Tom, I was in a very similar position about three years ago. I'd been with my company for fourteen years, the job had turned somewhat toxic over the last few, I got laid off in the wake of the GFC, and thanks to my length of service, my severance was enough to take stock for a bit. I don't know how you're feeling about it right now (my reaction turned out to be relief), but in any case, I hope that when you find your next job, you look back on this as a positive occurrence.
One thing I'd suggest, either in addtiion to or in lieu of the headhunting idea - you might find it helpful to talk to an outplacement firm. I found it very helpful in sorting out just what shape I wanted my next career move to take, and what I could find in the job market. (One caveat - my firm arranged for outplacement services for everyone who was laid off, so I don't know what it'd cost out of your own pocket.)
Timelies all!
I'm sorry about the layoff, Tom.
Last year I got laid off after 10 years at the company. I got a 10 year anniversary present in the mail a week later with a card saying 'Congratulations'.
I'm sorry in some ways, Tom, and as sorry as you need me to be about your layoff...
BUT. I wish so much that I'd been laid off during our last layoffs in October. People with my length of service recieved good severance packages. Instead, I got to work in a miserably low-morale environment and deal with the replacement Chief Medical Officer who's so awful that everyone is either quitting or wants to quit. I tried to negotiate a lay-off of some sort (when I gave notice and had a lot of leverage since the only other person who can do my crucial job - my employee - was on vacatin for 3.5 weeks) and was told by a very sympathetic HR that me and my employee were considered "untouchable" for layoffs because our job was too critical (finding people who have my skill-set isn't easy). So it was just a nightmare all around.
The good part is that I am actively sought as a consultant and can definitely make a living doing that until I find the next perfect full time job (if that's what I want). So I am lucky in that regard. However, I am still pissed that almost 5 years in a company I once adored has turned out this way. Oh, well.
You've been wanting to leave for quite a while now, and I know financially you're very responsible. So you've got a few months to enjoy life and figure out what comes next. I think you're actually in a pretty damned sweet spot. And no more listening to your co-workers be snide about the OWSers!!
Damn, Tom, I'm sorry. At least it looks like you can get some recharging done.
Burgers and beer shortly. Or wine, for me.
Articles like these are why my sister keeps shouting at me about arguing with Brian Moylan, and why I fully expect to get banhammered from Gawker one day. Seriously, jizzing about the sexuality of a fifteen year old? How is that not disturbing? Especially when said fifteen year old hasn't identified his sexuality? My god, that's so vapid and creepy.
eta: Ack, even the brother who's out of the closet is underage in most states.
Scola,
I'm sorry to hear it. Ugh.
"I was a little afraid, as an African American. I mean, I knew where my family tree might end up. But I went on ancestry.com anyway. And I found out my great great grandfather was born a slave--but died a businessman. And that was worth finding."
You know what? Fuck you. Seriously. Are you implying that slavery is shameful for slaves and their ancestors? That not dying free was not just a personal failure, but something to be transmitted to your progeny? Seriously, fuck you. Every forefather (and mother) of yours that died in chains should be more than a little ashamed of you right now. They didn't do anything wrong.
Sorry, that ad just set off a whole bunch of triggers for me.
Tom, I am so sorry. I'm glad you've got some time with the severance package, though.
