I lost my job a week after I had minor surgery.

Anonymous

April 16,2022 at 5:42PM UTC

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I lost my job a week after I had minor surgery. Heartless to do to someone? No notice, gave me 2 wks severance, said they'd tell me why in a couple weeks? Who does that? I have no idea why, nothing happened. I've never had anything like this happen to me. We worked remotely. Replaying every interaction as to why this could happen. Did I say something to someone? I don't think so?

I'm beside myself and at 50 I feel like a failure at life. I've only worked for the company for 6 months, making the most money I've ever made at only $55,000 a year! This is the 12th time I've lost my job since 2006. The second time I've only ever been fired. Am I fired? I don't know if I'm fired because they gave me severance. I've never been married have no children so my job is my life. It wasn't my performance because I was just getting praise the day before on making something happen! Outside vendors tell me how professional I am, what great emails I write, explaining details, so I just don't get it. Could it be a boys club?

Ohio is an at will state so they don't have to give me an explanation and half the time when a company does it's a puff piece of neutral nonsense.

I'm in printing and publishing which has been a dying industry over the last ten years especially in newsprint. I lived for 6 yrs in my small hometown where no jobs matched my skillset but was willing to give anything a chance that I could do to survive. I worked in factories, was an office manager, did data entry, anything and still one thing after another that was unforeseen and beyond my control I'd loose my job and be back to square one all over again. I feel cursed. I'm just trying to be able to live above just surviving, be able to buy a home so I can feel at home somewhere! I don't know what to do anymore.

My friends think I can somehow just start a business of my own, selling plants or doing art, something but I feel I need a steady income. I'm sick of living in little apartments, striving to be a grown up but not getting what I want out of life despite being positive with each new job and it falling apart. Now I have some sort to PTSD and every time I feel I let my guard down and stop worrying about loosing my job, it happens!

Am I the only person this is happening too? 12 times, I mean come on right? I feel no one truly understands. And now how is this going to look on my resume with a position I only have for 6 months. It has to be on there because I lost my previous job to covid. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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AnonymousApril 16,2022 at 6:16PM UTC
It might be time to sit down with a career counselor or job coach to help you apply that gold ole’ self awareness lens. Something is not right that you’ve lost your job 12 times since 2006. This pattern is long term and simply can’t be ignored.
I’m sorry this happened to you right after surgery but I’m also hard pressed to think there were zero warning signs, especially on the coat tails of this being the 12th time in 16 years.
You’re correct that this will be a challenge on your resume as I’m sure the rest of your job history has been. With so many moves and job losses, this can’t be easy to spin.
if you’re truly interested in creating a different path forward for yourself, sit down with a career or life coach and chart a path forward. Hold yourself accountable and get ready to doing something hard work facing things that will likely be uncomfortable. Best of luck in your next steps.
Alicia MoehrmanApril 16,2022 at 6:25PM UTC
I think you missed the part where I said things beyond my control. This is what I was worried about when posting this. People will only look at the 12 times and automatically think it's all me. I can't control the jobs I lost when I was the last person hired and the first person let go that were due to downsizing, closing or getting rid of the whole department. These things happened many times. I wish I could outline each position and the circumstances. My current resume isn't showing all of this and it was made with a career counselor. Believe me I'm a detail oriented person and there was no signs what so ever at my last position. Everyone who has found out is as stunned as me.
AnonymousApril 16,2022 at 9:44PM UTC
You’ve made my point exactly! Unfortunately, regardless of the circumstances explaining this many job jumps can’t be easy.
Lisa MarieApril 16,2022 at 7:46PM UTC
I'm sorry that happened to you. The timing definitely makes it seem heartless, but that's what "business" is - even though it people who are doing the deeds.
Keep it listed on your resume. If an employer asks about it, you should state whatever their reason(s) in the most positive light that you can.
I wish you much peace until you find another job. Keep your chin up, and keep trying to find another job.
AnonymousApril 16,2022 at 10:16PM UTC
I left the publishing industry 15 years ago due to low wages and as you said, gasping for its last breath. Went into manufacturing in a male dominated area. Life changer, shock and awe at the pay, benefits, training, bonuses, etc. The wages/benefits are even better now in the southern states, which is where I'm located. They're hiring warm bodies, no matter the age, disabilities, mental or physical, so strike while the iron is hot and build a 401k, savings, pension, future, retirement income now. As long as you're willing to show up and learn, you're in.
Rebecca AliApril 17,2022 at 6:18PM UTC
I'm so sorry this has happened to you. It does sound like there is a pattern that is perhaps tied to the job or industry. If there are areas of personal and professional opportunity former bosses and friends have done you a disservice. There's no way for any of us to know that information but self-reflection through journaling and asking friends for honest feedback is a great place to start. You've been given some good advice on getting coaching - although that costs money, I think there are services that will help you for free as "practice" for new coaches. BetterUp would be a good place to start. Finally, if you signed the severance agreement and took the money, then it's more difficult to file a complaint against the company based on any discrimination. I won't say impossible but typically a company gives you severance to make you go away quietly. I know it's hard but try to think of this as a good pivot point and build the life you want - if you have a passion for something like art or gardening, it could be worth writing down how you could make money doing that on the side while you build a safety net. Don't forget you are likely eligible for unemployment while you figure out next steps. Good luck to you.
AnonymousApril 18,2022 at 12:31AM UTC
I think your ficus in losing you job 12 times I 16 years should not be your focus. You can point to 12 different circumstances with 12 different reasons. What would that help?
I think you need to figure out a way not to focus in the trend if being let go. Hard yes but not impossible.
I would start looking at a trade. You'll need to start at tge bottom but create a career path for yourself. Pick a trade that can tap into your natural talent and skills. If you don't know what those are find out. Go back to the counselor that helped you with you resume. Test to find your natural thinking style, your natural abilities. Then choose a natural fit in field and culture.
Losing your job 12 time in the past 16 years is shocking when taken out of context but focusing explanations when each situation comes with its own story and excuse is nit worth your time. Your next move should be with a lot if thought and a plan
AnonymousApril 18,2022 at 12:09PM UTC
I'm sorry this happened to you. If you got severance pay then it sounds like this was a layoff rather than firing for cause. If you're in a dying industry and you keep losing your job unfortunately I think it's time to pivot to a field where jobs are in demand, because you deserve to have something more stable. Good luck!
AnonymousApril 18,2022 at 12:41PM UTC
Good morning. First I can relate to being let go many times due to circumstances you cant control. I was in construction when the industry tanked and everything stopped - with many companies closing. It's difficult to think things can regroup. But they can.
Your post is alarming in a few ways. First, you are focusing on what "was" and haven't yet realized you have value. And that is a waste of time! Get busy,
Your local unemployment office should have classes or seminars on "how to" and they really do help if you want them to. I made it a priority to attend some training seminars when I was out of work and discovered seminars full of people in the same boat as I was, and realized it wasn't "just me". The counselors were very helpful with resumes and intro letters to prospective employers, and even lists of companies looking for help. They even offered free education for those that wanted to learn new skills. It was worth the time.
Second, stop feeling sorry for yourself and looking at the negative. I know its hard - but I have found thru experience that attitude is everything and how we present ourselves can make all the difference. Even over zoom!
If you can move, start looking at different areas. There are many areas that are growing fast and jobs are plentiful. Do the research while you have time. You might be surprised what is out there!
Lastly - stop looking back and start looking forward to a new beginning.
I wish you the best. You can do this!
Rae WagonerApril 18,2022 at 1:03PM UTC
Getting out of the print/publishing business (which I LOVED and was pretty darn good at) was the best career move I ever made. It IS a dying industry, and the folks at the top of the food chain are scrambling to prolong the inevitable.
I was the General Manager of a publishing company owned by a newspaper/media corporation when I transferred to the newspaper division some GOSH 25 years ago now, and after my "new role" date was set, I was informed that my final task at the pubco would be to permanently downsize my division by half the workforce. It was AWFUL. I had an outstanding team, and having to let people go who had done nothing wrong and had been so good to both the company and to me personally was revolting.
The newspaper career path was great until it wasn't. People don't care about the accuracy of news or the completeness of coverage anymore, and newspaper companies have evidently stricken the copy editors and proofreaders from their payrolls.
Depending on your role there, I see a number of potential career paths. If you were a writer, there are tons of agencies looking for copywriters. SO many agencies have remote staff members, even prior to the pandemic, and the money may shock you.
If you know much about social media, I'd encourage you to learn more, as there is money to be made creating and scheduling content for businesses and organizations both large and small.
As was mentioned, substitute teachers are in high demand across the nation, and that might give you some financial stability while you plan your next move.
Finally, assess your skillset and think outside what you have always done. The AMAZING career that I have now? I finally figured out that I have been training for it all my life, and that all of my varied work experiences make me a valuable team member.
Best of luck, and keep us posted.
Nature LoverApril 18,2022 at 2:42PM UTC
If someone is in the print media business and actually still has proofreading skills, there is a path, although narrow- Government. My dad worked for a DC area family owned printer for over 30 yrs, and worked on big name products- WaPo, NatGeo, etc. He started as a union apprentice and end up being a manager and trained proofreader. After the family biz closed, he went through 3 other companies and landed in a job as a proofreader for the state legislature. Other places may not care about grammar and typos, but when it comes to writing bills to become laws, they sure do!! If proofreading is your niche, look for government jobs.
AnonymousApril 18,2022 at 2:37PM UTC
I guess if you've lost 12 jobs in that same industry it's time to find a new, more robust, industry.
I would speak with a career coach for some help identifying transferable skills for a new career path.
AnonymousApril 18,2022 at 3:00PM UTC
Hi-
I'm sorry this has happened to you, but if you were fired you would have not gotten severance pay. It sounds more like you got laid off, that is usually the only time you get severance. If would have gotten fired they would have given you nothing.
froerden@yahoo.comApril 18,2022 at 5:39PM UTC
Sorry to hear about that. I can say I’m in the same club. I’ve had too many jobs to remember since turning 50 (I’m 59). I keep getting new jobs that start great and then end for so many reasons. I was fired once. All the others were “were losing business (not because of me) , you’re paid too much (really? You hired me!) business bankruptcy, business was bought out/sold/closed/owner died! If you’re still getting new jobs, I would say it’s not you. Keep going and looking forward to the next opportunity. Maybe starting your own business (at least asa a side job) is something to consider! You have lots of varied skills and experience. Good luck.