Laid off from work today

[Sherlock77]

About 1 PM, just after lunch, called into the office from the production plant and told I was being laid off... They had to eliminate five positions so it wasn't just me... I talked to my direct supervisor, and he told it was directly related to not getting enough material off the line (recycling plant) even though I had been there for 10 years

I was escorted out by him with the stuff from my locker rather stunned

I was given two months of severance pay, plus 21 days of unused vacation days, and I will qualify for Employment Insurance... I'm still stunned right now, but trying to think positive that it might lead to something even better

My one concern is that I haven't really done job search in years and that world has changed so much, at least I have a small cushion to work with over the next couple of months... Also Alberta is in very bad recession right now, quite concerned about how hard it will be to find work in that economic climate

Anyway, tomorrow just before a long cold snap hits, one last warm day (when I would normally be at work), and I think I will go for a country drive tomorrow, just for the day, to try to process what just happened, then just hunker down for a week when it gets extremely cold!

 

[Judge]

Damn. Very sorry to hear. Somehow it doesn't sound right that you can be there for ten years, and that they suddenly decide you aren't getting enough material off the line. Especially without any prior warning or write-up.

But I've seen that happen before where I once worked. Corporate layoffs...no advanced warnings for those they sacked. Some who had been their for years. It sucks.

 

[Varzar]

Yep, I've been there too. Sorry to hear. I know it sucks.
Also, you're right, Alberta hasn't been doing so well lately. I hope you're able to find something quickly!

 

[GadAbout]

Sorry about this. I've been laid off when they closed an entire facility. There was "outplacement assistance" offered, such as a resume class, free re-training at a community college, and job fairs. I took advantage of whatever I could, and was employed again in about three or four months.

Stay strong. You're right, what comes next could be better than the job you are leaving.

 

[Aspychata]

What a shock. At least they didn't fire you in Dec. Alot of American companies kick people out in Dec. First you have to get over the intial shock, then you have to deal with change in routine, that can be hard.
Throw yourself out there, give it your best shot. I have learned two new positions, re-use some old career things after my divorce. I also learned to go ask for work. Keep us updated, your return to work cheer club.

 

[Sherlock77]

Just talked on the phone with a good friend, I have flexibility that I don't "have to" find work immediately... Two months severance, and then I will qualify for EI, my friend thinks for up to two years based on my 10 years... So I will have cash flow, but more limited...

Maybe time to re-think everything, this is the first time after a layoff that I've had this much cash flexibility, as such... My job was basic manual labour really, I know I can do better, maybe I just needed a gentle (or not so gentle) push...

 

[Rasputin]

About 1 PM, just after lunch, called into the office from the production plant and told I was being laid off... They had to eliminate five positions so it wasn't just me... I talked to my direct supervisor, and he told it was directly related to not getting enough material off the line (recycling plant) even though I had been there for 10 years

I was escorted out by him with the stuff from my locker rather stunned

I was given two months of severance pay, plus 21 days of unused vacation days, and I will qualify for Employment Insurance... I'm still stunned right now, but trying to think positive that it might lead to something even better

My one concern is that I haven't really done job search in years and that world has changed so much, at least I have a small cushion to work with over the next couple of months... Also Alberta is in very bad recession right now, quite concerned about how hard it will be to find work in that economic climate

Anyway, tomorrow just before a long cold snap hits, one last warm day (when I would normally be at work), and I think I will go for a country drive tomorrow, just for the day, to try to process what just happened, then just hunker down for a week when it gets extremely cold!

I am sorry to hear this. I have contemplated what I would do if this happened to me, and figured my best bet would be to find contract work and enroll in a community college to retrain as a computer programmer. This might not work for you but maybe it will give you some ideas.

 

[GadAbout]

In the US, there are often "retraining" programs after layoffs to give someone tuition, transportation cost, and a living allowance. It relieves the conscience of the employers, but really, it can be a godsend to the employee, who might otherwise never have had a chance to trade up employment-wise.

 

[Wolfnox]

If i may. Perhaps take a few pictures of the country side. It could help focus your mind.

 

[Sherlock77]

If i may. Perhaps take a few pictures of the country side. It could help focus your mind.

I'll take at least a "few" photos . That's what I do for fun... I also plan to photograph a rundown old airport as well I've only been to it once in late 2017, I think the winter mood there will be fantastic, and scenic depending on your definition of scenic... One of those photos... Imagine that scene in winter...

 

[Aspychata]

Okay, oh My, please share if you get a chance. I would love to see the airport through your perspective.

This is way out there but there is a site called: TakeLessons.com - read about where you could possible get photography students and help them learn the fine details of creative photography or any other things you are skilled in. Came across this in a current magazine. You set up a online profile, get screened, they deliver students, a fee is deducted, this fee decreases overtime. This can be done online and can be some part-time income. I am thinking of my Russian friend who could teach her native language.

 

[Sherlock77]

Okay, oh My, please share if you get a chance. I would love to see the airport through your perspective.

This is way out there but there is a site called: TakeLessons.com - read about where you could possible get photography students and help them learn the fine details of creative photography or any other things you are skilled in. Came across this in a current magazine. You set up a online profile, get screened, they deliver students, a fee is deducted, this fee decreases overtime. This can be done online and can be some part-time income. I am thinking of my Russian friend who could teach her native language.

That is a photo I took in October 2017, this time there will be snow on the ground though...

 

[Aeolienne]

Good luck. We're all rooting for you.

 

[Autistamatic]

I'm so sorry to hear what's happened to you. It's rotten. Happened to me once in my 20s. The company I worked for closed down the lab I ran and outsourced the work cos of cash flow issues they were having (went under a year later). I got paid till the end of the month, no more. Thankfully I was well in demand then and walked into another job, but it still feels like betrayal.
Since you have a cushion, maybe you could look to your awesome photography as a living or supplement to your income? Not as a jobbing photographer necessarily but as an artist or social observer? Worth investigating I would suggest.

 

[Alexej]

sorry to hear about that.
Rooting for you to find something new to try

 

[Schism]

I hate how our supposed advanced society discard people so casually. 10 years is a long time. A job is part of a person's identity sometimes and they can just take it away without any consideration for how that's going to affect the person mentally & financially and everything & everybody connected to them too. It totally sucks.

 

[Pats]

Really sorry to hear about the lay off. You do have something in your favor - the length of time you worked and not job hopping. So they'll know you did your job and that you're going to stay.

 

[clg114]

Professorial Photographer has a nice ring to it. Maybe this is the time.

 

[Judge]

Professorial Photographer has a nice ring to it. Maybe this is the time.

What's that saying?

"When one door closes, sometimes another one opens".

 

[Streetwise]

About 1 PM, just after lunch, called into the office from the production plant and told I was being laid off... They had to eliminate five positions so it wasn't just me... I talked to my direct supervisor, and he told it was directly related to not getting enough material off the line (recycling plant) even though I had been there for 10 years

I was escorted out by him with the stuff from my locker rather stunned

I was given two months of severance pay, plus 21 days of unused vacation days, and I will qualify for Employment Insurance... I'm still stunned right now, but trying to think positive that it might lead to something even better

My one concern is that I haven't really done job search in years and that world has changed so much, at least I have a small cushion to work with over the next couple of months... Also Alberta is in very bad recession right now, quite concerned about how hard it will be to find work in that economic climate

Anyway, tomorrow just before a long cold snap hits, one last warm day (when I would normally be at work), and I think I will go for a country drive tomorrow, just for the day, to try to process what just happened, then just hunker down for a week when it gets extremely cold!

Really sorry to hear about the lay off. You do have something in your favor - the length of time you worked and not job hopping. So they'll know you did your job and that you're going to stay.

Just been told I’m going to have 3/4 less of the money I had left for last month I’ve partially dislocated my right shoulder so it’s got to be unbearable trying to survive on that I never get a break