I got laid off three weeks ago tomorrow

pharmseller · Post by **pharmseller** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:13 pm

The pharmaceutical industry is very dynamic. Sometimes that's a good thing, as companies expand to meet new needs. Sometimes not, as companies contract due to lower revenues.
On 30 November I got THE phone call. We downsized and, with deep regret, my company had no place for me. Hey, it was a good six years and I was fully vested in my pension plan. I had seen this coming for a few months so I was financially and emotionally prepared.
The package, which they have no legal obligation to give me, is VERY generous. I am grateful.
In addition, I got EXTREMELY lucky and found a job almost immediately. This means I will pocket the severance AND begin a new job. Prior to this I was unfamiliar with the concept of "double-dipping."
I start my new job on 2 January. My salary is not quite as much but I will probably make more money due to a better bonus structure.
All in all, no complaints. God has been very good to me and mine.
The lesson? BE PREPARED. No job is guaranteed. Take care of your finances and your resume. Work hard for your company but do not be blind to the realities of business. Change is inevitable.

Merry Christmas!

Quinn

crs · Post by **crs** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:19 pm

Glad to see you landed on your feet! Being prepared is what it is all about. In my career, it seems that sales folk are more prepared than many others.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:20 pm

Quinn, I am glad it worked out for you. Your advice is sound. It is a shame that all too often, many get caught unprepared for a layoff. I am glad you were;

jengel · Post by **jengel** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:22 pm

Congrats on the new job. I am leaving my county job of 12 years and am going to be a gun shop manager / gunsmith. I will be taking a month of vacation with the county and working full time for the gun shop. I'll be double dipping for about a month. That will be about $1000 extra that month. It sure is nice to have a little bit of extra income.

JReed · Post by **JReed** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:30 pm

Well I am glad that you were prepared and got a new job so quickly. Just goes to show you should hope for the best but always plan for the worst.

Merry Cristmass to you as well Sir

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:31 pm

Quinn -

The company I work for has gone through a few of these cycles. Just 2 weeks ago they announced cutting 1,000 jobs and shutting down 5 plant sites. Glad to hear you were prepared, and have landed on your feet. I had this happen to a close friend about a decade ago, and he had a similar situation - got a job relatively quick, and put the severance package into his kid's college fund. Given the size of the package (a year's salary - they don't do that any longer), how young his kids were, and how fast he found a new job, he instantly paid for their education! Sometimes the change ends up being for the best!

Good luck!

jazman · Post by **jazman** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:21 am

Quinn-
What a great post. Really nice to read such positive thoughts, especially this time of the year, I salute you. With an attitude like this no question you will do well and be happy. Nice. Jim

hfcable · Post by **hfcable** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 1:02 am

Quinn, great post and am happy you llanded another job right away.. somehow, i believe you are the kind of guy who will always do that! anywaY, CONGRATULATIONS!

Post by **Old Savage** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 1:38 am

Well then, a xmas vacation in effect. I have again this year decided not to fire myself or lay myself off. That makes 30 straight years I have made this decision.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am

you're supposed to get laid off before deer season, not after

Glad you landed on your feet.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 7:28 pm

Quinn,
I'm happy that something bad turned out so well for you! Good luck in he new job!

LeverBob · Post by **LeverBob** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 7:49 pm

Good for your Quinn...glad you made the transition smoothly.

Such is not the case for people like me. I'm a business owner. 3 in fact.
I lost 3 bids for contracts in this month alone. worth $120,000. This put me and my people is survival mode. Your prayers are solicted.

I wish to all My family a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. G-D Bless.

LeverBob

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:09 pm

Good luck! When this happened to me it was for the better.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:11 pm

Hey, that company name didn't begin with "A" did it? One of my larger customers. The have "released" one way or another, almost 1000 people.

The Lewis · Post by **The Lewis** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:23 pm

Well, looks like someone has a bigger gun budget

. Congrats on everthing working out.

brucew44guns · Post by **brucew44guns** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:31 pm

Quinn, I used to live 8 miles from you there in beautiful Oregon, was let go at my job, and wound up moving to Kansas. I'm glad you didn't have to report something like that happening to you! But I'm blessed too as a result, just retired in fair shape after so much turmoil in the late 80's in my life. Things work out, if you work. Good luck. Bruce

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:10 pm

Such troubles I should have...

Good for you Quinn.

I got laid off three weeks ago tomorrow

I got laid off three weeks ago tomorrow

sound advice

let go at work