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Post by missysauter on Jan 22, 2016 15:51:41 GMT
The reality of my new life is kind of setting in. On Tuesday I was laid off from the law firm I have worked at for 19 1/2 years. I thought I was being called into HR for my annual review. After I sat down she told me the firm was cutting back in several departments and that I was being let go. This HR person has only been with the firm for a year and barely knows me. I started at the firm when Kate was 6 months old and she'll be 20 next week. I burst out crying. I was so stunned I could barely speak let alone think straight. I'm 48 and I honestly thought I would retire from the firm. I asked her when would be my last day and she told me her assistant would walk me back to my desk and I would have five minutes to gather up my belongings and whatever I couldn't get they would box up and mail to me. Her assistant, who is a friend of mine, walked me back and watched me. I had been working on a document and was going to get out of it to pass off to someone else and they had already locked me out of my computer. It was such a humiliating experience. I was treated so cold after being there for almost 20 years. I get that's what "big business" does but I deserved better. The poor assistant was crying while I was packing. I didn't get to say goodby to anyone other than the two ladies who work in my cubbie area. I was walked to the elevator and given a voucher for a cab to get to my car. It is so sad because I absolutely loved my job and the people I worked with.
I sobbed the whole way home. I just kept apologizing to my husband who was gone flying. I found out the next day that 7 of us were let go. Two other ladies had almost 30 years in with the firm. I have filed for unemployment and will start a job hunting on Monday or Tuesday. I'm thinking I no longer want to work in the legal field. I'm trying to find peace with what has happened and to try to get out of the way to listen to what God would like me to do.
I haven't needed a resume since 1992. I need to get started on creating something new. I'm going to call the Texas Workforce Commission on Monday to set up a meeting to get some help because I don't know where to begin a job search.
I have noticed there are lots of court shows on TV during the day. Maybe I can substitute for Judge Judy if she ever gets tired of dispensing justice.
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Post by myboysnme on Jan 22, 2016 15:54:29 GMT
You might want to look at filing an EEO discrimination complain based on age (over 40)
How horrendous.
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Post by Patter on Jan 22, 2016 15:56:34 GMT
I am SO, SO sorry! Unfortunately, I am way too familiar with that type of "letting go." I have seen it happen to lots of families and it grieves me!!!! People give and give to the companies they work for then are just let go like they meant nothing to them all of those years. It is horrific, and truthfully it makes me very angry. I am thankful to hear that you are listening to the Lord and what He would have you do next. He has something amazing for you whether that be a new job or not. I have just prayed for you. Hugs and prayers, and know that I am aching for you!!!!!
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mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,022 
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Post by mimima on Jan 22, 2016 15:57:24 GMT
I'm so sorry
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Post by chirpingcricket on Jan 22, 2016 15:57:28 GMT
Oh, my goodness, I cannot even begin to imagine the hurt you've been dealt. It's massively unfair, and I can't tell you how sorry I am. What a monstrous way to treat someone who's worked there for so long. I really hope you find a better job at a nicer place -- I really do.
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grrlsmom
Full Member
Posts: 140
Jun 26, 2014 2:38:20 GMT
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Post by grrlsmom on Jan 22, 2016 15:58:40 GMT
Awww, this sucks. My SIL had it happen after about 30 years, same escort out, etc. Take some time to calm down. Let it out, get angry, hurt, grieve for it. Then decide what you are going to do with the new options you have. Good luck! You can get through it.
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Post by liya on Jan 22, 2016 15:59:45 GMT
Wow. What an awful thing to have happen. I am so sorry.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jan 22, 2016 16:01:17 GMT
I'm so sorry to hear this. It just adds insult to injury when they let people go like that too. How hard would it have been for them to treat you with decency and kindness? I cannot even imagine how that must have felt. Hopefully someone there will give you a good reference, it's the least they can do after 19 years of employment. Good luck in your job hunt.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 2, 2024 10:59:15 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2016 16:01:22 GMT
I'm so sorry. That's terrible and I can't imagine being treated so poorly by a company, after spending so much time there.
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,566
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Post by anniebeth24 on Jan 22, 2016 16:04:50 GMT
So sorry that the rug was pulled out from under you. hugs and best wishes.
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,650
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Post by valincal on Jan 22, 2016 16:05:10 GMT
I'm so sorry...that's brutal! I hope something great comes your way. Take care.
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Post by annabella on Jan 22, 2016 16:06:01 GMT
I'm so sorry! It sounds like they fired long term employees because I bet you were making the highest pay for your title. I have a friend who used to work for a law firm and when she was terminated it was exactly the same procedure, it's nothing personal. The up side is that you may find some place else you like better! Hang in there! Will your boss still give you a reference?
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Post by dreamer on Jan 22, 2016 16:06:58 GMT
That is just so sad! I am sorry for you but I can't help thinking along the lines of mayboysnme. Lets bring in younger employees! Cheaper!
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Jan 22, 2016 16:06:59 GMT
I am so sorry to hear this!! That is a terrible way to treat someone who's worked for the company and given so much time and expertise to it for YEARS. And to be hustled out like you'd done something wrong?? Horrible. Did they at least give you some sort of a severance package?? it sounds like no... which is even worse.
I also think you might want to talk to the other people who were laid off, and perhaps talk to an attorney about the potential for a suit for age discrimination. It sounds like they chose people who had more years (and higher salaries) to get rid of, and kept younger, less-well-paid people.
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valleyview
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,816
Jun 27, 2014 18:41:26 GMT
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Post by valleyview on Jan 22, 2016 16:07:16 GMT
I'm so sorry! I hate that companies do not give any warning before these staff reductions! I hope that you find something soon.
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,618
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Jan 22, 2016 16:08:32 GMT
I am so sorry you have to deal with this. Did they give you a severance package? This has been happening at my company over the last year or so. A lot of long time employees (20+ years) have been laid off. I've been here for 19 years so I'm waiting for my "conversation". They're letting long time employees go but they can't seem to get younger employees in (serves them right!). The younger employees don't want to put in the hours, want $$$$ not benefits, etc.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,714
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jan 22, 2016 16:11:13 GMT
I'm so sorry. That is just the worst!
I'd suggest if you are not on LinkedIn, to create an account. When I was on the job hunt, I upgraded to the level where you could denote that you were in the market for a new opportunity. I had many recruiters/companies contact me for positions.
Good luck!
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
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Post by raindancer on Jan 22, 2016 16:16:16 GMT
Holy shit that is just horrible. What an awful way to deal with a layoff! No notice, no compensation, no goodbye? What assholes. I'm so sorry!
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Jan 22, 2016 16:17:38 GMT
wow, I'm sorry. What jerks! I predict you'll find something with better pay, and with people that appreciate your hard work. This will be a good thing in the long run!
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Post by AN on Jan 22, 2016 16:20:43 GMT
Oh my gosh, I am soooooo sorry! That is just devastating.
Can I recommend the book 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller? I actually disliked the book when I read it, but I did the exercises and what it told me to do in the job hunt, and it was insane how fast it worked. We used similar techniques when DH job-hunted (with very different experience in a different industry/profession in a different state) and it worked like a charm for him too.
I'd take a few days to wallow, personally, but when you are ready to go get 'em, that book is awesome. I FULLY BELIEVE better things lie ahead for you!!!
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psiluvu
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,217
Location: Canada's Capital
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Post by psiluvu on Jan 22, 2016 16:26:16 GMT
That happened at a previous firm I worked for. 6 of us were laid off one week and another 4 the next. I had been there 5 years but a couple of the ladies were there 20+. It is a really shitty feeling.
My only advice is to take the time to think and react calmly. My dh had had notice that his plant was closing and he would be laid off 2 weeks after I was let go. I panicked and took the first job I applied for. It was a nightmare and I lasted a long 18 months there before I found where I am now. So don't make any rash decisions. Hugs and I'm sorry.
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gloryjoy
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,332
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Post by gloryjoy on Jan 22, 2016 16:27:43 GMT
I'm so sorry.
What is wrong with companies that they can't let you go with dignity?
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Post by Outspoken on Jan 22, 2016 16:30:58 GMT
Well, this just stinks! I am so sorry for you! My devotion this morning was titled:
God demonstrates His faithfulness in the desert just as He does on the mountaintop!
I know He has plans for you!
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Post by bc2ca on Jan 22, 2016 16:32:36 GMT
I'm so sorry this happened to you. As someone that was the HR person for many years, this is the standard way to lay someone off and there really isn't a kind and gentle way to do it. We always had outplacement specialist on site to meet the laid off employees and severance packages, but in the shock of the moment the employee needed time to process what has happened before dealing with any of that. I'm not sure why people are jumping to age discrimination and length of service as the reasons for OP being laid off. The HR person only being there a year is not relevant. {{{hugs}}} missysauter, it sounds like you have a plan to get help with the job search. |
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Post by LiLi on Jan 22, 2016 16:36:19 GMT
I am so sorry.  Hopefully, you will find something better, that you love! |
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Post by pjaye on Jan 22, 2016 16:36:59 GMT
Yes, it's brutal. Happened where I work too. Big companies like to do it that way without warning. Where I work, about 2 years ago, everything was totally normal on Monday, on Tuesday we came to work and there were 4 HR people there and they called 4 people at a time into simultaneous meetings and told them they were being made redundant. The company has a proper payout/settlement policy and it's clearly set out and everyone got the payout that they were entitled to - and if they do it all properly there is no case to contact a lawyer and make any sort of unfair dismissal claim. Companies have the legal right to reduce staff and cut jobs....they just need to follow the process correctly and pay the right amount of severance.
I lost 15 colleagues on that first day and it's been like dominoes ever since, but the first lot was the worst and no-one had any idea what was about to happen. Now everyone is waiting for their hammer to drop and although it's still horrible, it's not the same shock that the first people experienced. It was even more shocking because some of the people who went were nurses...and it's just not something that generally happens to us, so we didn't have any experience of it. We had a 'specialist' team of nurses, the ones who knew the most and were the most trusted and the support people to the newer staff - all of them went, and they also cut of their internet and phone access straight away. Many of them were really hurt by that sort of treatment. I think it's needlessly cruel to do that, bad enough that you've just lost your job then to be treated like you'd sabotage something is just insulting on top of it all.
It's hard but try not to take it personally, it's just what they do in these situations, they don't trust "you" specifically, it's part of the standard process. It's a horrible way to end a job and the people that I've stayed in contact with are still bitter about it.
Take a few days to wallow, and then regroup and work out what's next for you. Everyone I know has found new jobs and some of them like them more. |
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,355
Location: Dallas Texas
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Post by SabrinaP on Jan 22, 2016 16:38:48 GMT
Hugs. I can't even imagine being treated like that after so long with the company! I'm hoping your job you love is waiting around the corner for you.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 2, 2024 10:59:15 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2016 16:39:11 GMT
That sucks. I'm so sorry.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 22, 2016 16:41:22 GMT
I am so sorry.
You deserve so much better than to be treated like that.
(((hugs)))
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Jan 22, 2016 16:43:15 GMT
I am so sorry. What a brutal experience!
Be gentle with yourself this weekend.
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Hopefully, you will find something better, that you love!
