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OLDMDDEM

(1,572 posts)
6. coping strategies
Wed Nov 14, 2012, 09:57 AM
Nov 2012

On June 1, 2010 I suffered a stroke that laid me up for 30 days. In that time frame I did everything I possibly could to make sure my company knew I was on the mend and would be back as soon as possible. I went back to work on July 5. After one week I was laid off. I know why and they know I know why. I could sue them and waste money trying to make things right, but why? I should not have gone back to work when I did and realized this on the last day of work. I immediately went on disability for 90 days and found myself recovering to the point where I was ready to work again. I picked my self up by my rear end and surfed the internet (indeed.com) for jobs. I applied to over 500 diffeent ads and knew that some were simply recruiters trying to lure me in. But, my old boss from a previous job knew what happened to me and asked if I could work for a three week stretch to help him with budgets. I said yes. On November 1 I was back at work. In my third week I interviewed with a recruiter that said there was a company in Arlington, VA that needed someone for six weeks (I am a controller/accounting manager by trade). I said yes knowing my three weeks were going to be up. Thanksgiving week I went to work for this company. Six weeks came and went and they kept me working. After the ninth month my work there ceased. One week later I interviewed with another recruiter who had a temporary job opening right next door to where they were located in Arlington, VA. I got the position one day later and have been here ever since. They hired me after three weeks. While I don't make the money I did before, I do not have the expensive commute I had before and take the Metro to work. Forty wonderful minutes for me to read a book and get lost in it. Yes, I make less, but I have peace of mind and have a small amount of numbness on my left side to show for my battle with healing from the stroke. More important to me is that I am happy. My wife and I are on a schedule again and I love it. I love her for her support through all of this.

I've gone on a long time here, but what I have to say is to keep your chin up. Your husband is better than the way heu was treated. It's okay to be depressed about what happened but he should NOT let that discourage him from looking for work. There is a guardian angel out there looking for him. I found mine, or, I should say the angel found me. I was convinced I would never work full time again as I was 64 when I was looking for work. Trust me. He will be okay and you will be too. This will work out. Your husband has nothing to be ashamed of and for all the grief his old company has caused him, you are both better for it. Chin up and happy searching.

It would be wonderful if you would keep me informed of your husband's search.

If he can, tell him to get a copy of his personnel file when he picks up his desk stuff. Brickbat Nov 2012 #1
He's had three reviews...all glowing CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #3
Then he needs that file. If there's no record of poor performance, that helps him. Brickbat Nov 2012 #11
I am so sorry, but keep your chin up and tell hubby to do the same.... NotThisTime Nov 2012 #2
Thank you for that positive, uplifting story... CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #12
Is his boss one of those who would be "making changes" because they fear results of Obama's win? Tigress DEM Nov 2012 #4
We are confident that we will get unemployment... CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #13
Mostly for the lack of notice and lack of respect, not to mention severance pay. Tigress DEM Nov 2012 #29
I'm sorry you're dealing with this Kookaburra Nov 2012 #5
Thank you so much... CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #14
coping strategies OLDMDDEM Nov 2012 #6
Wow, you have been through... CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #20
We are all here for you and your husband OLDMDDEM Nov 2012 #23
I recall a lay-off "event" at the old MCI Telecommunications HQ in downtown Washington, DC..... OldDem2012 Nov 2012 #7
I'm curious about what happened with the MCI layoffs davidpdx Nov 2012 #9
these days, large corporations generally walk people out the door magical thyme Nov 2012 #17
Those are excellent tips.... CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #21
Very sorry to hear. My best wish to you and family JackN415 Nov 2012 #8
If he's anything like me he needs a really good cry lunatica Nov 2012 #10
((((coffeecat)))) ((((Mr.coffeecat)))) Helen Reddy Nov 2012 #15
Thank you so much... CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #25
I was once told, "We're going in a different direction." Tommy_Carcetti Nov 2012 #16
"Corporate psychopaths" is right Lydia Leftcoast Nov 2012 #18
He pissed off someone there. Maybe someone felt his/her own job was TwilightGardener Nov 2012 #19
His boss was inept... CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #26
I'm sorry that happened. blogslut Nov 2012 #22
Thank you so much for reminding me of that... CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #27
Was this after Tuesday? Was he getting the 'firing liberals just to get back at America' treatment? RepublicansRZombies Nov 2012 #24
Just a quick update... CoffeeCat Nov 2012 #28
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