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NFT: Laid off the week before Thanksgiving

RCPhoenix : 11/16/2023 7:30 am
I realize others on this board have also been laid off at different times. And I know that it’s always a risk when working for a private company. Still, the timing is awful. About 15 percent of staff were laid off. I worked for a health care consulting firm.

At the same time, having no time to transition anything from a work computer is awful. Yes, I am fully aware that this is the standard when being let go.

I feel decent about my job prospects but yesterday was a huge blow to my ego. It’s the first time in 30+ years of working that I’ve lost a job of any kind and been unemployed.

I know others have experienced being laid off, and I’m not unique or special. But it really, really sucks.
Really sucks  
pjcas18 : 11/16/2023 7:33 am : link
and it's prevalent right now and massive, surprised it is not getting more attention in the media.

Half my customers (or more) have announced massive layoffs in the past few weeks. Just yesterday I learned of more.

Best wishes to you landing on your feet and who knows even upgrading. Sometimes these things work out for the best.
I empathize.  
truebluelarry : 11/16/2023 7:37 am : link
Back in October we were informed our company is relocating from Connecticut to Georgia. Most of us (apprx 300 people) will not be making the move and will lose our jobs as a result. Layoffs are expected to begin in January.
Sorry to hear that.  
section125 : 11/16/2023 7:37 am : link
Coming just before the holiday season is worse.

Here's hoping for a quick transition to a better and higher paying job. Huge industry, so there should be opportunities.
RE: I empathize.  
RCPhoenix : 11/16/2023 7:45 am : link
In comment 16290821 truebluelarry said:
Quote:
Back in October we were informed our company is relocating from Connecticut to Georgia. Most of us (apprx 300 people) will not be making the move and will lose our jobs as a result. Layoffs are expected to begin in January.


That sucks. But at least you had some advance warning.
Wishing you the best of luck...  
aimrocky : 11/16/2023 7:45 am : link
I dealt with the fear of being laid off for the last 3 years, and decided to switch industries in May, ironically moving into Health Care. The weight and stress from fear of losing your job is immense. Hopefully spending time with oved ones suring the holiday season helps keep your spirits up.
No need to hedge your despair. We’ve been there.  
FatHeadTommy : 11/16/2023 7:52 am : link
And it does suck. And the timing sucks too. Keep your chin up.
I saw it coming, moved to public sector when I turned 50...  
x meadowlander : 11/16/2023 7:56 am : link
...had seen the cycle repeat, in good times or bad, private sector will occasionally do a 15% cut to reduce payrolls, many are at risk the moment they turn 50.

Many of my agency coworkers took pay cuts for the security in govt jobs. Of course, we get to stress over every Congressional game of chicken with budgets and debt ceiling, but not having that invisible axe perpetually hanging over our head is worth it. Plus, it's a fantastic way to line up the runway for retirement.

Check USAJOBS to see if there's anything that matches your resume.
Sorry to hear this  
NJBlueTuna : 11/16/2023 8:02 am : link
What kind of health care consulting do you do? Provider/pharma/distribution/pharmacy/reimbursement etc?

I’ve been in HC on the legal side for 25 years and will keep my ears open. Tons of oppty out there in this space.
RE: Really sucks  
Sec 103 : 11/16/2023 8:07 am : link
In comment 16290819 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
and it's prevalent right now and massive, surprised it is not getting more attention in the media.

Half my customers (or more) have announced massive layoffs in the past few weeks. Just yesterday I learned of more.

Best wishes to you landing on your feet and who knows even upgrading. Sometimes these things work out for the best.

No media coverage, just thank Bidenomics. Not to get political but this admin has sunk our economy as well as most of our country. No real surprise, saw it coming. Wish you the best dor a quick rebound sir.
Working 30 years in the IT sector  
JonC : 11/16/2023 8:09 am : link
throughout the dot com era, I've been laid off three times and all three times landed in much better gigs. Forget about the bruised ego, it's wasted energy. Focus on visualizing what's next, take a breath, and get after it.
Sorry you are going through this  
steve in ky : 11/16/2023 8:11 am : link
Although little consolation now it really is true that when it all plays out so many find themselves in better situations. Best to you moving forward, my only advice would be as best as you can set it aside mentally and enjoy the holidays. Then his the ground running in 24
RE: RE: Really sucks  
whispa : 11/16/2023 8:19 am : link
In comment 16290840 Sec 103 said:
Quote:


Not to get political but


but you just did heh..

Anyways, best of luck RCPhoenix, I am sure you will land on your feet.
Sorry you were laid off before holidays  
Rick in Dallas : 11/16/2023 8:19 am : link
I know it sucks but your next job will be a better opportunity
I was laid off week before Thanksgiving in 2016  
Gap92 : 11/16/2023 8:25 am : link
It sucked royally at the time, but it led to my next (current) position which was the absolute best possible thing to happen to me, career wise.

This too shall pass.
Sorry to hear that.  
US1 Giants : 11/16/2023 8:28 am : link
Good luck going forward.

My company used to have layoffs in the middle of December. I think because it was the end of the first fiscal quarter.

Anyway, one of the young HR people raised the timing as an issue to management. There were no more layoffs around the holidays. Years later, she was promoted to a high position.

I saw someone fired on his birthday too. Wish companies had more heart in the timing of layoffs.
Keep Your Chin Up  
varco : 11/16/2023 8:39 am : link
Sorry to hear about this. Businesses are heartless.

I was "RIF'd" back in 1997 (I am a bit older and now retired). It was from a job I had actually asked for within the company, only to be laid off within 3 months. This was just before my oldest was to graduate HS and begin college. Within a month, I was working again and never looked back.

Anyway --

Keep your chin up and stay positive. I learned that (a) my job did not define who I was and that my family and faith were there to support me (b) my family was far more important than any job and I vowed never to place them second in my attention, ever (c) learned who my true friends were (d) always maintain a network, just in case and finally (e) never fully trust a corporate employer - maintain a healthy skepticism, don't drink the "kool aid" and perform your duties to the best of your ability without committing emotionally beyond that.

You have much to offer a new employer, you will get a new job and, with it, hopefully, a renewed sense of your own self worth and appreciation for your loving family. It will work out for you.

Best of luck and God Bless, my BBI friend.
Sorry to hear this!  
Chris684 : 11/16/2023 8:41 am : link
Hope you land on your feet. Remember that if we all threw our problems in a big pile, you’d probably take yours back.

I have a co-worker who just found out she has cancer. The end of life kind. We can all be here one day and gone the next.

Try to enjoy the holidays and get yourself ready to hit the job market.
 
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 11/16/2023 8:47 am : link
Sorry to hear this. I wish you the best of luck in finding a new job.
Sucks to hear..  
Jim in Forest Hills : 11/16/2023 8:53 am : link
My industry (Renewable Energy) is laying off people left and right (no surprise after horrendous Q1 and 2 due to interest rates). I've survived so far but def concerned.
Sucks but it will wind up better for you  
Route 9 : 11/16/2023 9:02 am : link
...
Sorry to hear and best of luck in your job search  
SomeFan : 11/16/2023 9:08 am : link
My BiL was laid off about 1 1/2 years ago, was 56 years, and is in back-office banking compliance. He mentioned that it was a weird feeling never having lost a job before (age discrimination came to mind with him and it seems to be an acceptable form of discrimination). It took about 6 months but he landed a job that wound up being higher paying and closer to home. Keep your head up as I am sure you will find something too.
RE: RE: Really sucks  
TJ : 11/16/2023 9:21 am : link
In comment 16290840 Sec 103 said:
Quote:
In comment 16290819 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


and it's prevalent right now and massive, surprised it is not getting more attention in the media.

Half my customers (or more) have announced massive layoffs in the past few weeks. Just yesterday I learned of more.

Best wishes to you landing on your feet and who knows even upgrading. Sometimes these things work out for the best.


No media coverage, just thank Bidenomics. Not to get political but this admin has sunk our economy as well as most of our country. No real surprise, saw it coming. Wish you the best dor a quick rebound sir.

If having someone to blame makes you feel better that's fine. I've been laid off and had an employer shut down with no notice over the last 45 years so I've come to the conclusion it's just SOP in any modern capitalist economy. I try to balance the fear of layoffs and bankruptcies against the relative ease (at least in my personal experience) of finding new work.
Which leads to what I regard as the biggest lesson I've learned from working for a living: Always - always - be looking for your next job. Make your next job change your job change.
That sucks dude  
Joey in VA : 11/16/2023 9:21 am : link
I'm really sorry this happened to you. I was in a similar situation this Summer and I can honestly tell you I'm so much better off now. Keep your head up, stay positive and start hunting for something better. Good luck 👍
You'll be fine  
patiohimself : 11/16/2023 9:23 am : link
I was laid off last December, early in the month, real bad timing. Took it in stride, these things happen, you can't control em so no need to get upset about them. Only thing you can control is how hard you go out finding your next opportunity.

I found a way better opportunity for myself and I couldn't be happier that I was laid off.

Worst thing you can do is sit and feel sorry for yourself, because the universe isn't.

Just try to learn something from this situation. Maybe next time when you feel layoffs could be happening, you will start looking in advance just incase you do get let go. You'll learn how disiplined and determined you are to get out there and put your best foot forward finding a new job. And again, you'll go through interviews and not get selected, that is out of your control, don't get upset about that. Just make sure you prepare and do the best you can on your interviews and you can at least walk away proud of yourself.
You got this RC  
JT039 : 11/16/2023 9:24 am : link
it blows, but sometimes a change turns into something better. Be with loved ones and cherish the good times. You will be back before you know it!
Heartless bastards  
The_Boss : 11/16/2023 9:25 am : link
-
Sorry to hear  
Matt in SGS : 11/16/2023 9:29 am : link
that sucks. I got hit during all the huge economic changes. Laid off after the dot.com bubble burst which was 1 month before my wedding (that was fun). Laid off after the mortgage crisis (after my youngest son was just born, so that was really fun). And I was laid off back in March 2021 after Covid finally forced shut downs (just as my oldest started college...super fun!).

Anyway, keep networking, get your name out there. If you have severance & can land a gig and double dip, I'd highly recommend (which is something I did and allowed me to build up a nice savings that went to pay towards college).

I learned to take these things in stride. Stressing won't change anything and it will work out.
RE: Really sucks  
SomeFan : 11/16/2023 9:30 am : link
In comment 16290819 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
and it's prevalent right now and massive, surprised it is not getting more attention in the media.

Half my customers (or more) have announced massive layoffs in the past few weeks. Just yesterday I learned of more.

Best wishes to you landing on your feet and who knows even upgrading. Sometimes these things work out for the best.
MSM won't focus too much on this but I do agree and corporate bankruptcies were up in 2023.
Sorry to hear this RCP,  
Section331 : 11/16/2023 9:32 am : link
the same thing happened to me a number of years ago, but it actually worked out. My next job was much more enjoyable and set me on my current career trajectory. Keep your spirits up, there will be good opportunities out there for you. Good luck, and happy Thanksgiving.
People who have never been through it don't get how traumatic it is  
Greg from LI : 11/16/2023 9:33 am : link
I was laid off when my wife was eight months pregnant with our first child. I was scared to death with worry about how we'd get by. This started a two year long period where I was either out of work or seriously underemployed. Just a miserable experience all around, and it left a lasting imprint on me. Ever since, I have valued job security far more than salary. I don't make nearly as much as I'd like to but the peace of mind makes up for it.
Sorry to hear that, RC  
Mike from Ohio : 11/16/2023 9:47 am : link
I'm sure you'll find another job soon, but I can empathize with the ego blow and the stress that comes with unexpectedly losing a job. We all make what we do become a little bit of who we are.

Lean on your family and friends to get through this and trust that better days are ahead.
RE: People who have never been through it don't get how traumatic it is  
pjcas18 : 11/16/2023 9:49 am : link
In comment 16290946 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
I was laid off when my wife was eight months pregnant with our first child. I was scared to death with worry about how we'd get by. This started a two year long period where I was either out of work or seriously underemployed. Just a miserable experience all around, and it left a lasting imprint on me. Ever since, I have valued job security far more than salary. I don't make nearly as much as I'd like to but the peace of mind makes up for it.


Damn, that's rough, the kind of a character building time that once you get through it, it kinds of drives and motivates you to avoid it again - even tough it's often out of your control.

scary time for sure for the OP, and probably hard to not get stressed, but try and use the stress as a motivator. Make sure to take care of yourself.
My first time being laid off  
GiantsLaw : 11/16/2023 9:55 am : link
was between Thanksgiving and XMas, so I feel you. Best advice is to let people help you. My ego was bruised and I wanted to do everything myself, and I didn't realize how much that hurt my chances of finding something else.
RE: RE: Really sucks  
Heisenberg : 11/16/2023 9:57 am : link
In comment 16290840 Sec 103 said:
Quote:
In comment 16290819 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


and it's prevalent right now and massive, surprised it is not getting more attention in the media.

Half my customers (or more) have announced massive layoffs in the past few weeks. Just yesterday I learned of more.

Best wishes to you landing on your feet and who knows even upgrading. Sometimes these things work out for the best.


No media coverage, just thank Bidenomics. Not to get political but this admin has sunk our economy as well as most of our country. No real surprise, saw it coming. Wish you the best dor a quick rebound sir.


This economy is a Rorschach inkblot
RE: Working 30 years in the IT sector  
UberAlias : 11/16/2023 9:57 am : link
In comment 16290842 JonC said:
Quote:
throughout the dot com era, I've been laid off three times and all three times landed in much better gigs. Forget about the bruised ego, it's wasted energy. Focus on visualizing what's next, take a breath, and get after it.
Spot on. I've been caught in broad layoffs twice, both times the result ended out beneficial.
RE: RE: Really sucks  
barens : 11/16/2023 10:12 am : link
In comment 16290940 SomeFan said:
Quote:
In comment 16290819 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


and it's prevalent right now and massive, surprised it is not getting more attention in the media.

Half my customers (or more) have announced massive layoffs in the past few weeks. Just yesterday I learned of more.

Best wishes to you landing on your feet and who knows even upgrading. Sometimes these things work out for the best.

MSM won't focus too much on this but I do agree and corporate bankruptcies were up in 2023.


Do you even watch MSM? I watch CNBC most of my day, and they focus on this quite a bit.
RE: RE: RE: Really sucks  
sems : 11/16/2023 10:17 am : link
In comment 16291008 barens said:
Quote:
In comment 16290940 SomeFan said:


Quote:


In comment 16290819 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


and it's prevalent right now and massive, surprised it is not getting more attention in the media.

Half my customers (or more) have announced massive layoffs in the past few weeks. Just yesterday I learned of more.

Best wishes to you landing on your feet and who knows even upgrading. Sometimes these things work out for the best.

MSM won't focus too much on this but I do agree and corporate bankruptcies were up in 2023.



Do you even watch MSM? I watch CNBC most of my day, and they focus on this quite a bit.


Yep. The economy is in a weird place despite low overall unemployment. High interest rates are putting all of the companies that were living off VC/PE funding rounds without having a path towards profitability at risk of imploding. No more free money to prop up unsustainable business models.
RE: RE: RE: Really sucks  
section125 : 11/16/2023 10:21 am : link
In comment 16291008 barens said:
Quote:


Do you even watch MSM? I watch CNBC most of my day, and they focus on this quite a bit.


CNBC is a cable business network, not MSM. FWIW

Still not helping RC Phoenix...
I've been through it twice...once the week after Thanksgiving.  
Tom in NY : 11/16/2023 10:32 am : link
It sucks and there is no other way to put it.

My advice...take the next week to let ALL your friends and family know (there's a small chance one of them can help you).

Next, review your resume, but don't spend more than 1-2 days on it. Send it to friends/family to ask their feedback.

Make a list of local companies you would like to learn more
about. Look at LinkedIn and see if you know anyone who works at these "target" companies. Call friends/ex-coworkers and ask if they know anyone at these companies that can help you learn more...but don't ask for a job just yet.

This is a project that needs your full attention, so make it a full time job to find your next job.
RE: Really sucks  
Blame It On Rio : 11/16/2023 11:47 am : link
In comment 16290819 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
and it's prevalent right now and massive, surprised it is not getting more attention in the media.

Half my customers (or more) have announced massive layoffs in the past few weeks. Just yesterday I learned of more.

Best wishes to you landing on your feet and who knows even upgrading. Sometimes these things work out for the best.


Its been pretty clear that the last few jobs reports weren't good when you dig into the data. Probably backdate the recession to Q4 of this year as we are about to triger the Sahm rule.

Theres also a huge mismatch in whats needed vs what people do. Lots of jobs available in the serf class as well as some higher end manufacturing jobs, not so much high paid white collar work. See it here in Florida, people are desperate and taking these garbage compensation teacher gigs until they find the next thing. Next thing might not be around the corner for a while.

A huge problem no one is talking about is we are all financially responsible for our job training for the most part, yet the job market is shifting and whats needed is moving faster and faster.
Sorry to hear RC  
Vin R : 11/16/2023 12:11 pm : link
I was laid off last December - 2 weeks before Christmas..

Took a couple months but landed with a company back in March - best thing that happened to me career wise
Suks RC  
Chris in San Diego : 11/16/2023 12:26 pm : link
But you will turn this in to something good!!
Sorry to hear this  
gidiefor : Mod : 11/16/2023 2:29 pm : link
but I am confident that you will bounce back and find a better spot for your self.

I am rooting for you !
Thank you everyone for the kind words  
RCPhoenix : 11/16/2023 2:30 pm : link
I appreciate it. None of you knows me personally and I’ve argued with many of you but this board is really filled with good people.

In case it helps, I worked at Avalere, primarily on Medicare Advantage and Part D policy. I worked at CMS for ten years.

If you know of leads feel free to email me at tomkornfield@yahoo.com.

I used to post here as RobCarpenter - account was suspended, and when I returned I went for a new name.
happen to me a few times but...  
BCD : 11/16/2023 2:39 pm : link
every time something came up a little better.....I always had my boxing coaching to hold me over.....So hang in there guy if they knock you down get back up swinging.
RE: RE: Really sucks  
PepperJ52 : 11/16/2023 2:44 pm : link
Sorry - couldn’t hear what you said with Traitor Trump’s Dick in your mouth.
In comment 16290840 Sec 103 said:
Quote:
In comment 16290819 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


and it's prevalent right now and massive, surprised it is not getting more attention in the media.

Half my customers (or more) have announced massive layoffs in the past few weeks. Just yesterday I learned of more.

Best wishes to you landing on your feet and who knows even upgrading. Sometimes these things work out for the best.


No media coverage, just thank Bidenomics. Not to get political but this admin has sunk our economy as well as most of our country. No real surprise, saw it coming. Wish you the best dor a quick rebound sir.
Hang in there  
PepperJ52 : 11/16/2023 2:49 pm : link
Been there, too, and didn’t see it coming. Nice the shock wears off, I hope you find any silver linings like finding a new field, going back to school (lots of good jobs out there that just need certs you can via community college) or starting your own biz. Timing sucks, but you’ll come out the other side…don’t let this define you!
Hey RC  
Joey in VA : 11/16/2023 11:27 pm : link
Shoot me an email, I have done a lot with CMS in Baltimore and I would be happy to pass your resume along to anyone I can. Joe.f.triano@gmail.com.
RE: Working 30 years in the IT sector  
Gregorio : 11/17/2023 12:33 am : link
In comment 16290842 JonC said:
Quote:
throughout the dot com era, I've been laid off three times and all three times landed in much better gigs. Forget about the bruised ego, it's wasted energy. Focus on visualizing what's next, take a breath, and get after it.


This is such good advice. I've been there too, was laid off from a lucrative IT job. It took me 5 months, and lots of worry, but I found an outstanding job that I've done for over 20 years now.
feel ya  
tator : 11/17/2023 10:43 am : link
I got laid off in May.. It sucks.. I am in sales and close to 59.. Age discrimination is a thing.. Who wants an old man selling the newest and latest thing??
I am hopeful as I have a few interviews again after going about 60 days with out..

But one thing I am thinking is,, is it just time to shut it down?? Retire from corporate america and all its BS and just retire and then find me a PT job selling weed at a local dispensary.

RE: feel ya  
pjcas18 : 11/17/2023 11:06 am : link
In comment 16292135 tator said:
Quote:
I got laid off in May.. It sucks.. I am in sales and close to 59.. Age discrimination is a thing.. Who wants an old man selling the newest and latest thing??
I am hopeful as I have a few interviews again after going about 60 days with out..

But one thing I am thinking is,, is it just time to shut it down?? Retire from corporate america and all its BS and just retire and then find me a PT job selling weed at a local dispensary.


I like your latter plan.

My retirement job, and I have thought a lot about this, is to be the guy who drives cars from dealership to dealership. that guy just hangs out, drinks coffee, until he needs to move a car and then he gets to drive brand new cars (usually).

I think this job will be hard to get, all the old timers want them I think.
RE: People who have never been through it don't get how traumatic it is  
Vin R : 11/17/2023 11:06 am : link
In comment 16290946 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
I was laid off when my wife was eight months pregnant with our first child. I was scared to death with worry about how we'd get by. This started a two year long period where I was either out of work or seriously underemployed. Just a miserable experience all around, and it left a lasting imprint on me. Ever since, I have valued job security far more than salary. I don't make nearly as much as I'd like to but the peace of mind makes up for it.


This is 100% how I feel now - making a little less but the peace of mind is so much more worth it
Sorry RC...  
Chris in Philly : 11/17/2023 11:12 am : link
Hopefully this opens up some new doors for you. Hang in there.
Thanks everyone  
RCPhoenix : 11/17/2023 7:46 pm : link
I’ve been thinking more and more about doing my own consulting.
I am not sure if anyone is still reading the thread  
RCPhoenix : 11/20/2023 6:51 am : link
But I did want to share that one of the people who was laid off was on bereavement leave. That’s really cold.
RC  
Hilary : 11/20/2023 7:08 am : link
Sorry. Hope you find a new job soon.
RE: I am not sure if anyone is still reading the thread  
pjcas18 : 11/20/2023 7:47 am : link
In comment 16296148 RCPhoenix said:
Quote:
But I did want to share that one of the people who was laid off was on bereavement leave. That’s really cold.


heartless. I worked for a start up once, and our product went GA and immediately after they laid off the whole QA team (plus far more from engineering) since they wouldn't be needed as much for a while. One guy was on vacation in Aruba and they called him to make sure he knew instead of just waiting until he came back and doing it.

This was actually a pretty vicious layoff. it too was right around this time. Around 11:30am the managing director/CEO began summoning people sort of one by one into a conference room. I was one of them. They said we have been invited to a company lunch at Cheesecake Factory. It was walking distance from our office in Cambridge, MA at the Galleria mall. So we walked in a big group to Cheesecake Factory. Sat down we're all order lunch and never thought for one second this is a weird group to be eating lunch with.

then, as food was arriving our phones starting blowing up. Anyone not invited to this lunch was summoned 1 by 1 into a conference room with an HR person and security guard. Informed they were no longer employed and the security guard followed them to their desk to watch as they packed up their personal belongings and were then perp walked out of the building and ID badge and key cards handed in.

It was great for morale (/s) and obviously brutal for the people let go. Seemed kind of savage and unnecessary to do it that way.
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