Found out today that there will be layoffs

[ElizK]

Had a meeting today with our supervisor at work today. My department has been notified that there will be layoffs, not sure how many people. There are only 7 people in my department! We also don't know how the people to leave will be chosen, except that it will not be based on seniority. My supv thinks the layoffs would be effective around the 13th of December.
I'm part-time, and as the other part-timer said, I feel like I have a big ol' target on my head. I've been with this company for more than 19 years, and with this department 17yrs. My husband is self-employed, so if I lose my job I also lose health benefits. Trying not to worry, but gosh, it's so hard not to!
Anyway, prayers would be much appreciated, and thanks for letting me vent.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I am sorry. I hope you are not one of the ones to go.

I will NEVER understand this, but to me, it seems like companies always have layoff's just before Christmas...WHY?

 

[luv2nascar]

that's always wonderful holiday news you no longer have a job. Hoping for the best for you.

 

[ElizK]

Sure puts my holiday shopping on hold. Uncertainty is the worst.

 

[Jasminesmommy]

You said it based on senority and you have been the 19 yrs that seems good. Have all the others been there long? if they have to Layoff I would think Part time is a good thing since its less money for them. I would try and relax and not worry since you can't change what may happen. I am sorry though and hope everything works in your favor.

 

[Jillpie]

I'm sorry to hear this. You mean to tell me they are making you wait this out till Dec. 13th???? Oh, how cruel. Are you friends with the boss, can you shmooze the info out of him/her? Hang in there. Take one day at a time. Let us know the outcome, ok?

 

[ElizK]

The layoffs will *not* be based on seniority. Supv wasn't sure how the people would be chosen. She's not even sure if they will keep our department at all!

Jasminesmommy, of course you're right. I know I shouldn't worry. I know I can't change anything. There's no such thing as a good time to be laid off, but now is a really, really bad time. DH is trying to launch a new product, and there is a lot of very encouraging interest in it, but it will be about 3 months before there is any income from that. In the mean time he hasn't been doing as much with his other job because he's spending all his time on this project. Makes bill paying time a bit of a challenge.

 

[ElizK]

I'm sorry to hear this. You mean to tell me they are making you wait this out till Dec. 13th???? Oh, how cruel. Are you friends with the boss, can you shmooze the info out of him/her? Hang in there. Take one day at a time. Let us know the outcome, ok?

The boss honestly doesn't know yet. She's only been our supv for 2 yrs, but I've worked with her for 15. I believe she's being truthful with us.

 

[helenabear]

Best wishes to you... been through that before (actually pretty much monthly for a while during a 3 year period). So my heart goes out to you! I do hope you will be able to keep your job!

I truly think the way most companies handle lay offs now is just wrong. Cruel on making you wait when there are rumors and solid facts... cruel in making the supervisors tell you "just enough" to make you worry, and cruel on the timing they pick (we had some TG week one year).

 

[golfgal]

I would start looking into some private health insurance policies. Most larger companies like Blue Cross offer plans for self-employed or people that don't have access to coverage. They aren't as expensive as many think, at least not compared to what WE pay for premiums. If he is self-employed there some tax breaks for having the insurance, too. You might want to get your name in with some temp offices or start letting friends know that you might be layed off so they can keep an ear out for openings in their companies. Hopefully you won't have to worry about it, though.

 

[chrissyk]

I would start looking into some private health insurance policies. Most larger companies like Blue Cross offer plans for self-employed or people that don't have access to coverage. They aren't as expensive as many think, at least not compared to what WE pay for premiums. If he is self-employed there some tax breaks for having the insurance, too. You might want to get your name in with some temp offices or start letting friends know that you might be layed off so they can keep an ear out for openings in their companies. Hopefully you won't have to worry about it, though.

I was going to make this exact point. I'd look into a high-deductable BC/BS policy and an HSA account. That's how health insurance is going to be done in the future anyways. This is truly not as expensive as you'd think. I'm reading a book called "The New Health Insurance Solution" right now...it just came out a month ago I think. It's very informative in this regard. You should read it in case you do get layed off, because it tells you how many days you have to get a new policy, how to become HIPPA-eligable, when it makes sense to buy COBRA over buying your own policy, etc.

 

[mickeysgal]

I don't have much advice to give, but I do want to offer my best wishes. We've been in this boat also. The worrying is awful. I know there is "nothing you can do about it", but you still worry...especially about the health insurance. The timing stinks but I'm not sure there is ever a good time for a layoff. Its a small plus, but perhaps its better to know before Christmas, so that you can curb your spending. I've heard of layoffs right after Christmas where people have racked up big Christmass bills only to find out they now have no income. Its awful. Good luck.

 

[mrsltg]

I'm sorry you're going through this. I've been there, too. I finally volunteered to be laid off just so I could get on with my life! It is stressful, and I am sorry it is happening at this time of year.

Erin

 

[mickeyfan2]

Start looking into getting health insurance and a new job. Being part time should put you high on the layoff list. Part time with benefits is not the norm and is more costly to the company.