Lost my job yesterday

[Tab]

The hardest thing is that I worked there for years, from a micro (40-person) to a smallish company (400 person) and most of my friends are there. I'm sure I can get some employment, but maybe not as favorable a situation (distance, wage, whatever). Just trying to keep it together. My other set of friends, arguably virtual, are here at DU.

[roody]

1. So sorry. Enjoy a few days of relaxation.

[Phentex]

2. Sorry to hear it, Tab...

aside from the job loss, how are you feeling?

[WillowTree]

3. Man, that's rough. Wishing you speedy re-employment, Tab.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

4. Sorry to hear that, Tab. I hope you're able to quickly find a new, better job. nt

[City Lights]

5. So sorry, Tab.

I hope it doesn't take long to find something suitable. Hang in there.

[tammywammy]

6. Good luck on the search.

What is it that you do? Or would like to do? Maybe someone here has some leads.

[Stuart G]

7. Sorry and Good Luck in your search

[LiberalEsto]

8. That's awful. Wishing you the best of luck

in finding a good job soon.

[magical thyme]

9. How terrible...it is so hard to work for the success and growth of a company

and then find yourself on the outside looking in.

I hope you find a new job quickly.

[etherealtruth]

10. I am sorry, that truly "sucks"

Wishes for quick resolution!

[jwirr]

11. Sorry about that. A really bad time of year to lose a job.

[FSogol]

12. Best of luck on the job search. n/t

[99Forever]

13. Hard to take.

Been through it and know what a blow it is. Don't hesitate to reach out. Hopeyou can fill the void quickly.

[Ilsa]

14. I'm so sorry. I hope you

find a better one lickety-split. Hang in there.

[lonestarnot]

15. Wishing you the best.

A new avenue in life. Make it interesting.

[el_bryanto]

16. Hang in there

I'm sure it's frustrating to be shown the door like that - but maybe you'll find a better situation.

Bryant

[UTUSN]

17. We certainly are. Here. n/t

[Bettie]

18. Hoping for a short and very successful job search

Hopefully, you'll end up in a better place. Sorry about the job though, that sucks.

[mopinko]

19. oh damn. that blows.

just in time for the holidays, too. wtf is wrong with people?
best of luck finding something new AND staying connected to your friends.

[DesertDiamond]

20. Hang in there!!

[LP2K12]

21. Best of luck with the search.

Our company is getting ready to do the annual let-go for the holidays. Go figure...

[Zorra]

22. Hoping that, somehow, this leads you to something even better very soon.

[Marrah_G]

23. That really sucks

I am so sorry and I hope you can find another position soon.

[hollysmom]

24. i hardly know what to say, so many questions

but don't want o be rude or to make you sad.
Down sizing, ageism, outsourcing, etc. \But I do wish you luck, hope you get the bestest job to show them if nothing else. I worked at a company that was bought and then downsized from 200 to 35 people, times were good 40 years ago, everyone did well. I wish I could say the same thing today

[blackspade]

25. I feel your loss.

I was 'let go' several years ago and felt like I had lost my family (admittedly a dysfunctional one).
While I love my new job and like the folks I work with, it's just not the same.
That said, the separation and loss gets better. It's just weird to not see folks that you saw daily for 10 years.

[man4allcats]

26. Hang in there. I lost mine last Thursday.

Of course I'm looking as well and have applied for unemployment, but neither helps with the bills that are due right now. It wasn't much of a job, and I kind of saw it coming (customer orders have fallen off greatly as of late). Still, even a half-assed job is better than no job. But, as they say, This too shall pass.

[Arugula Latte]

41. Sorry you lost your job.

Hope something turns up soon!

[WhiteTara]

27. I imagine this is a terrible time for you,

but it will open new possibilities. Take time to breathe in and out and let the future unfold. You don't have to know all the answers now. Life is a mystery and it unfolds in its time, so wake up and hang out and see what it's like outside during daylight hours.

Best of luck, you will be fine, you just don't know it yet.

[Gothmog]

28. Good luck with the job search

[yellowwoodII]

29. An Opportunity

This is your opportunity to make a positive move. Assess your skills. Ask yourself where they could be used. Ask yourself if there are skills you could acquire that would enhance those you already have.

Network: reach out to friends who may have ideas.

Get a copy of "What Color is your Parachute." Really, it's helpful.

[kairos12]

30. Sorry to hear this. I wish you good fortune and a short journey to new employment.

[calimary]

31. That's terrible. So close to the holidays?!?!

Hah - well, why should that stop them? I've seen WAY too much of that already. I guess I'd feel more pro-business if business wasn't so FUCKING HEARTLESS!!!!!!!

[ET Awful]

32. Sorry to hear it. The same thing happened to me a little over a week ago.

Almost 14 years at the company (almost a third of my life).

I know what you're going through.

[TygrBright]

33. I've lost a few. It sucks a LOT. n/t

I've lost jobs where they were trying to be "nice" about it. Where they (essentially) paid me to go away. Where they were complete assholes about it. Where it was the classic "empty your desk while we watch" situation. Where they hated or feared me, where they just thought I was a useless asshole, where they were really sorry to lose me but no longer had the money to pay me. Where they didn't give a rat's ass, just had to cut expenses and my name was next on the list.

To be honest, they all hurt, a lot. They all activated a jerky little script in my brain about not being a valuable person, about there being something wrong with me.

But the FACT was, there was never anything wrong with ME.

Sometimes my job performance was poor. I'm sometimes not the easiest person to get along with. I've had my attitude problems, I've suffered from ill health, I've made mistakes.

And none of it makes me a bad person, and none of it "makes them right" or "makes me wrong."

And that is true of you, too, Tab.

I'm sorry you just had a big chunk of your day-to-day life and social relationships detached from you. That is really tough to deal with. If you find yourself getting that "oh, what's the use" feeling, try to get help. Job loss, especially a long-term job you valued, is a major life trauma, a gigantic stress event. Don't try to deal with it on your own. Reach out to people who care, connect with a therapist (especially if/while you still have current health coverage!)

And then find other stuff you care about to do, over and above "getting/having a new job," because it'll be a while (even if you're lucky and get something right away) before you replace that network of shared-interest relationships from your old job. So take a course in something, join a social group focused on something enjoyable, find the community of folks in your area who shares your interest in a favorite hobby. Join a book group at the Library. Whatever. It really does help, if you can find that.

And stick with us.

We may be virtual, but we're here 24/7 and you're part of this community.

encouragingly,
Bright

[vlyons]

34. Well that's bummer

So go to the unemployment office, and get that process started. It ain't much, but it's better than no money coming in the door. Good luck in your job search.

[joanbarnes]

35. Sorry Tab. No comfort to know you are not alone.

[oldandhappy]

36. I am sorry.

Take a few days to mourn.

My neighbor just got a job at Costco. She really likes it there. If you live near a Costco, give it a shot. They are hiring seasonal people now. Over the years, they average calling back about 80% of seasonal workers to full time jobs. Very flexible schedules, fair wage, benefits.

Best wishes.

[aspirant]

37. There is always a way

With all the great comments here, I can only add; remember everything happens for a reason. When one door closes another opens. Keep your eyes and ears open and do the actions you feel are right and your next step in this journey will materialize. Focus on, listen to and follow your heart, not your gut, because it is your beacon to happiness.

[fizzgig]

38. my best to you

good luck in your search

[sinkingfeeling]

39. I'm so sorry. Could it have anything to do with your health coverage?

[hamsterjill]

40. Sorry to hear this.

Just remember, you didn't only lose your job, but THEY lost YOU, too. In other words, recognize your worth!

Best of luck.

[Tab]

42. Thanks all

I deal with consumer and commercial software and multimedia - many titles you might have used growing up (if under 30) or had your kids use.

Unfortunately I work(ed) for a company that was not in that line of business, and they decided yesterday it wasn't worth having me around.

It does suck. I have some health issues. I'm not a spring chicken any more. I don't particularly want to drive into Boston for work (again) but may have to. Things just get more complicated as they get older.

Thanks to all for your well wishes. If you're looking for a high-end software engineer, drop me a note. Even if not, feel free to drop me a note.

- Tab

[Tsiyu]

45. Hey! I posted below before I saw what you do

Try here:

http://www.flexjobs.com/jobs/web-software-development-programming
http://www.indeed.com/q-Software-Engineer-l-Work-at-Home-jobs.html
http://careers.stackoverflow.com/jobs/remote

Good luck! I know you will find something good even though it sucks right now

[niyad]

43. what a way to start the holiday season! so sorry that you lost your job. here is hoping that

you find a new, and far better one, very quickly. your du family is here.

[Tsiyu]

44. This is such a bad time to be let go

I hate when companies do that riight before the holidays. It makes it doubly difficult on your spirit.

I don't know if this is for you, but there are a lot of work at home jobs. Even Amazon has work-at-home positions. I'm doing online advertising and writing jobs and eeking along. It's not huge $$$ but it pays the bills and I'm the only asshole in the office.



Here's some websites to check out when you feel better:

http://www.wahm.com/jobs.html
http://ratracerebellion.com/
http://www.reddit.com/r/WorkOnline/new/

Also try indeed.com. Go to the advanced search on the upper right and be sure to click at the bottom "jobs from last 3 days" and not "jobs anytime." You can put in your location, job, etc and it will have new leads for you in your selected towns every time you log in.

I am sorry about the situation for anyone out of work and I hope you find something great, Tab!

[PasadenaTrudy]

46. Bummer. Very sorry to hear this. n/t

[JDPriestly]

47. I hope you find an even better job soon.

[dionysus]

48. sorry to hear that.. i wish the you the best.

[roguevalley]

49. I wish you well, Tab. Think about what you can do until you get a better job. Apply everywhere.

It will help you get there. I wish you the best. Been there, done that. (

[MannyGoldstein]

50. So you were there when the company grew 10x

and they had no idea that you must have had an important role in that happening? Those things don't happen unless there's a great team involved, and it's not always clear what went right - they should have stuck with what worked.

Bosses can be nitwits!

Good luck!

[MADem]

51. Go get unemployment, take a break, and then hit it hard.

Sorry you lost your employment. Hope you land on something better and more rewarding.

[Cha]

52. Best of Luck for a speedy Recovery in the Job Dept, Tab!

[steve2470]

53. so sorry to hear this, hopefully your next job will be even better !

Best wishes on a speedy and fruitful job search !

[grasswire]

54. so sorry

we'll be there in the C&B forum with coffee and pie for ya

[Sparhawk60]

55. Good Luck!

And remember, the job is NOT who you are, it is just what you do to pay the bills. Don't let this job loss define who you are.

Good Luck!

[harun]

56. Happened to me last year.

Enjoy the time off, do some reading you haven't had time to do, take a walk in a park you never had time to visit, etc.

Can be a very freeing experience.

[Enthusiast]

57. I can relate to your situation. It happened to me.

Hang out here for a while. Your job loss is no reflection on you, personally. It has happened to millions of us.

[sofa king]

58. It's a door opening, my friend!

I sometimes chuckle about the phrase, "don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out," because the way the statement is phrased it is actually the fire-ee who is opening the door to freedom, and closing off the arrogant and unaware speaker.

I lost a really good job shortly after I quit drinking, and have never taken home more than a thousand dollars in a month in the ten years since. Some of you may feel a pang of loss for me, but that's the opposite of what I feel.

It was the best job I ever had, but losing it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Since then I've grown into a completely different, better person, far more focused on the important things in life (which is NEVER a job) and totally unconcerned with frivolity and public posing. In the time since I've hiked mountains and conducted battlefield bus tours and created a magazine and participated in an exploding local art scene--and I never made a living off of any one of those damned things.

Those were all things I would have liked to have done fifteen years ago, but I was too busy scurrying like a rat back and forth across K Street. I just had to make a commitment to be impoverished in all things except that which I care about, and now I have an abundance of shit that I care about. It's a more "real" life; the stakes are much higher, and somehow that makes life more worth living, too.

That is because the trick answer to the question of life is that there is no conservation of money and time. No matter what, money can never buy back time spent making and managing and worrying about money. But you can create more quality time in your life by refusing to throw money at the rat race.

You'll see, and you won't regret it!

[bigwillq]

59. That stinks.

Hope you land on your feet soon. All the best.

[SmittynMo]

60. There are a lot of us in the same boat

Lost my full time job many years ago. Found contract work was the only thing open. This is especially true in the IT environment. It's pretty good money, but little, or no benefits. The problem is you're constantly looking for work because your contract will end. Maybe sooner than you thought too. Corporate America could give a shit.

I'm 60, and have been unemployed for over a year. It totally sucks. My wife is retired now and we are now on a small fixed income. We utilize the ACA for health benefits. Thank God for Obama and the ACA. I knew there was a reason I voted for him

I recently interviewed with a company for an IT manager position. Surprisingly, the following question was asked during the interview. What year did you graduate from high school? Anyone with a brain knew what he was looking for. I never lie so I told the truth. 3 weeks later, I inquired about the position. The director of HR sent me the standard rejection letter. I in return explained to him what had happened during my interview. He was shocked what their employee had done, and promised to address the situation. Yeah right. And this isn't the first time I was a victim of age discrimination.
So be aware of this on your next interview. 40 is the new 50, and not many companies are interested in older employees. Actually, it's really stupid on their part to ignore the experienced. But that doesn't make my life any easier.

This whole experience has really played a number on me, mentally. Over the years, I have gone from an energetic, looking hard for work person, to the statistic of "one that quit looking". Even though I still look daily.

So here I sit, still looking for work, transferring my life savings, monthly, to cover the bills. I have 23 months until I can start collecting SS. Once there, we should be able to cover the bills. I so look forward to it. Hitting 60 last month was a big wake up call.

With all that said, I can offer the following advice. There are many search tools used to find jobs. The most popular, and the one I like the most is indeed.com. This spider engine searches many sites for jobs, and saves you time. It's easy to maneuver, and has produced many interviews for me in the past. Get your resume posted on linkedin.com and job search there too. Followup with co workers and ask them to post comments for references. Careerbuilder.com and monster.com are other sites I use.

I wish you all the luck in the world, and am sorry that this has happened to you. Keep your chin up and work hard at finding a job. It worked for me for the past 4 years, doing contracting work, but I'm afraid the age issue has hit me big time. That may not be the case for you, so much. Start cutting corners on purchases, and get your bills on a spreadsheet so you know where your money is going. Above all, you have to say, it will all work out. 99% of the time, it does. So the odds are with you.

Good luck