Nothing Personal, Your Job Has Been Eliminated

Posted: February 8, 2016 in Opinions and Observations, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

There are many times when there is no time.  Projects get pushed back, things that are important to me get put off.   The things that I love get thrown onto the back-burner or get turned off altogether.  Last week was another one of those, but I would like to let you know why, as I have been off line for a lot longer than I wanted.  I miss you guys.

Last Friday began as a great day.  I go into work on Fridays and the first time I meet co-workers I say “happy Friday” with a big smile.  After years of this it spread throughout the company and everyone greets others with a smiling “happy Friday”.  Ten minutes into the day everything changed.

In the last fifteen years I have worked for the same company.  However, the owners and president have changed many times in that period.   On that Friday morning I was summoned by HR.  Once in the conference room with senior staff I realized this would be my last day and that I was being terminated.  Mergers and acquisitions – nothing personal – your job has been eliminated.  I was escorted out of the building and sent home.  In a weird coincidence, I got a winter cold that day and it got worse as the week went on.  I am still not back to normal but feeling almost human, so I wanted to let you know why I have been out of the loop.

For the first fifteen minutes or so driving home I was quite angry.  By the time I was half way home I was happy to have a day off – made only better by the fact that I did not have to go back to work on Monday.  I love the people I work with.  I love doing what I do – did.  The newest owners took all the joy out of that and it was stressful in so many ways that I came to hate going in.  Problem solved.  Just not the way I wanted to solve this particular problem.

I called my wife and let her know.  I felt it was coming for a while now and we were preparing for this a little bit here and there, but it still caught me off guard.  We have to make some dramatic decisions; income, insurance, bills, resume updates, and on and on.  All when I was really not feeling healthy and energetic.  Moving slow and needing lots of rest.

I am a logical person as I have tried to portray on this blog, but as you all know (great friends that you are) I am also very emotional.  This is what helps drive some of my creative projects – seeing two sides of the same story.  So;

Here I am

Unemployed

Too soon to retire and possibly too old to get another job in a similar position or pay.

Many of us are facing the same thing.  I am not alone in that.  These challenges are everywhere.

When my daughter Alisa came over that day she wanted to show me an older blog post she had discovered from one of my blog friends.  I read the post slowly and so you understand how much of an impact it had.

http://mynameisjamie.net/tag/midimike/

This is one of the most precious and sincere posts I have read.  It hit me hard not only because I truly needed to read this – on THIS day, but the beauty behind it is truly remarkable.  I try every day to affect others as positively as I can.  I want to think that the world is a tiny bit better because I am here.  I don’t know any other way to say this, so I will stop there.

As I read the post and listened again to the attached musical performance I felt more and more.  More of her pain.  More of her wisdom, more of her gratitude.  Each new emotion uniquely tied to a tear as I cried.  A week later while writing this I am again brought to tears.  Many of us have no idea how important our actions – good or bad – affect others around us.  I never wrote a response as my list got longer and longer and less important things took my time and attention.  I will try harder to focus on the important things.  Not as an apology but as a promise.

I am not sure what the near future will throw at me.  I cannot guarantee how much time I can steal for things I truly enjoy and appreciate, but I thank each of you, as you have no idea how important your thoughts, support and comments are to me (and maybe others as well).  Thank you for sharing and allowing me to share with you.  WE are not alone – we are a community.  Family.

http://mynameisjamie.net/tag/midimike/

 

 

 

Comments
  1. The Bioman says:

    Hey Man – don’t despair – although you may have lost a job you have gained untold admirers from your torn asunder plying of the internet waves. I will not let you be until you make another post, less arbitrator and more offensive like PUNK and ME Yaaah!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      With friends like you how could I despair! This is very generous of you to say. Bless you for the ‘kick in the pants’! You are right as usual. Like a magnifying glass in sunlight, I need to focus to get things cooking. Wallowing in despair is not my style! Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Kelly says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about this. Your outlook is amazing. There’s something in our culture that makes our identity synonymous with our jobs and I personally think it’s destructive, we are not our occupations, we are so much more. However, in our money driven world it’s overwhelmingly so, and as someone who is also not employed, it feels very hollow. I know you are cared for by the Universe, friend, and this world benefits from your presence. Something better is coming! Keeping you and your family in my prayers, Mike!

    Liked by 3 people

    • midimike says:

      Thank you. I agree with our observations. In days past, you could work, learn skills and build a good life for yourself and family. Today it seems skills and dedication do not stop corporate mergers and ‘bad luck’ from stripping us from everything we have worked for. I try to separate the two s much as possible. In fact, my ‘image’ does not match corporate styles and I do not play politics in order to climb the business ladder. I know my job does not define me yet in the consumer driven economy we are almost forced to play their game. I have been through this a number of times in my life. To me there is HONOR in serving others. It is not weakness or stupidity that is displayed when we find ourselves unemployed or struggling to take care of home and family. You have always been so kind and I do not take your comments or wishes for granted. I like your reference to hollow. It reminds me of market ‘bubbles’ that burst too easily. Unfortunately there are many lives that depend on those markets yet we have no control over their success. We do have some control over ours and how we identify ourselves based on values not $$$. I appreciate your position and point of view. Many thanks, Kelly!

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Pleasant Street says:

    wishing you well

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Ugh! So sorry to hear this. Hang in there. There is something MOST amazing coming right around the corner.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      Ha! Thanks. I was not the first and I will not be the last in this process. I am well versed in hanging in there! In a previous article I mentioned being prepared and ready for the next door to open – as I am sure it will. Life is good and your support and thoughts are great motivation.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Life has something planned for you. Wish you all the best Mike.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I love this: the honesty; the transparency; the way you write; your friend’s post…WOW!

    Last year, I walked away from a full time hop to start my own business, doing what I love. I’ve never struggled so much and have never been happier!

    I pray you find what you’re looking for!

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      You made my last week so much better! I have allowed my dedication to company and fellow employees dominate my time and energy. This is not a bad thing and I am just as honest and transparent at work as I am in my writings. Look at my picture and you can imagine the challenges I have excelling in the ‘corporate world’. Knowing of successes like yours only gives me – and others – encouragement to take that leap to follow our own skills and passions. I truly love challenges and the struggle to improve or help others. I look forward to a time when I can benefit from those efforts in support of what I truly love and follow your example. Again, thank you so much for your comments.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. pixieannie says:

    Damn. Do you get severance pay? There’s never a right time for such a thing. I don’t have amy magical powers but if I did, I’d fly over and give you a hug.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      Ditto! LOL. Technically, I am not allowed to discuss with anyone what was offered to me. If there is something to be learned from the re-blog and my last post – YOU do have magical powers and I appreciate your time and comments more than you probably know. In the meantime, please accept my return hugs!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Susan Scott says:

    Sorry to hear of this – it’s a shock and importantly, give yourself time to grieve. It’s a serious loss – I wish you well.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      That is such a great point and so easily overlooked. The money is one thing but over 15 years (really 25 because I worked for the company before for years…) I have known some great people and developed strong relationships with fellow employees. I will try to stay in contact but if you ask me what I miss the most, money takes the back seat though it is a serious loss. I thank you for taking the time and for your thoughts.

      Like

  9. normabobb says:

    It is always hard to make a new start, but you can. You will rebound and you might even surprise yourself.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      It gets harder as we get older. (I tell friends I am not getting old; I already am!) You are so right. Many times we think we are faced with challenges impossible to overcome and in a short time look back and wonder why we limited ourselves. I am here for the long-haul! Thank you for your thoughts and encouragement.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Nicodemas says:

    Well like the others sorry to hear about the job, but I love your outlook and how this could be a blessing in disguise. Maybe there will be more time for those projects you want to work on. Regardless, wishing you all the best, and peace.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Nice post Mike!
    I’m sorry you’ve found yourself in this position but maybe it’s a sign, the sign that you need to start a new chapter. A chapter that you own and control entirely.
    Sending you good vibes 😉
    Kerp ip the good work!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    • midimike says:

      Much appreciated! This was a pretty big sign and it hit me in the face, but I did not run into it blindly. I agree with you totally. As I joke with family members, it is about time I figured out what I want to be when I grow up! But I am ready to write the next chapter instead of reading it. Great points. Thank you for the great vibes. I do feel better and am hopeful this will be better than I could expect.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Tikeetha T says:

    Understand that this is your blessing in disguise. It will be okay. I went through the same thing when I was married and I still wonder how I ever survived. But, God. I told my husband to focus on finding a job, working out and being active and that I could hold us down financially. I couldn’t take him getting sick. He did. We survived. You will too. I have faith.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      You nailed it. I admit I was in my comfort zone there and though there were challenges, I have not grown from the last few years of experiences. I have always enjoyed the saying about kites rising higher AGAINST the wind and I truly believe that. I am glad you also understand the power in our abilities to not only survive but to grow and improve after it seems our world has been turned upside down. Thank you so much.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Yes, I think it’s times like these we realize family is the most important thing. Here’s hoping you find something that you really love to do.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Chris White says:

    Yes, I think something good will happen along for you pretty soon.
    All the very best. Kris.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Sorry to read this. Whenever I hear stories about such sudden firings (no notice whatsoever), it strikes me how brutal the corporate environment can be. I fully expect – and this is my wish for you – that the day will come -sooner rather than later – when you look back and say “Thank goodness! If that hadn’t happened I’d still be in that crappy place instead of where I am now!”

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      I appreciate your thoughts and agree we live in a world that can be brutal at times. The amount of stress generated in an environment like this is unnecessary and even unproductive. I am glad to be done with that, so your wish has already been granted LOL! Unfortunately I loved and enjoy many of my coworkers and managers. Them I will miss, but the crappy place is now HISTORY! Thank you again.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. tmezpoetry says:

    I’m sorry Mike. There isn’t anything profound that I can say, it’s loss and I hope you know I care about your loss. Sending safe hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Tom Benedict says:

    I so enjoy reading your posts, I was shocked to see where this one went. But I hope it’s a catalyst for a change for the better. If there’s anything I take away from mynameisjamie’s post, it’s that. Run with what is true to you. Best wishes.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      Thank you. That is very kind. I often ‘go with the flow’. Many of the jobs and musical projects I work on are referred or presented to me rather than me hunting them down. I may have to do a little hunting this time, but I try to stay ready for the next phase. Much appreciated.

      Like

  18. Widdershins says:

    Well, bugger, that sucks!!! … getting the boot and the dreaded lurgy.
    Sounds like you’ve created a bit of space to breathe a little and decide what comes next.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      Ha! My thoughts exactly. Right when I needed a clear head to think things through this Winter cold has placed a bunch of cob webs in the way. You are right. I am not in panic mode and will do OK, but not as I had hoped or planned. This will give me time to find my new direction. I am always ready for the next door to open. Thank you!

      Like

  19. Azul Zaffre says:

    Oh Mike, I’m so sorry–I was wondering if you were absent because you were ill. I can only imagine the shock of this turn of events–Transition roaring toward you like a huge truck. Take care of first things, first–like your health–get over the cold, get your strength back. Keep an attitude of gratitude and HOPE, because you know what this preacher-gal is gonna tell you: God doesn’t close one door without opening a new one with a huge picture window, and all the provisions He already knows you’ll need. He always has something Better planned, and He operates in a different economy than the world’s–which says you’re too young to retire, too old to get a job equal to the one you just left. I’m praying for you and your family, as always–and looking forward to an exciting update from you!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. tracihalpin says:

    I’m sorry for this unexpected event. You have friends and family to get you through this season of life. Ironically, I am in a similar place. I recently got an unfavorable hearing decision. I was sick for 5 days. Today I finally started to get back to my routines. I went food shopping. I too have big decisions to make. I have very little money coming in. I have to leave my home and go back to my marital home. My daughter’s father offered me the option. It’s either that or my parents. My parents are not good for me mentally. My daughter will be happy to stay in her home and not go back and forth. But there are so many unknowns and lots of anxiety. Thanks for making me feel not alone. I read a quote that said maybe a painful ending is a new beginning. This is life, let’s look for the lesson and you and your wife will figure things out. Sending you healing energy 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      Thank you so much. I know your life has been a challenge for a while now yet you still inspire others. You have the right look on life and I hope you find an easier solution. The unknown is full of anxiety. Please look at it without fear. I am sorry you will have to leave your home, I cannot imagine the difficulties there. Hopefully the offer is sincere and will work out in the short term until you have a chance to regroup and gather resources. You are not alone, and you know I adore you. In a strange way we will work through this together. I do hope this ending is not too painful and that you and your daughter will be happier with you staying there. Keep in touch and thank you for the healing energy.

      Liked by 1 person

      • tracihalpin says:

        Thanks so much Mike. Your kind words help me feel less alone. Yes, we can help each other through this difficult season of life. Thanks for your encouragement. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        Hang in there and we will get through the tough times. I don’t have all the answers for me, let alone for you, but please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. My words may be ‘kind’ but that is because you deserve them, and I call ’em like I see ’em!

        Liked by 1 person

      • tracihalpin says:

        Thanks, same to you 😊 I’m sure it’s hard for you and your family at this time. It’s like our lives turned off the road and over a cliff! Lol Then our brain is like wtf? This wasn’t the plan😬 I still have moments of shock every now and then. Well we have our health..yea yea yea, how many times have you heard that. I know it’s true, but it doesn’t lessen our pain and figuring out a new normal.
        Oh well off to sleep. Zero degrees in NY tomorrow 😩

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I am looking for another job but if that does not happen quickly things will change dramatically. I used to joke at work that I will have to retire eating dog food but it will not be that bad, and come of the dog food is actually pretty good! We do have our health and support of friends. The challenge is still there and the possibilities out of our control make it feel worse than it is sometimes.
        I am not sure what normal is, but I like the idea of a new normal. Things do not have to be like they were in order to be good again. Small comforts now – tomorrow the world!

        Liked by 1 person

      • tracihalpin says:

        I feel just like you do. Sometimes I still have moments of being in shock. I know looking for work is such a full time job. I too joked about eating cat food; I remember that commercial when I was little. That’s good you have your health and friends. Yes, the unknown is scary. I am feeling depressed. I have no motivation to do anything. I have to push myself to go food shopping. Yes, things are going to be different, but as you said they can be good again. I’ll never forget when I was in my 20s and I was looking for an apartment, I found this great place. The owners wouldn’t rent it to me bc they had another person who was interested before me, and she wanted to show her dad. Well I didn’t get it, and I ended up getting the most awesome place closer to my friends and family. The other place was a bit of a drive. I was so happy I didn’t get the first place, even though I was bummed for a while. We have to believe there is something better coming. I know all about dramatic changes. I’m going to stay in the house until my daughter graduates high school. Then maybe I can get a studio apartment, not sure. My parents are willing to build me an apartment with a separate entrance for the future. While this is very kind of them, I just can’t see my being a tenant in my parents house living like that forever. I refuse to believe that is my life. Moving back to the house is going to be so hard. All the packing and actual moving, and the emotional piece of being in the house again. My ex and I are going to have to deal with each other a lot. I will be interacting with his family again (they are great). Plus, I have hardly any money and it is the most terrible feeling. My life was not supposed to be this way. I was making 90,000 dollars and now I make a third of that! This is going to take time for me to go through this period. I wish you well looking for work. You are positive and that is great. My parents are so negative. My dad basically said who is going to hire you with your condition? You would have to work at walmart bc in order to make money the job would be high pressure. I’m hoping to get better and work in the future. But maybe not, and that thought terrifies me. Ok enough doom and gloom. I need to get some food. It is what they call a full circle moment. I am lucky he’s willing to do this, and I don’t have to pay any house bills, just my personal bills. It still sucks! Good luck!!

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        A friend of mine and I have discussed the need to invent ‘people chow’ for years! Like we are in a Zoo and need to be fed a stable diet, but just the essentials to survive and stay healthy. Unfortunately this is not a laughing matter for many on this planet. But I also know the freezing grip of depression. It can prevent us from seeing the solution or the great things all around us. Logic – my favorite companion – so easily swept aside and made helpless, unable to speak. You are faced with a difficult task, though it may be temporary, it can also be debilitating. Your parents sound like they may be a true challenge to your mental health but I hope you take this the way I mean it (with love): You turned out so positive, optimistic and energetic, in spite of their negative influence on you.
        It does not help to hide the doom and gloom either. Bring it out and acknowledge it and then get past it when you can. You are on the right road, it is just longer than you would hope!

        Liked by 1 person

      • tracihalpin says:

        Thank you so much. You are right I am very different from my parents. That took a lot of hard work in therapy starting at age 21, and reading many books. My parents don’t like to deal with stuff. At 14 I attempted suicide; I told them a year later and they did nothing! My dad joked about locking up all the pills. I know that generation was different, but nothing! Then again at 21 and I was in the hospital. But still never really talked about it. The other day I was very cranky about stuff and my mom said don’t be cranky. I told her I’m going to be cranky, angry, sad, etc. sorry not sorry. She acted taken aback. Nobody understands the gravity of what I’m dealing with, except you and my therapist and maybe my ex. I agree that it doesn’t help to hide the doom and gloom. I’ve cried many tears. Maybe I need to talk about it more. I just don’t get the response I would like, and it doesn’t seem that my friends understand, so why bother. Anyway, thanks for your support. I know you are going through a rough time too. Loss of a job is even harder for a man. There’s the practical part and then there’s the emotional part. I bet you will write some good music during this time:)

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        It is the age old facts of life. We are not our parents and we all try to raise our children better than they raised us. As parents, we have no clue why one child is ambitious or talented and the others are lazy and dull LOL! We are influenced by our environment and certainly affected, but our lives are our own. As in your past, we may need to do a lot of fixing, and there might be a lot of work and determination required to become who we want to be. You have proven successful, though at obvious cost.
        Talking about the core issues is important even if we do not get the responses we desire. Sometimes those might not be very helpful even if we get them! As for friends, it is often hard to understand something we have not personally experienced. Like my friend with the fire; I know what happened to his house but I do not truly understand (and never want to) the effects on him. It is a good thing these experiences are not so common that everyone has been through something like that. WE would all be a mess.
        As far as losing my job, I am an old man now. Not as much stigma about not providing and all that. It is just unfortunate that the rug got pulled out from underneath me this close to my final work years. I was just about ready, but not quite there. But I do plan to make the best of the time I do have! You are so welcome. Tell your ex and therapist I said ‘Hey”, and to keep up the effort. There is still a bit of understanding and listening to get through this!

        Liked by 1 person

      • tracihalpin says:

        True, we have no idea why are kids are the way they are. My daughter is from a different era. I swear I think she lived another life. Her interests at 15 are so unique. Yesterday she spent her free time reading about the concept of time and it’s philosophical aspects. It’s like she’s speaking in riddles to me! And she wrote a short story and gave it to her teacher. The teacher gave it back and told her to keep writing. Maggie hands in 27 page paper, mind you this is all her free time activity she does at home. The teacher gave it back and said in all her 11 years of teaching she has never seen anything like this from a teenager. Then she told her to keep going and make it a book. She said she wants to see if they can publish it! I said to my daughter I can see you in your college interview and be like oh yea so I wrote a book; it’s on Amazon! Her brain and thinking is so above the average teenager and luckily she is in a great school district that supports and helps her expand on her talents. Thanks for your support!

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        That is so cool and you should be proud. I can see the influences you probably offered that allowed her to choose this path. Perhaps, unlike your parents you did not prevent her from her interests. It is one thing to discourage growth, You know the value of education, determination and persistence. It would be hard to imagine those lessons being lost on her. That should make you feel good about yourself as well. If not, let me know and I will remind you! Tell Maggie I said ‘hey!’, and let me know when she publishes her first book.

        Liked by 1 person

      • tracihalpin says:

        Thanks Mike! I am proud. My old principal said those things don’t happen in a vacuum. She will probably publish a book before me. Yesterday I was talking about soap operas and she wanted to talk about Switzerland! And her orchestra teacher was out and made Maggie in charge of second violins. I told her that’s because he sees you as a leader. I think she was nervous, but liked that he picked her.

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        You are quite welcome. This all sounds very good and has promising potential. Very good for you and good for her!

        Liked by 1 person

  21. DeniseBalog says:

    Hello Mike:) Another neighbor stopping by to say “hello” and say, “I’m sorry for your loss.” You are part of my family, my “blogging” family. I read the post you linked in the blog. Mike, you changed the life of one person. Your encouragement lifted her up from the pit to reach her hands out to play the songs in her heart. Your friendship breathed life back into hers. You were a blessing to her, and I know, that the Word say’s you too will be blessed in return for the care and concern you offered to someone else. Heck, I’m still remembering the impact you had on your friend who was away from his home and it burned in the fire. I’m gonna say it, “you have the heart of Jesus” for He also is touched by our weakness, sickness, and infirmities. I am believing, after you have a rest, your youth will be renewed like eagles wings, and you will come out of this ‘season” soaring on the heights of the earth! May you be blessed, and rest in the One Who knows your name and cares for you:) God bless you, neighbor, friend and family, denise “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11;25 “Every Word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Proverbs 30:5

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      Hello, great neighbor! I am honored that you can see through this blogging family that I try to personify those teachings in this modern world; to pay it forward, show by example and turn the other cheek when necessary. I try to see everyone for what they are as well as what they do with what they have. Not for the payback, not for the praise or pat on the back, but because I truly believe this is the only path to peace on this earth.
      I will rise against this wind like a kite as I always have. This is not the first upset and I am sure it will not be the last for me but with family and friends like you that believe in me I will face each challenge and grow because of your support and comfort. I have said before that I count my blessings and you are truly one of them. Thank you so much and take of yourself …. and your other family too!

      Liked by 1 person

  22. I remember that last time I was laid off (position eliminated) and I, too, felt this relief because I had come to really loathe my job (not my co-workers). It is strange after working at place for a long while (almost seven years for me) and then poof, it’s over. Looking for a job is never a pleasant thing, and not to be a downer, but I experienced the ageism that exists in the HR world (don’t get me going on my loathing of HR – who just work for the Man upstairs, rather than being a liaison between the executives and those in the trenches.

    I’m sure with your talent something will come your way. Depending on where you live there are a number of government and non-profit organizations who specialize in helping out people making career shifts.

    “Thank you for sharing and allowing me to share with you. WE are not alone – we are a community. Family.” Indeed. Indeed.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      This process is painful for everyone involved. The HR manager responsible for giving me the news had already put in their two week notice and that day was their last. Liaisons are few and far between these days. Some people are put in unfortunate positions and others enjoy it. I was lucky to work with a great group of people for a long time. It is difficult to think that part is over. I am an optimist and I believe you are correct and that I will find a good project to get me through this. I have recently started looking into non-profit organizations that I can feel comfortable with, but a change in career is difficult when so close to full retirement age. Many companies do not want to train only to have employees leave before the ‘pay-off’. Thank you again for being part of my family and for understanding.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Geetalima says:

    I’m inclined to taking life very philosophically….
    I believe everything happens for a reason….However unreasonable things may seem to us, it is always because we aren’t able to see the reason why..
    I believe the answers will reveal themselves if we just wait, trust and carry on..

    And try be happy..:)

    Loved your honest post. Best of luck to you

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      I agree and would add that sometimes it takes a little more effort. I try to be prepared when a door closes because you can usually hear another one open. Here is to keeping our eyes and ears open! Your thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated!

      Like

  24. Shelby Stronger says:

    A bit belated, but…

    A few years ago my dad was in a similar situation; a few years from a very comfortable retirement, and one day he goes into work to find out they have abruptly and without warning laid off every employee in the state. No more pension. No more early retirement.

    The good news is, just a few years later, he is making good money with surprising seniority at a company that he’s happier with than he ever was at his previous one. So, don’t let your cold kill your optimism.

    Liked by 1 person

    • midimike says:

      My reply is late but I am glad to hear things worked out for your father. I am feeling much better in many ways, thank you. If I do not find a great job I will do what I can to enjoy early retirement…. (well, for people my age we were told we could retire at 55, and I am WAY past that!). So much for ‘early’ LOL

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      • Shelby Stronger says:

        No sweat. My comment was late. I struggle, and mostly fail, to keep up to date reading blogs.

        Just be glad you’re in a position that “early retirement” is a possibility. My past few bosses have decided to work themselves into the grave (current boss is in his 90s), so I think anyone who can chill, should. Still, both of my parents had to make late life job changes, and both ended up happier for it, so that’s got to be statistically in your favor.

        Liked by 1 person

  25. I am so sorry to hear of your job lose, sending happy thoughts you fill something just as good 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  26. “Mergers, nothing personal”…heard all of these multiple times. This may be one of the best things that happened to you. You were smart to be enough in tune to see it coming although you are never prepared emotionally, I don’t think. Not to be Mary Sunshine, but onward. Reinvent. Be brave. It is out there.

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    • midimike says:

      Yes, unfortunately, my wife and I have heard this a number of times and each time we move to something much better. Painful while it happens, change is inevitable and often a good thing. Good advice even if it does come from Mary Sunshine! LOL. Thank you for the great comments and thoughts.

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      • Sometimes even a child’s bones ache during growth spurts – perhaps a commonality there.
        What you are going through is brutal in all aspects. One foot in front of the other.
        Looking back, 10-20 years ago, each crushing blow was the best thing that ever happened. Otherwise there would have been no motivation to dare.
        Used correctly, life is a spirally ladder – each experience scaffolds up to the next – even if unrecognized at the time.
        Meanwhile, walking outside and sunshine helps in several ways – unplugs the brain so it can see opportunities?
        Just buckle up and hang on.

        Liked by 1 person

      • midimike says:

        Your comments reflect the determination I see in a number of stories where what could be disaster for many turns out to be a remarkable outcome. I believe it is the strength of each of us that allows us to face these challenges and come out not just surviving, but actually improving our lives.
        Unplug the brain and buckle up! Very cool!

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  27. Temy Hoang says:

    I’m so sorry to hear this, Mike. Wishing you all the best in your future job hunting! Please keep us updated if it’s not too much to ask!
    Temy

    Liked by 1 person

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