OT- but I need a whole lot of sympathy

Today was one of the most traumatic of my life.  Not quite on the same level as the death of family members or the pre-mature birth of my son but close to it!

After 23 years I was laid off from AT&T!  I knew that I was rated the highest on my team, had been for 3 years, so thi**** me out of the blue.  While I knew we were going to have lay offs, well before it was announced on the news yesterday, because of my rating it never occurred to me I would be effected.  Apparently it was decided to centralize my job function, contract manger, in Chicago.  Out of 17 of us, 13 were laid off!

I've got 60 days before I'm off payroll.  There's a possibility I'll find another position in the company, but it's very doubtful.  After so long, the company is part of my identity, that I can't imagine being without.

I'm still basically in shock!  So I went to Costco for milk and butter, left there $300 later!  I found something interesting in the frozen fruit section.  It's Yoplait Smoothie mix, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and yogurt.  You mix it with milk in the blender, I thought it would be great with protein powder added.

Then on the way home, I stopped at Home Depot to get an extra appliance time for the Xmas lights.  $60 later I left there.  Most of their Christmas decorations are already 50% off. I found the most amazing PURPLE (my favorite color) live poinsettias!  Sounds crazy I know, but they're gorgeous!  They also come in bright blue.  Only $8 too!

There's nothing like some shopping therapy to make your feel better!  Except for a lot of hugs from my OH family!

Michele

Wow...That's horrible. Is there a reason why you aren't going to retire? I mean 23 years is alot of years and not have retirement...

I lost a job after five years as a manager and they gave us all sorts of training in the last months to re-train us to do our resume, dress professionally, interview...because many of us hadn't even updated our resumes in YEARS...

Michele that is awful!  At least you have plenty of time to find another job if that is what you want.  I hope you can find something you will enjoy.

My DIL's Mom was told on Monday that her company was closing FRIDAY!  Merry Christmas to all of those employees!

Costco and I have a love/hate relationship.  I love going there and I love their stuff.  I hate that the closest one is an hour away and I hate that I can't leave the store  without spending hundreds of dollars.

I am SOOO thnakful that my DH is retired and our checks come from the govt!  We are constantly having to adjust because it is a fixed income and everything seems to be going up.  But at least our checks will keep coming. Our health care costs are low and our drugs are free.

Oh Michele that is so horrid for you.  BUT, yay you for not turning to food for comfort.  What an inspiration you are to us.

hugs,

I am so sorry.  I left AT&T after 27 years.  Fortunately, I was able to retire because of age and service.  I was non-management.  I did not look for another job and have enjoyed retirement.

Try to keep your head on straight and do not head for the food.  Really retirement has been helpful in my weight control--not that, I do not have to deal with a little regain.  

Hang in there, There is life after AT&T.

Ruby Rosebud
rny 3/11/2005
262/125/139
hi/lo/toay    

Michele, I'm SO sorry to hear this!!!! I hope that you are able to find something else without too much of a problem. It seems you were kind of blindsided and that's not fair.

I'm so sorry for you!  I understand somewhat what you are going thru.  My company keeps outsourcing departments to India!  We lost another 10 employees Tuesday.  At least, they have until April, but they have to train their Indian replacements!  I sure hope that Obama can get this ship righted.

Thanks to all for your words of encouragement!  Today I just feel sad.

Michele

Dang Michele....I am so sorry that this is happening to you and your fellow workers. We are living in some mighty scary times for sure. I will pray for you that another job surfaces for you in the 60 days. Lots of sympathy goes out to you for sure!

hi michele

im really sorry about the loss of your job.  they always do it this time of year too and that sux.

stay strong and keep on doing what you need to do.  try and enjoy the holidays best you can and hopefully 2009 will be good to you and yours.

and purple poinsettias, wow that rocks it my fave color too.  may have to go find me some
but not sure if i can with my kitty, he is badddddddddd.

be safe and well, jacki