I am reeling.

45 Comments

1. Anna YaguchiJune 28,2022 at 5:38PM UTC

   Is a lateral move into another department or role an option with your current employer? Perhaps you might consider a whole new line of work within your same company? Your years of service an insider brand knowledge might be an asset in an arena you haven't tried before but still might have the applicable raw cross-functional skill to be great at.

2. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 28,2022 at 8:10PM UTC

   YOU didn't lose this job, it was eliminated.

3. Sabine MorrowJune 28,2022 at 8:32PM UTC

   You have 3/4 of a year to find a new job. So get to it. You have no choice here. The job is being eliminated. You are not ready to retire, which then means you have to find a new job and you have some to start looking. That means you need to start today. On the other hand, the outcome, if you do nothing, is clear.

4. Kristie WhiteJune 30,2022 at 12:35PM UTC

   Sometimes the job maybe eliminated but the work is not. Time and again I have seen employers hired back an employee with a specific skill set as a contractor. Also, there may be a severance package like one week of pay for each year. Find out and negotiate for one. Last investigate your financial retirement options. Taking the money does not mean you’re physically retired and not working. But I would try to keep this as a last resort if you can and also seek financial advice. Figure out your budget and resources and options.

5. AnonymousJune 30,2022 at 1:00PM UTC

   I consider it a blessing that you have so much lead time - this gives you time to process and start thinking about your next move (which you're doing). That said, is there retention bonus if you stay until that date? Have you considered working with a career coach to plot out what your next move might be? I wouldn't consider this starting over unless you decide to jump to a whole new field. Use the time you've had with current employer as leverage when considering new offers. Good luck to you!

6. JYJJune 30,2022 at 2:48PM UTC

   Shake ups are not easy, but you have a lot of lead time. Unless you can make a lateral move within the org, get that resume together, update your linkedin and get out there. It's still an employee's market!

7. Michelle HoffmanJuly 1,2022 at 12:19PM UTC

   It is hard when your job is eliminated. You do feel like what did I do wrong. It is ok to go through the steps of grieving - it is natural

   The good news is you have 8 months notice. I had same day notice. Get your resume in order - understand there is a new game out there on how resumes are read and reviewed by algorithms. Work with a career coach. Understand if your company is offering any out services placements. Understand if you receive additional money for staying to the end or not. Believe it or not, you are in control in this situation - it is up to you to make the most out of it.

   I wish you the best for your future.

8. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 12:29PM UTC

   Why do we think that we have to work like crazy for our entire career? This can be a wonderful opportunity to re-evaluate everything. Maybe it’s time to look into doing something fun. Yes, something fun! Look into volunteer opportunities now with organizations that you admire. Often these volunteer roles can materialize into a part-time or full-time role. There are tons of networking groups on LinkedIn and even in your own community. Seek out those groups for tips on navigating the new job search environment. Good luck!

9. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 12:33PM UTC

   Celebrate…..you have made a great contribution in the work force. Now take some time out for yourself. Enjoy your life!

10. GirlBossanova934974July 1,2022 at 12:37PM UTC

    Is there a typo? You have 7-8 months to find another position? Most are given a day notice. 7-8 months is a world of time to find something else. You can be pretty choosey on what you apply for and/or accept. I would get going right away. The BEST question is to ask is IF you can leave before FEB 2023. Let's say you get this great offer but the new employer says start on 1 SEP 2022. Can you depart? I don't think there is anything stopping you. But in the meanwhile, you get a 7 month paid time to go looking. That's pretty good. As an older worker myself, I tend not to get very tied to these companies these days. One minute, they are dumping workers like used table napkins. The next minute they are paying lavish bonuses and huge raises for very average talent.

11. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 12:40PM UTC

    With the amount of people who are unwilling to go into the office to work there are a lot of options out there if you are.

12. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 1:01PM UTC

    I only wish that were true. When you are 60, they would not touch you with a barge pole even if you lick the floor in front of them.

13. Gretchen SkalkaJuly 1,2022 at 12:41PM UTC

    This is a natural feeling - and one you should neither try to 'explain away' or 'push away' - because it will be there no matter what.

    Again - this is natural.
    Especially with an experience that has been more than a quarter of your entire professional history.

    So there is a natural grieving period that you have to expect, which can also be a preparatory period for you to consider what is best for your next professional opportunity.

    What I'm getting from what you've written is that the primary event you're dealing with is the loss and the secondary event is what will be in store next for you.

    So give the primary event your attention right now.
    Not doing that - moving too quickly to 'move on' will leave unresolved mental inventory that will impact everything else.

    A role of 11 years is part of your identity, but it is not your entire identity, nor is it you.
    You were successful in the role for 11 years because of what you brought to it. That doesn't diminish or go away because of a business decision that changes the immediate dynamic.

    So please sit with that for a bit.
    Go back to the beginning, when you first transitioned into this role from your previous one(s) - what was that like? What led you to leave the previous position for this one?
    Why this company? This manager? This position?

    When you're able to look at those items and really pull them out - you'll begin to see a picture of what your next role can look like. You'll have a 'personality profile' of the company/manager/role that fits you.

    This can also really help you identify not just the industry but the type of activity/work that is a match for you.

    Often, people push forward without creating that roadmap first and find they're unhappy or lost or still carrying unresolved feelings for a previous employer, colleagues and others that the change in circumstance will make any kind of closure nearly impossible.

    So take the time to work through the grief of the position and the identity of you in that role at that company, etc. while you get clarity around what the next best opportunity for you looks like.

    I wish you every success and I really hope you let us know how it's going.

14. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 12:44PM UTC

    Same thing happened to me 7 years ago and I could not retire. Looking back now it's the best thing that ever happened to me, I love my new job and company. Take some time, use your network and see what else it out there. Good luck!

15. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 12:49PM UTC

    I agree with the other commenter who posted that you have until February of next year to chart your path forward. I have been downsized, right-sized, etc many times and it was always instantaneously. Consider yourself fortunate to have the gift of time to plan your exit.

16. Robin WJuly 1,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

    I've been in your shoes. I think you should grieve and then be excited you get to dream with intention, rethink and if necessary retool. Here is a link to a virtual workshop that helped me and I'm sure there are more videos out on youtube. https://www.michiganworks.com/mature-worker-workshop/

    I hope this helps. I'm now in a job I love and have been for 6 years. You can too!

17. Christi MillerJuly 1,2022 at 1:06PM UTC

    I agree with what others have said. Evaluate and think about what is truly important to you and for your career. Maybe you want to start your own business. You have 7 months to learn how and network to get a jump on business. Also I would suggest a career or resume coach. They can help you frame all your experience in the best light and minimize the ageism that is it there. Good luck.

18. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 1:18PM UTC

    There is not much I can add that others haven't already stated. This can be a launching pad to greater things. Good luck!

19. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 1:32PM UTC

    While you are looking, try state and county jobs. No, they don't pay as much, but usually have way better benefits. If you find a job at a state college/university, you get the benefit of two retirement plans. It sucks to have your job pulled out from under your feet. At least they gave you a lot of notice.....

20. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

    I’m sorry this is happening to you. I think the biggest takeaway like others have said is to just take this time and ample notice to re-charge, work with a career coach, start slowing it down at this current position so that you give more time to your mental health, and start taking steps for the next move. Hopefully you find something you love before 2023.

21. Ruth Ann GildeaJuly 1,2022 at 1:49PM UTC

    I was laid off from a position I’d held for 26 years, rehired because a colleague opted to retire a year early, and then laid off again. Be grateful for the advance.notice. I wish I’d had it.

    As others have suggested- this can be a positive. Grieve your job loss but look to your future. Good luck - and start networking .

22. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

    I just had a long conversation with spouse about this (similar) situation in my own life. I am 61; been working since I was a kid, and been employed in my field for 40 years. Have advanced degrees, all good. And, four years ago...my employer went bankrupt. Lost my job with many others. Traumatic. Friend, you've been given a gift...of advance notice...so be very thankful for that. Trust the process. You will learn to fill in this new "margin" in your life in ways you never imagined. We spend too many hours of our lives being employed, and not enough time discovering who we are outside of "work". Take this opportunity to develop (or consider developing) yourself in other ways. I would NOT jump into another full time position immediately, unless you must for financial reasons. There is a bright, unknown future ahead for you. Learn to know yourself in the margin.

23. Crystal DerstineJuly 1,2022 at 2:02PM UTC

    Is the company folding? Can you transfer internally to another position if its just your position that is being phased out?

24. Pat RoqueJuly 1,2022 at 2:12PM UTC

    Hi again agreeing with so many comments here about gratitude for the advance notice. And yes these changes don’t always happen by choice, sometimes by chance.

    But there are typically opportunities to reset and rediscover who you are, what you care about, your priorities in this next chapter of your career and life.

    Before you hire a career coach, take half an hour and dig deep for what matters most to you. Here’s a free career soul-searching assessment: enjoy the reflection time, curl up in a beach chair or with a for a baby, and think about what matters to you what you really want to do or not do in the future going forward.

    If you have questions after of course I’m happy to go over your results and talk about ideas to turn wishes into reality.

    God bless.

    www.rockonsuccess.com/soul

25. Darice JohnsonJuly 1,2022 at 2:24PM UTC

    I can relate! I found that after being out of work for a year at 50, I had to change my mindset (not easy), and give myself a break. I went from 25 years in accounting to preschool education. You never know what is next. Maybe try temp work. This may help you find something new.

26. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 2:35PM UTC

    You have time ... use it!

    Turn this into a "I found a new opportunity" from a "I lost my job after 11 years" loss. You will probably surprise yourself at how many unique opportunities are out there for you.

    Take this time to hone your interviewing skills, take some interviewing classes online. Lisa Rangel with ChameleonResumes.com is a free one and very helpful.

    You can do it. Pick yourself up and put one foot in front of the other and amaze yourself.

27. MidwestMaven456July 1,2022 at 2:39PM UTC

    Of course you are stunned to find out that you're losing your job. Just remember that although you have friends or family there, this is business and not personal. Your position is being phased out, like so many others in companies that are consolidating. It is not about you as a person or your work. It is not a punishment and you did nothing wrong. More importantly, they respect you enough to give you advance notice, and that is a wonderful opportunity that many don't have.

    Immediately start looking on line for a new job. Don't be hung up on titles as you want a position that fits all your needs; financially, physical location and type of work. It may not feel like it now, but this is an opportunity for change and advancement.

28. Jennifer TaylorJuly 1,2022 at 2:45PM UTC

    I’m 53 and not only did I find a new job this year, I pivoted my career two years ago. I’m also planning on starting my masters when my daughter finishes hers. I’m telling you all this because if you don’t want to retire, then don’t. Go find yourself a great new job with a company that appreciates your experience. You’ve got this!

29. Heather Saville GuptaJuly 1,2022 at 2:46PM UTC

    Same - I just got a brand new job in a new (to me) industry and graduated with a masters. At 52. Never too old.

30. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 2:47PM UTC

    Start looking now. Get your references in a row. Polish off your resume and have at least three people review it - be gracious and open to feedback. Be very grateful your company is giving you a head start. And good luck!

31. Mike StrenjaJuly 1,2022 at 3:02PM UTC

    New opportunities are good. Look forward to your future and try something different.

32. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 3:41PM UTC

    Start sharpening your skills now in your field (if you want to continue in that path). Otherwise, start doing research now so that you can prepare yourself for what is ahead. Please also understand that being given that much notice is a blessing over having a security guard walk in and escort you out. I understand the grief but the timeframe they have given you is fantastic. You can plan your future and your finances. That is extremely rare.

33. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 3:46PM UTC

    It's time to change your mindset from what do I bring to the job to what can I take with me into the future. Is your employer sponsoring any classes or job placement counselors to help employees? Are they planning on offering a severance package? Do you have supervisors that can provide references? If you plan on continuing in the same field, are there any contacts you have made that can lead to a new possibility?

34. Megan JohnstonJuly 1,2022 at 4:47PM UTC

    These experiences are emotional and tough. Be patient with yourself as you go on this journey. I have always found that even though it feels like a chapter is ending or a door is closing these moments are actually almost always an opportunity for something better. As much as you may enjoy what you do now, there are so many doors to explore and you may find something you love even more than what you have now. If you don't know what you want, I recommend starting with a list of your skills and then searching job listings on LinkedIn or Indeed with the keywords from your skills list. Browse what comes up and look for something that piques your interest. Start now so that you can be patient for the role you can be passionate about.

35. BeaBoss645203July 1,2022 at 6:28PM UTC

    I understand your shock and dismay , but you are very very lucky that they gave you a decent heads up. This is a great time for you to start looking for a job, there seem to be plenty listed on the job sites. Don't be afraid to look outside of your field. You may just find a position that you enjoy better and you have time to look for a location that is acceptable to you and other criteria . Best of luck - I started a new position last year at 70 -

36. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 6:32PM UTC

    Adding to all of the great comments: our son in law was gifted in the fact that he was told, 6 mos ahead...that 2300 people in his company would be "downsized". He knew he would be one of them, since he was younger/less seniority. So, our son in law and daughter decided this was the time for them to contemplate: "Do I still want to live in this city?" (yes/no?)--They decided it was time to leave Chicago (loved it but high cost of living) and return to the home community; this was their golden opportunity to build the life they wanted. So he worked his 5+ mos, left on great terms, they packed it all up and returned home to a city in Ohio..then he worked as a contractor in same industry, took some extra courses...and 10 years later, they are very happy with the life they've built as a consequence of his job loss. So...maybe this is your time to say: 'hey, I"m going to get a forced stop....so this is my time to jump ship and do what I want to do!"...including moving, downsizing, and doing something entirely new/different and fun!

37. ValerieJuly 1,2022 at 7:20PM UTC

    I know what you're going through. I lost my job in 2016 due to a workforce reduction. Believe me when I say there is a blessing in this.

38. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 7:55PM UTC

    If you are over 40, it could be age discrimination.
    It wouldn’t hurt to consult with a Labor attorney about your situation to find out if you can ask for a severance package.

39. 60isthenew40July 1,2022 at 8:16PM UTC

    I know it seems devastating, but it could be the start of better things!

    In June 2020, I lost my job of 21 years (the company closed due to the pandemic). I was also shell-shocked and at 57 years old didn't think my chances of landing a good job were high.

    After 18 months of being unemployed, I got a job making DOUBLE what I made at my previous position, doing the exact same thing! Five months into the new job, I'm still pinching myself.

    I would count it a blessing that they've given you this much notice. It gives you plenty of time to brush up that resume and be selective in the next offer. Don't burn any bridges because you're upset - you may need these people to give you a good recommendation.

    But just keep a positive attitude and don't fear the worst. Yes, there are companies that discriminate due to age, but there are also some great ones out there that value experience (as I can attest to). Best of luck!

40. Cheryl GoldsworthyJuly 1,2022 at 9:15PM UTC

    JobSeeker60 is right! I was laid off at 51 and happy about it. I found a job, during a pandemic in 2020, making double. It took time and I went to a lot of online networking events. It's great they gave you time. I was selective in where I applied. I went to every interview because I needed the practice!

    Brush up on your resume, write down your STAR responses and know them inside and out. This is a great opportunity and I wish you the best.

41. AnonymousJuly 1,2022 at 8:29PM UTC

    LEARN EVERYTHING YOU CAN THAT'S NEW IN YOUR FIELD NOW. You have an amazingly long lead time before you have to leave your job. But after 11 years, there are probably new career-related skills you can brush up on. Keep yourself relevant. Take online courses related to your field (many are free). And start job hunting NOW. It took me more than a year to find a decent permanent position.

42. Wendy ScottJuly 1,2022 at 11:14PM UTC

    I was made redundant in 2020 after 16 years at the same organization and I found it very hard to deal with at first. 18 months later I’ve started a new job at $30k more, for someone I know wants my skills (I’ve worked with her before) and after 3 months feeling I’m settling in well. It’s hard at the time but you will get over it and you will find rewarding work. I’ve included a link to an article I wrote about my experience of redundancy - it helped quite a few people when I posted it on LinkedIn a couple of years ago :-)

    Good luck either the job hunt :-)

    https://medium.com/illumination/redundancy-is-just-like-divorce-b09a5c7cc8d4

43. AnonymousJuly 2,2022 at 2:44AM UTC

    I so relate and extend deep compassion. How about this is a blessing , for something divinely better for you ,instead of being against you! The new job market wants skills and abilities to help fill a need with a good heart,they aren't interested in your previous longevity with one company,they are interested in the honed skills of longevity that they can capitalize upon and utilize in smooth working productivity. You have them all ( seasoned skills and abilities,the total package !)

    Requiring less training and possibly better pay with benefits! It's true it is a win for all. Transferrable skills are very valuable,and you will be surprised that the top recruiting search engines , especially,Indeed,and ZipRecruiter are esteemed and exacting in their filtering process with suggestions ,both inside your familiar field and some outside of the box suggestions they can see your resume matches. The afforementioned search engine sites have online profile helping you create your own resume easily,and in their file making applying a one or two step click ! It's easy and Indeed has it's own private email messaging ,small notebook icon in black upper right corner of job feed. They will notify you when prospective employers are interested.

    You have plenty of time and try a little bit of job search each week ,and remember you have plenty of time until 2023 ,and just trying it out will help your esteem,it worked out well for me and many to choose from,as well !!! Keep the faith and searching for the new job,while already having one is ,an awesome boost in knowing your value ,skills and abilities and passions well seasoned with experience ,making you valued and an asset to any company, and you are already valuable !!!

    Godspeed my friend!!!

44. Wanda ShawJuly 19,2022 at 12:37AM UTC

    Unfortunately, you've no choice but to accept the reality of this unfortunate turn of events, no matter how it may feel. Yes, it's okay to grieve: you've held this position for a little over a decade. In this day and time when folks are changing jobs with the wind, you're to be commended for your loyalty. and congratulations for garnering the trust of your employer. But don't sit on your grief and bewilderment for too long. You've got too much talent just to waste it and give up. Yes, you'll get through this. Make an effort to plot your next move, even if it's just doing one task a day.

45. Bosslady189985August 6,2022 at 7:14PM UTC

    It's never a great idea to stay in one position for more than 3-5 yrs max.
    If you aren't developing new skills, then youre stagnating in this world of rapidly advancing technologies and lightning speed knowledge. Not only stagnating your long term career but in your ability to perform at top quality in the role you're currently in as well. The days of sitting in one job waiting for your pension have been over for a while. We all have to keep our eye on what the business needs, developments in our industry (by reading online), and new education to bring new advantages to our employer. If you do that, you'll never be surprised that your role became obsolete and you'll never be at a loss for transferable skills. We all gotta do it.