Thanks.

This looks like a great organization - will save it just in case I need it. :hi:

[GinaMaria]

95. I'll keep my eye out for other posts that list resources

Would be nice to keep these all in one place for all DUers. We all know someone who has lost a job. The more we stick together the better our chances of survival (imho).

Best to you. Drop me an IM if you ever just need to unload anything you are feeling

[Jim__]

66. Sorry to hear that.

They assured as recently that there "probably" won't be any more lay-offs. Yea, I'm counting on that.

[Avalux]

70. Don't count on anything.

Especially when it comes from upper management. I just learned that the hard way. :hug:

[NaturalHigh]

77. Best of luck to you.

I hope everything works out for you even better than before.

[sellitman]

83. I lost mine 4 months ago but found "Contract" work for now.

I did about 4 weeks of unemployment and it barely covered my Cobra payments.

The lesson for you is don't burn your bridges no matter how upset you are. The company that hired me for

Contract work is an ex-employer.

You never know.

Good luck.

[AngryOldDem]

85. I am so, so sorry. What more can be said? nt

[Mnemosyne]

86. I'm so sorry, Avalux. Employers have no loyalty, but expect it from the employees.

Disgusting way to treat someone.

:hug:

[TBF]

87. File on-line for unemployment to begin with. I lost my job two years ago

when work dwindled (legal environment). My husband had a good job so I wasn't sure what to do at first, but my mom encouraged me to file since I've had so many years of working. In the end I only collected about 6 weeks because they make you apply for jobs, and I actually got calls pretty quickly. I took a cut in pay but got a job I liked much better & stayed there until I had my second baby.

Filing for unemployment was a good experience for me - I saw how they provide workshops and where to look for listings. I'm in Texas and they really had a lot of on-line resources along with good people working in their office.

The market's much tighter now, but you never know what might be out there, and we'll all be thinking of you. I know for sure I will - I remember what it's like to have to pack up and be "escorted" out (please try not to take that personally because they do it to everyone these days - the manager who had to arrange my termination gave me references on the side). Take care.

ETA: Just checked your profile & saw you're in Texas. I live in a suburb of Houston. Go on-line, it's not alot of money but it'll be something and you'll get started right away with applying for new jobs. I really hope something turns up quickly for you.

[shrike]

88. I'm not trying to one-up you, but a relative of mine found out he'd lost his job

when he returned from vacation, showed up for work on Monday morning and his building key didn't work.

I kid you not.

So sorry for what happened. Been there, done that, and it hurts. I'm sorry, that's all I can say.

[bdamomma]

91. I am so sorry, and something like this should have not be relayed

to you over the phone, kind of unconsiderate move isn't it?

[nichomachus]

92. The worst layoff story ever

Years ago I worked for a Fortune 500 company. In our department, which was a self-contained unit in its own building, we had a major layoff. I think they let 20 people go. We had one HR person on site. She was a nice person and, since it was a small group, knew everyone personally -- we even socialized together from time to time.

She spent all day laying off her friends, one after the other. By the end of the day, she was physically and emotionally drained. She'd been on the verge of tears all day.

Then, the director of the department called her into his office and laid her off.

[TwilightGardener]

93. He let her do the terrible, painful "dirty work" first...how nice of him...

[Yavin4]

94. Above All Else, Do Not Take This Personally

Everyone is going to lose their jobs if things don't improve soon, and I mean, EVERYONE. Banks are not lending. No one is buying. People are getting laid off, and business activity is at its lowest end. This is by far the worst economy that I have ever seen in my lifetime, and I am 45 years old.

I live in NYC, and I work in the legal industry which was always hiring. ALWAYS. A month after 9/11, when half the city was roped off, and they were still cleaning up the rubble, I was able to get temp jobs. Not now. Business activity at law firms has come to a screeching halt. They're firing partners, associates, and staff.

Within the next three months, we're going to see 15% UE for the U.S., and then it will be 25% in another three months.

[fizzgig]

97. that is low of them

i'm so sorry you not only have to deal with losing your job but that they did it in such a shitty manner.

good luck to you

[Missy Vixen]

98. I am so sorry, Avalux

My husband was laid off in November on vacation and over the phone.

You and your family will be fine. I'm sending all positive thoughts that you find an even better job right away. :hug:

[uppityperson]

99. I am so sorry, what a crappy way to do it. Best wishes to you.

[Catherine Vincent]

100. Sorry to hear that!

I wish you success in finding another job. I know it's hard out there. :hug:

[uponit7771]

101. SIGN UP FOR UNEMPLOYMENT NOW!! Your state is prolly swamped with request. Take time to make a...

...financial and job search plan.

Monster, career builder etc are great sights.

Thx

[skeewee08]

102. I feel your pain, this happen to my husband on Dec 23, 2006

So I know what you are going threw, it sucks but just know that you are not alone and I will keep you and you family in my prayers.

[roguevalley]

103. I am so very sorry, honey. I hug you long distance.

[SeattleGirl]

104. MrSG got the lay-off phone call just before Christmas.

They decided that the brown-noser is a "better fit" for the company. :grr:

[acmavm]

105. I am sorry, I truly know how you feel. We got asked today to 'voluntarily'

start taking time off without pay or we might be looking at some lay-offs. And I know that's coming. Hell, I only got 30 hours for the 2 weeks of Christmas and New Years and that's having my hours cut 'unvoluntarily'.

Darn. I'm sorry. I hope that something comes along soon. How many kids? Damn. Kids. They'll be freaked. If for no other reason than you're freaked. (We've done this before too.) The best of luck to ya.

[LanternWaste]

107. May I be a wee bit presumptuous?

I'm truly sorry to hear that you lost your job. May I be a wee bit presumptuous and offer a small suggestion...?

Whatever happens when you physically re-enter the building (to collect your last check, collect your things, or simply to say good-bye to your co-workers), be as courteous as you possibly can to all of the staff-- even those involved in the decision of letting you go. And if can stomach the overkill, purchase a small card (Hallmark, etc.), and actually write a thank-you to management and the HR staff for the way the conducted themselves.

I'm a firm believer in never, ever burning your bridges. And for what it's worth, I was fired from a job in early 2003. I did precisely what I suggested-- I swallowed my pride and acted as civility as I possibly could that horrible day. I was re-hired two years later, and have had two promotions since.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you regardless of what happens...

[blue_onyx]

108. Sorry to hear the bad news

If it was me, I think I would prefer the phone call but I can see how it bothered you. I think it's funny how YOU "need to call and make arrangements." I would feel like saying, "Hey, you want the stuff then you come and get it...I don't work for you anymore." Good luck with the job hunt...you'll find something :)

[Vincardog]

109. That sucks I haven't been able to get a jog for 7 years. Welcome to to the GOP wet dream world

I wish you better luck taking care of your children than I have had

[Berry Cool]

110. Been there, done that. You have all my sympathies.

They did it a crappy way, too.

Keep us posted on how your job search goes. And never forget that the most valuable thing you can own is the faith that no matter what happens, you will always land on your feet.

[sonias]

111. I am so sorry to hear this Avalux

Employers have no loyalty to their employees and the quicker they move on with firings the less they have to think about it too. But there are real consequences to the employees who have worked hard and been loyal. Alas it is a one way decision street. They have all the power.

It's a damn shame. I wish you all the best. Stay positive and try to focus on what needs to be done. Believe you are a survivor and you will become one.

I'm sure you have some unemployment benefits that you can apply for and you need to get that going ASAP. I hear wait times are really long just to apply.

:grouphug:


Sonia

[ColbertWatcher]

112. Write your resume!

It will lift your spirits. You will see how valuable you are.

[dweller]

115. second that

and then go and take a job doing whatever.

doesn't matter what, but as advice i've been given: it's easier to find a job if you have one.

try something new in the interim, no matter what it is.

good luck
dp

[midnight]

113. For eight long years we have had to give up our privacy, our

peace, and now it's our jobs. What kind of representation are we getting anyways? We should all consolidate into a people corporation. Negotiate jobs, bonuses, benefits, for we the people corporation. It seems like the corporations get the bailouts, the tax benefits. From what I've read some corporations pay nothing in taxes. This makes me so upset reading about your job loss.

[Tsiyu]

114. Sucks, man

I got laid off (essentially fired) the week after Thanksgiving.

In a message on my voicemail.

Talk about cowards.

It's scary as hell right now but just know you're one of many so there's nothing to beat yourself up about.

Good luck. May your new job search be successful soon. :hug:

[FlyingSquirrel]

116. Good luck.. here's one idea

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4976221&mesg_id=4976221

[GaYellowDawg]

117. Very sorry, Avalux...

My wish for you is that you land in a job that makes you glad this happened.

[Liberty Belle]

119. I got laid off years ago; turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.

Of course it didn't seem so at the time, but since I was five months pregnant, finding a new full-time job was impossible. So I started writing, published a novel, and also began doing freelance writing. It was the perfect job for a new Mom, since I could work around the kids' schedules. As they got older it became a full-time job.

Late last year, with freelance markets drying up in the economy, I got a grant funded to launch my own independent media outlet for our region (www.eastcountymagazine.org). Astoundingly we've had 800,000 hits in our first five months and will probably hit the one million mark in February. While it's not quite profitable yet, we've begun selling advertising and have attracted some major sponsors.

I wouldn't have that old job with the killer hours and impossible-to-please boss back for anything!

So cheer up, there's a silver lining somewhere in that cloud, I'm sure--and a sunny future for you if you use this as an opportunity to go for what you've always dreamed of doing, if you possibly can.

[IdaBriggs]

120. Congratulations!!! Seriously.

I am not sure how you liked your job -- was it your dream job, or were you there because it paid the bills? My advice to you is this:

Make this the best thing that ever happened to you.

Its advice my mother gave me the first -- and only -- time I was ever 'fired' from a job. I was upset, scared to death, and felt like a failure. The reality of the situation, though, was I didn't really like the job for a variety of reasons. My mother came over with a bottle of wine, some pizza, a beautiful 'cheer me up' necklace, and another present (wall picture), and gave me the same pep talk I'm giving you.

She was right. Within a week I had a job making more money, in an environment I really enjoyed, that ended up leading me into my current career, which I *really* enjoy.

You are going to get unemployment, and will probably be offered severance of some kind (based on what I'm reading). Why not take the opportunity to spend a little bit of time figuring out what your 'dream job' would be -- the one that makes you happy to get up in the morning, that makes you glow because you feel like you are making such a positive difference, etc.?

You now *own* forty hours a week; what are you going to do with them? You have probably said, 'if I only had the time' -- well, guess what? You've been given a gift: freedom to pursue your own dreams, instead of working to support someone else's.

Its scary, but seriously, where do you want to be one year from now? What's stopping you from being there? What do you need to do to be there? What small step can you take TODAY to begin that journey?

This is a very exciting time. Let me repeat myself: CONGRATULATIONS!!!

:bounce: :toast:

[TimesSquareCowboy]

121. Post your resume on jobsites, esp. those that cover your field.

Make it easy for employers and headhunters to find you: they check resumes on those sites. Sometimes they'll look for people without even having posted the job anywhere.

I was contacted numerous times by headhunters and finally by an employer who hired me, because they saw my resume online. And don't be shy about what websites you put it on: sometimes headhunters in an industry are used to looking at certain websites, so they will look there even if the job they are trying to fill isn't really a fit for the website. As an example, I'm a lawyer, but I've negotiated a lot of high-tech contracts so I put my resume on a tech jobsite that was mostly about programmer jobs. Lo and behold, a headhunter who usually filled programmer jobs for his client was asked to find a lawyer and he checked that site and found my resume.

Good luck!