How to start your day out badly #2

[gad5264]

This morning at 8:15AM my boss came to my office and asked me to come with him. We went to his office where the HR Manager was waiting for us. He shut the door and I was given the news that my position was being eliminated and I was losing my job. Just 25 days short of 20 years of service.

We were told before Christmas at a plant meeting there was going to be a work force reduction in early January. I never dreamed at the time I would have anything to worry about. However as time progressed over the holidays I could see the writing on the wall, I was intentionally held out of meetings I would normally be a part of with the other supervisors and my boss started giving me the cold shoulder. I'm finding out that all together they got rid of 9 people today.

OH well, life goes on and I will hit the ground running. I have a good support system in my family and friends. I'm looking forward to sleeping in for a few days and doing some work around the house. I'm already making calls to put feelers out, checking into unemployment and the ex wife even told me this morning that we could suspend my child supposrt for a while if I need to do so.

[jking]

Wow, that stinks. I went through a "unrequested job search" during the last economic downturn. My prayers that you will find new employment soon.

[dbhost]

I was placed on an unrequested job search myself here in the Houston job market on the day that Enron laid off all their folks. Being in IT I was concerned to say the least...

Not sure what your field is, but if work for someone else doesn't pan out, don't be afraid to hang up your own shingle... This might just turn out to be your golden opportunity...

25 days shy of 20 years? That is pretty rotten treatment. Not sure if that impacts your retirement or not, if so you might have some legal standing against the company...

As far as the ex wife thing goes... I am glad you are good enough terms with her to make those arrangements. Here in TX the state attorney general handles child support, and they will give no slack whatsoever, even if that means you end up on the street...

[Uncle Cracker]

Might wanna check with an attorney... My understanding is that there have been some labor law changes to protect workers from being selectively let go just prior to milestone dates in their employment. Obviously, if the workplace closes down and everybody's gone, that's different, but I think there was some legislation added a couple of years back to keep their companies singling long-timers out to avoid paying a pension or other benefits. I friend I know was concerned about this just short of his 25th, and his lawyer told him to "Let 'em try it, and you'll end up owning the company...".

Hope you land someplace soft, as even now, when one door closes, another often opens.

[steve-norrell]

Sorry about the news and hope you come out of it OK.

I would second Uncle Cracker's suggestion about checking with an attorney. The proximity to the 20-year milestone is suspicious, indeed. In a former life we tried to allow folks to stay in their positions when they were close to some important retirement milestones, especially when they had a long history of good service. Hopefully they will extend that courtesy to you.

Good luck. Regards, Steve

[ragswl4]

My best wishes to you and your family. And I thought my day started out badly. That really, really sucks. I must say you have a great attitude about it and that in itself will help you a lot. Good luck on your job search and a nice thing for your ex to do. If you had a pension due at 20 years I would fight for that tooth and nail as has been suggested.

[Richard in Smithville]

Best of luck to you in you time of need. I just cleared 21 years with my company but as we are stongly tied into the auto industry through the steel industry I have also been concerned. Lets just hope that the economy turns around soon and we and all breath a little easier again.

[herb fellows]

My wife, 23 years with Pan Am, I feel your pain.

Best of luck!

[cabinetman]

Sorry to hear news like that. Stay on top of your options. Yesterday, LOML informs me that at the least she may have to take a 20% pay cut. At the far end, she may be out of work. This month will tell.

If you want a really up and down income, hazardous working conditions, and a severe headache, open a cabinet shop.
.

[BerniePA]

Sorry to hear the news. Your story and the general economy makes me glad to be retired. I don't think I would want to have to worry every day about if I would have a job tomorrow. Good luck on the job search, and keep in mind about the possibilities of suing the former employers (being very kind in word choice)!!

[Larrysch]

Grant - that really sucks.

I was losing my job. Just 25 days short of 20 years of service

I am not so sure this was by any accident at all. I also lost my job (first job) of 20 years. After working as a
lumber yard manager - I was told that my job was being eliminated. After 20 years you get 3 weeks
vacation, can buy stock in the company, and your pay goes up. To not to do that, I was let go. Then
my position was filled with another person having more years to work to reach that 20 year goal. If my
position was being eliminated - why was it filled so fast. Anyhow - I hope with you as I did - find another
job - much better, better pay and a much earlier retirement.

[Ed62]

Sorry to hear of your job loss. It sure sounds suspicious when you were not invited to meetings that you were normally involved in. Definitely check out the laws concerning this in your state. I'd guess your longevity would be protected.

Whatever happens, keep your thoughts directed at the things that are going right in your life, and never forget about those things. One of those things is that your ex is showing compassion. Be thankful for that.

Ed

[DUD]

I lost a job many years ago after working for the company very successfully. I worked

for them 12 years, We had a profit sharing retirement. I was vested and I contacted

the company a couple of years ago. I turn 65 next month and My check starts then. I

don't know how much, but it is a check. Bill

[Turaj]

Grant, Sorry to hear that. The timing sure sucks! Hopefully you get enough support to move on quickly. Not sure what is your field but like it was said before, this might be an opportunity to start on your own. I have been working for myself for the last 11 years (left voluntarily when they offered me a decent package) and never looked back.

[footprintsinconc]

sorry to hear about this. i dont know what your field is, but like other have said, this may be the opportunity for you to go out on your own.

i would look into what UC said, dont procrastinate, look into the labor laws asap.

best of luck, get some rest and then go full force. there is something out there for you.