VWL Lovers & Groupies Thread: Meese-ka, Mice-ka MOOSE-kateers

[stopher1]

Hello Groupies. Things come and things go. People say things one day, then change their outlook another. Life can be so fickle at times can't it? I just wanted to share, and once gain ask for some moosie dust and prayer. I was "invited" on to a conference call yesterday afternoon, and the promises that were made just about 3 or was it 4 weeks ago now have vanished. I was basically given two options. I could be done effective Monday and receive a severance package, OR, I could continue to work at a reduced salary for 30 days, and then be done and receive no severance package. Hmmm. I selected the severance package option. That'll provide income and health benefits for us through the end of the year whereas the other option, well...yeah.

So, I've now kicked my search into hyper drive. I went in this morning and cleared out my office so that I wouldn't have to deal with that next week. What a great way to start the weekend. But - I'm looking at it as positively as I can, and just pray it will work out decently in the end. It did make my DW feel a little last night, but it's not like it was totally unexpected. I am now #7 this year. I just wonder how many more will get their notice before the year is finished. Oh well, it isn't truly my concern any more.

 

[cheer4bison]

Oh Stopher, I'm so sorry to hear your news. How can employers be so heartless to their loyal employees?

I'll keep my fingers crossed that something better is just around the corner!

 

[stopher1]

Oh Stopher, I'm so sorry to hear your news. How can employers be so heartless to their loyal employees?

I'll keep my fingers crossed that something better is just around the corner!

Thanks.

Nearly 11 years. Didn't seem to matter to them. What I got a few weeks back was obviously just a "pie-crust promise...easily made, easily broken."

 

[horselover]

Hello Groupies. Things come and things go. People say things one day, then change their outlook another. Life can be so fickle at times can't it? I just wanted to share, and once gain ask for some moosie dust and prayer. I was "invited" on to a conference call yesterday afternoon, and the promises that were made just about 3 or was it 4 weeks ago now have vanished. I was basically given two options. I could be done effective Monday and receive a severance package, OR, I could continue to work at a reduced salary for 30 days, and then be done and receive no severance package. Hmmm. I selected the severance package option. That'll provide income and health benefits for us through the end of the year whereas the other option, well...yeah.

So, I've now kicked my search into hyper drive. I went in this morning and cleared out my office so that I wouldn't have to deal with that next week. What a great way to start the weekend. But - I'm looking at it as positively as I can, and just pray it will work out decently in the end. It did make my DW feel a little last night, but it's not like it was totally unexpected. I am now #7 this year. I just wonder how many more will get their notice before the year is finished. Oh well, it isn't truly my concern any more.

Oh Stopher I'm so sorry. Doesn't make it any easier that you've been seeing the writing on the wall for some time now. There's just no such thing as employer loyalty anymore. At least you've been preparing for it so you are in a position to kick your search into overdrive vs. just getting started. Sending lots of good thoughts & pixie dust your way that a new position will come along very soon.

 

[Muushka]

Oh Stopher, I am so sad to read your post.

The roller coasters that employers put their employees on is just plain heartless.

But I know you. And I have confidence that all will be well. And I have some work of my own to do.

 

[twinklebug]

Stopher You're an intelligent guy with a great track record who happens to be super nice - I have no doubt you'll find employment soon. Probably in a much better position too.

Over the last year the company took a lot more than your time away from you. I'm sure you realize you had a lot of stress, but what we all don't see as it's happening is the effect it has on our bodies and outlook. Think of the next few months as a time to reset your health and mind. The right job will come along, until then spend time networking, cherishing your family, and of course, chatting with us here.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Stopher so sorry to hear your news. But I have no doubt that you will come thru this and land on your feet better than ever!

 

[twokats]

Stopher, I also send my moose/pixie dust your way. We always have to remember that everything is in God's plan for us. Keep the faith!!!

 

[Pirate Granny]

Things have a way of working out. You and your family will be in my prayers.

 

[Inkmahm]

If only I was the Tag Fairy......

Dynaguy is correct- those fish at the market go flying when people buy them. I had a good time watching them thinking those fish are HUGE and it takes muscles to lift, much less toss, them.

 

[Inkmahm]

Hello Groupies. Things come and things go. People say things one day, then change their outlook another. Life can be so fickle at times can't it? I just wanted to share, and once gain ask for some moosie dust and prayer. I was "invited" on to a conference call yesterday afternoon, and the promises that were made just about 3 or was it 4 weeks ago now have vanished. I was basically given two options. I could be done effective Monday and receive a severance package, OR, I could continue to work at a reduced salary for 30 days, and then be done and receive no severance package. Hmmm. I selected the severance package option. That'll provide income and health benefits for us through the end of the year whereas the other option, well...yeah.

So, I've now kicked my search into hyper drive. I went in this morning and cleared out my office so that I wouldn't have to deal with that next week. What a great way to start the weekend. But - I'm looking at it as positively as I can, and just pray it will work out decently in the end. It did make my DW feel a little last night, but it's not like it was totally unexpected. I am now #7 this year. I just wonder how many more will get their notice before the year is finished. Oh well, it isn't truly my concern any more.

Stopher, I'm so sorry to hear the news. I have to say, I didn't believe the promises made to you that you posted about. I guess I have too many years in the corporate offices under my belt to believe anything anymore. I've become cynical after two downsizings in my career.

BUT. I'm here to tell you that there is life after being downsized. My last downsizing was 22 months ago. I'm still unemployed but I'm happy. I've had time to spend with my DH, Dynaguy. I've had time to spend with my family- my mom, siblings, nieces and nephews. I've learned that my worth in life isn't dependent on my job or my job title, because I have neither. I know I need to go back to work as I'm no where near ready to retire at the ripe old age of 53. And I will start looking harder for a new job, because I haven't really been looking hard at all. I'm lucky in that I had a great severance plan and I didn't need to get a job right away. This time off has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. Life in that old job was hell. Life without it is free. God is watching over me and healing me from the abuse I lived for many years.

Anyway, hang in there. Try to enjoy the time away from the office, as hard as it may be. And if there is anything I can do to help with your job search, send me a PM. Actually, send me one and tell me where you are looking and what you are looking for. You never know where the contact will come from that helps you get that lead for a job.

 

[blossomz]

Stopher...sorry to read your post. Pixie dust coming your way!

The floods have finally started to recede around these parts! Harrisburg was in bad shape. I was lucky..no water in my basement! But so many other people were not so lucky. School was even cancelled on Thursday! Weird having a weather emergency day so early in the year!

 

[eliza61]

As Americans I suspect we’ll always grapple with how to “memorialize” 9/11. How do we sufficiently teach future generations to remember the occasion without imposing on them the burden of “preserving” a tragedy. How do we move forward while honoring the past.

In a few ways I have a bit of an advantage over you guys. Since I was hurt right after the 2nd plane hit I don’t have the “fear” associated with the day that you guys must deal with. Maybe God in his infinite wisdom knew that since I’m not a stable mabel on a good day, seeing the horrors unfolding was not some thing I could handle. Who knows? What I do know is that I am stand in awe at the courage and compassion you guys showed and still show. when all hell broke loose it amazes me that my countrymen held it together. You quietly and consistently took care of your children, families, communities and country. You went to work, sent your kids to school and in general went about the business of living. Never underestimate your strength in this, believe me when I say entire nations have collapse for far less.

My next blessing was that I had the extreme privilege to be on the receiving end of such compassion. I heard from a women named Julie who donated blood for me, (because of course only I get injured and have AB- blood type). What made this special was at the time Julie was 5 months pregnant with her first born and had had 3 miscarriages before. To this day I cannot comprehend the courage it took for her to overcome her fear of her own well being enough to help a perfect stranger.

And lastly, the groupie support network. A line from one of a favorite authors reads: when friendship is born there is nothing tangible. There is just a feeling that your life is different and that your capacity to love and care has miraculously been enlarged without any effort on your part. It's like having a tiny apartment and somebody moves in with you. But instead of becoming cramped and crowded, the space expands, and you discover rooms you never knew you had until your friend moved in with you."

You have expanded my capacity to love and care, for that I am immeasurably grateful.

So no matter how you mark the day, this weekend part one of your homework assignments is to treat yourself special, know that any survivor of this tragedy could not have done it without you.

 

[wildernessDad]

Stopher, sorry to hear the bad news. I hope that you find something even better than you had before. It could happen.

 

[franandaj]

Stopher,
I'm so sorry to hear about the job. But you are smart, talented, and reliable. All of those are qualities that an employer is looking for. I have no doubt that you will find another job, and like others have said, take this time to relax a little and de-stress. Hopefully the severance package will take you through enough until you can find the job you want, not just the first one to come along. Although, perhaps it will be both.

Take care of yourself and your family. You'll be fine! I'm sure!

 

[DiznyDi]

Stopher,
Just catching up on the thread and read of your impending job-less-ness. I'm so sorry to read this. For it to come so quickly after promises had been made to you is so callous. I'll keep you and your family close in prayer.

 

[DiznyDi]

Eliza,
As I sit here at my computer with the TV on in the background, my thoughts go to you. I am reminded of 9/11, the events that surround that day and life in it's aftermath. I can only imagine what you and others experienced. The anguish of your family in the 'not knowing' and the long road to recovery and a return to 'normal' life.
I'm honored to have made your cyber-acquaintance! The Dis and particularly our Groupie thread just wouldn't be the same without you.

 

[blossomz]

My dear pal Eliza... I too feel it such a privilege to call you a friend. Know that I am thinking of you, your family and everyone else that dealt with the tragedy that day. Most of all, know that your groupie friends are always just a click away.

 

[jimmytammy]

Stopher
I am so sorry all this "stuff" is taking place in your lives, and to be thrown another curveball, that is just crummy. But know this...our household will place you in our prayers as you begin a new chapter in your life. I know you have briefly explained your work to me, and if you feel like elaborating, I can be of some assistance in job searches. I am blessed in owning my own business, and like "controlling" my own destiny. Not to say this is your path, but in times like these, economically, is when lots of folks become successful in such circumstances. If I can help, please let me know.

 

[jimmytammy]

Eliza
We are a resilient bunch(Americans)when we set our minds to it. With all the junk that is going on in our country these days, those words mean a lot coming from someone who went through those dark days affected by it personally, yet is able to think of others through it all. We are Americans, proud, yes! We do disagree from time to time, but mess with us, and we stand strong, united as one!