Soon to join the ranks of the unemployed

I just found out that my job is likely to be eliminated by the end of 2014 due to cost-cutting measures that include centralizing technical and administrative services. This is a big reduction in workforce and the competition for the remaining jobs will be fierce. I don't have a higher ed degree, so I have pretty much zero chance of getting one of the positions in the reorganized departments, and there's nowhere else for me to go within the organization.

So there goes my $40K job with full benefits. It seems likely I'll be reduced to working multiple part-time jobs with no benefits - if I can find a job at all. Michigan is a terrible place to be looking for work right now. Relocating isn't really an option.

I'm bummed, but I'll survive. My partner's job appears secure for now. He might be able to add me to his insurance plan. It will mean paying the premium and taxes on the benefit, though. Expensive.

Anyone else here lose a job recently, or in the process of losing one? How are you coping?

 

I'm really sorry to hear that, but it sounds like you still have two years to prepare for that possibility. . .how about getting that degree that might make you more marketable? How about deciding what you REALLY want to do and take either the training, or the steps to go in that direction (a small business. . . a different career?)

You're smart, it is obvious in your comments. I know you'll do well. The first chock is hard, but for people who are smart and are not afraid of hard work, it is an OPPORTUNITY rather than a catastrophy.

Good luck. I'm glad that, at the least, you have some time to prepare and make decisions.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your situation.

BUT

Did you vote for Obama? If so, then I have a hard time feeling bad for you. In fact, I think you will get exactly what you deserve.

 

What field of work are you in, if you don't mind me asking?

 

Why is relocating not an option?

 

college......it's never too late to go. Here's a couple of hints for student loans. If you go into teaching for 5 years after you graduate, your student loans are forgiven. If you get a degree and volunteer for 6 hours a month, in respect to your degree, for 5 years, your loan is forgiven. But this has to be somewhat meanginful as a volunteer. Cousin got a degree in computer sciences, oepned up a small shop and travels to local (state) group sponsored homes for up to 10 hours a month...his loans will be forgiven in under three years, now.

 

Education: I considered going back several years ago, but discovered I'd already been gone too long - my prior college credits are mostly worthless. I'd basically be starting over. At my age, there's really no point in my amassing the debt necessary to finish (restart) a degree. I won't live long enough to pay it off.

Starting a business: Let's just say I'm smart enough to recognize the utter folly of me trying to do such a thing, and leave it at that.

A different career: I've never been a career-oriented person. I have acquired skills, not talent. Thus I have a job, not a career.

As a confirmed pessimist, I'm quite aware of the depth of my limitations. I realize people expect more from me, that I should be able to see the possibilities and potential opportunities, but I just don't. And I know that's really frustrating to people who are trying to help.

I'm not afraid of hard work but I've never possessed the kind of drive and desire that really successful people have. I frankly don't know what they're tapping into, but it's a resource to which I've never had access.

What do I really want to do? Retire.

Why don't I do that? Money (or rather, the lack thereof).

The things that really interest me aren't practical (the Arts); they're a source of enjoyment but not even close to being a means for me to support myself. It comes back to that business of needing drive and talent. Since I don't have either one, I've learned to be content with my 'desk job'.

And now it seems I'll have to learn to be content with working harder for less reward. That's life. Mine is what I've made of it (or failed to make of it), so no one should waste their time feeling sorry for me. I'm realistic about my prospects, even if I'm not thrilled about them.

 

You've got 2 year notice, guy. Count your blessings! Start looking for work now. Don't settle for less until you are desperate. And when all else fails go back to school.

 

This is the off-topic forum. I'm not going to discuss politics in this thread.

 

Sorry, not willing to disclose more than to say that I handle budget planning, procurement, financial reconciliation, inventory tracking, basic software support, web content maintenance, and occasionally providing some software training. In other words, it's a kitchen sink job classified as an "administrative assistant".

 

Dude those are solid skills. You've got plenty of time. Don't be such a worry wart. You'll find something.

 

You seem to be a talented writer. What about writing?

 

My partner has a career and is the chief "breadwinner", making almost twice what I do. So my income is just supplemental. There really would be no point to me leaving him behind to take a job somewhere else. If anything, I'd be the one to follow him somewhere else, not the other way around.

We also have elderly parents that depend on us (his mother doesn't drive).

 

For some perspective, I live in Michigan. It's not exactly a booming place.

I have hope that I'll find something. What I don't have hope for is finding something full time or with benefits. Those kinds of jobs are well on their way to becoming extinct. A lot of people are experiencing falling wages and having to work multiple jobs with no benefits. I see no reason to think I'm special in that regard.

 

@ the OP, yes, we've been through it umpteen times. Every time, it was horrible and the worry about the unknown is the worst, but if you are careful, you can end up in a much better place.

The time before last, people with initiative went out and found themselves a new job. Some stayed to the bitter end and were made redundant, but on better terms than were originally offered because they were the very last hangers on to go. These people were virtually unemployable due to things like illness, age etc. Some people just went with the flow and waited and when the employer offered them a less interesting job alternative, which was close to home and didn't require relocation or traveling, they took it. All of these options suited different people in different ways.

I am in my third job in three years and this is the best job I've ever had. I'm glad I put in some effort and found myself the more interesting job, even if it meant traveling. My last job was axed as well, but it went according to (my long term) plan...

I had a place I wanted to get into, but knew it would be difficult to get in because everyone wants in and I had no experience in that specialised field. The job is really interesting, prospects are great and the money is really good. However, I saw how others managed it and when my workplace closed I took a job linked to the one I really wanted. My view was that I would be working with their teams and linking to them so if I did a fantastic job, they would know and I'd get to know them and then when they needed someone....

That worked. I moved into the target job 6 months ago when my old job was axed.

It is horrible, but it is also an huge opportunity to change your life. Just think, make your best guesses and keep your ears open and play your own game.

 

I have lost a job awhile back during the great recession with many others, learn from our experience.

Get into the government offices early for your unemployment bennies. Also leave a little room before unemployment money is exhausted to apply for disability since that takes long to qualify for.

If you're feeling disabled see a doctor as many health conditions may qualify you. Check out the welfare office for food stamp roll qualifications during your last weeks..

Pay off all your debts to create a Surplus so that your savings don't disqualify you for welfare. $2,000 is the Maximum, but check your state laws and do your due dilligence.

Good Luck and welcome to our side.

 

You might check with your employer to see if they would be willing to help you further your education. That is the least they could do since they are basically throwing you out the door..so to speak.

Technical schools are not that expensive, you could get a practical nursing degree perhaps later go for a higher degree. Take a chance.

 

Have you ever considered those "work at home" opportunities (most are just spam, where they take your money upfront and than drop you half way through) that come through you e-mail? I would not recommend it to someone who needs to hit the ground running, but since you have a little time in front of you, you could explore this, maybe start this in a small way (while you keep your "day job,") and, if it works out, it might give you some of the flexibility you seem to want and that feeling of being "half-retired" that you seem to be ready for.

Just a thought!
Don't get depressed though. . .you have a lot of time in front of you. I know something will come up!

 

Well. . .this may sound kind of weird. . .but it might be worth exploring.

Depending on how elderly and "disabled" your parents are, have you consider becoming their care taker? IF they have fairly low income, and if they need assistance with care (i.e., driving to the store for shopping, driving to medical appointment, changing beds, cooking, cleaning the house, even getting dress or doing laundry) they may be eligible for IHSS (In Home Support Services), that is funded by State and Federal tax dollars.

If it sounds like your elderly parents may have this kind of needs, and you want to know more, send me a private message, and I'll give you the detailed information.

 

"2"

It's established relocating is not an option. If indeed your job will be in jeopardy in 2014, it is good advice to begin preparing for the inevitable...now. Update your resume', send out some feelers to get a sense of the job market in your area. Don't raise the white flag and surrender to bleak job reports without finding out for yourself. Don't sell yourself short either, your part-time job now is to sell yourself to potential employer. Focus on your strengths, not your lack of a higher education.

Realizing you don't want to put your current job in immediate jeopardy, you can still start looking without making it known to your current employer you're seeking employment elsewhere. It's easier to find a job when you're employed, so again...don't wait until the axe actually falls. Start now.

Good luck, Godspeed, and do NOT panic, you have time on your side.

Heroticles once said..."The only constant, is change."

Welcome to life.

 

ND, here you come

http://www.ndoiljobs.com/

 

I can't imagine why they would spend money to help educate someone they don't intend to keep around when they're already planning to reduce the workforce with a large number of layoffs. This is all about saving money. The whole idea is to inspire people to get jobs elsewhere or retire before the cuts come. The more people that jump ship now, the fewer you have to deal with as part of the layoff.

Again, my age is a factor, and the broader job climate in the state where I live is a factor. We have more people than jobs, generally speaking. Me going back to school won't change that, and me going back to school won't move me any further away from a retirement age.

But I do appreciate the attempt to be helpful.

 

Old age helps with disability payments to support you, do you have any underlying medical conditions that made it hard for you to do your job?

 

No disability involved and they aren't ready for us to become their caretakers. They're still in their own homes, and they don't qualify for assistance. Bear in mind that my partner has a stable career; that's the bigger factor in our staying put. It's just that taking care of our parents is an additional consideration.

 

All good advice. I mostly just need to wrap my brain around the idea that a job I had planned to retire from is going to evaporate. But I don't intend to allow that to paralyze me into inaction. There's plenty I can do in the meantime. Doesn't suck any less though.