Just lost job-- happy days ahead?

strupgolf · 11-02-2007, 08:58 AM

After 18 years in sales with my now ex-company, I was told today that I was no longer needed. I could feel something was amiss for the last month, but did'nt know exactly. When I walked in today, the HR rep was there. Well I've been around the block a few times to know what that means, so I said, "lets just get this over with" So, selling the P-car last month was bad, but this is a new beginning. I've lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks, BP way up, etc. So now I'll have to start looking. There's something out there. I think I just added 10 years to my life span, so I'll now have more time with my grandson.

Nostril Cheese · 11-02-2007, 09:02 AM

The real question here is how did you go out?

burning the bridge?

Go do something fun. get your mind off it. Hang with your grandson. Go fishing. Laugh. Crank some music loud. Get funky.

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

I've never been met with HR, but when I've left a few places, even when I didn't have something lined up it's always been worth it.

In sales especially, I know a lot of guys who seem to make a career out of switching companies every few years, it doesn't hurt their prospects in the long run. In fact, call your competitors and see if they're hiring. Since you've been released, there is no "Non Compete" that can hold up nor will any company pursue it since it would be interfering with your ability to make a living.

Honestly it may be a great opportunity to get a good bump in pay and go back into an industry you already know. You can hit the ground running with a renewed energy and enthusiasm!

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Bummer, but you seem to be taking it well. One door closes, another one (or two) opens. All the best to you!

KFC911 · 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strupgolf

...There's something out there. I think I just added 10 years to my life span, so I'll now have more time with my grandson.

You'll be fine. I've seen a LOT of this over the years (co-workers), and although it sucks initially, invariably they always look back later and say "it was the best thing that ever happened". I'll be in your shoes before long (outsourcing) unless I get "fed up with the bs" first

. Good luck, and have a great weekend...the beginning of your new "life"!

HardDrive · 11-02-2007, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

One door closes, another one (or two) opens.

I have always found this as well.

In supposed 'disaster', there always seems to be an opportunity.

"Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right" - Grateful Dead.

sammyg2 · 11-02-2007, 09:21 AM

I've heard some really sucessful salesmen tell me that in sales, you should never stay at one company more than 3 or 4 years. Stay in the same sector so you don't lose your client base, just move from one competitor to the other. If you're good you can start a bidding war.

My advice is to march into your ex-company's biggest competitor and tell them flat out that you can swing many of your former clients away from your old company and towards this one.
Pure gold, not only are they going to gain sales they are going to take it away from the enemy. Easiest way to increase market share and worth lots O'cash.
Don't seem eager or hungry or desperate, you are holding the cards and have something they need.

The Gaijin · 11-02-2007, 09:29 AM

Sammy is right.

Yeah, that "something amiss" is a crappy feeling. 18 years is a long time and it is only natural to feel a little low right now - or in a week.

We have too many misplaced loyalties in the modern workplace. They will as easily replace you as buy a new coffee machine.. Come to terms with that, and have fun stealing back your best accounts!

on-ramp · 11-02-2007, 09:57 AM

Congratulations. This is a time to celebrate and I'm not being sarcastic. I'm sure you will move on to bigger and better things.

18 years at a single company takes a lot of commitment and dedication. Loyal people like you are hard to find these days in this fast society.

Best of luck . You will do just fine. Enjoy the time off and spend some quality time with your family and friends.

strupgolf · 11-02-2007, 05:15 PM

Thanks to all for your comments. Yea, 18 years is a long time. Just let them find someone who can bring more experience to the job. The stress and pressure has been so bad lately, that now I know I can relax, look around, and smell the roses. This is NOT the end of the road, only a change in direction. All of you on this forum have been such good friends and experts, I only hope that tomorrow will bring better times for me and you. Thanks again.

SLO-BOB · 07:02 PM

I was shown the door Christmas eve 4 years ago. Even though I saw the writting on the wall I was bitter at how callously I was treated when the time came, not to mention the timing. I went from A-team to "Merry X-mas F-ker-don't let the door hit you in the a$$". I had the same concerns and fears you are now experiencing. I "healed" by taking my former employer's biggest account and starting my own business. Four years later I am SO much happier, not to mention make a hell of a lot more money. That same account is my cornerstone customer and I do 10x more business with them than my former employer did.

It sounds like I'm bragging but my real point is I'm happier than ever and you can be too. Look at this as a potential that did not exist before. Your former employement was simply a platform for your talents. I'll wager you felt held back. I'de further wager that there will soon be a more appropriate outlet for those talents. Focus on the positive. Move forward and do not look back. You'll be fine.

PS-don't rule out things you previously thought impossible. Take small steps in the direction that you really want to go. After awhile you'll look back and be amazed at how far you've traveled.

Wickd89 · 11-02-2007, 08:09 PM

When one door close, another one opens.
Enjoy your time during your break, because you will be back in the $ soon enough.

Trust me, always good to get a fresh start every now and then..

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

I read this post this AM and was speechless (I dunno - writeless then?) at the time. The feeling must suck to say the least. However I would absolutely agree with all the posters here; it's for the very best.

Every adversity I ever had in my life always led to something much better!

Keep your chin up and if you're able, enjoy some down time like suggested.
Get drunk, eat some ice cream, watch a movie or do it all?
Then I think its time to create a little competition to those losers that let you go?

Rick V · 11-03-2007, 03:06 AM

Ok-ok I need to correct you on something. You didn't loose your job, you know where it is at, just everytime you go there there is some new guy doing it. (Steven Wright).
Good luck, I know you will land on your feet.................and be happier in the long run.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

i took the Ford salaried buyout in March and now I have the best IT job I've ever had. I hope the same thing happens for you, this can be a very positive event, you just have to remember that looking for a job is a full-time job and it gets discouraging just before you find the right opportunity! Hang in there!

Wickd89 · 11-03-2007, 01:52 PM

Once I cam back from a lucrative contracting assignment in Europe, andI felt that I could afford a break and I took 6 months off .
I went to therapist to help me with a bulging disk, I fixed everything around the house, I joined the Blockbuster all you can rent in a month program (got so caught up), etc.
After that I was really ready to work my butt off again and then I started a 4 year assignment in New York.

Live life. Love Life. and ever day is an adventure; at least most of them.

snowman · 07:06 PM

I had to lay off some people when I was working for a real crappy company. The company was so crappy that one of the techs said to me "What a relief" when I told him that he was laid off. That was over 22 years ago and I still remember it vividly. Unfortunately I had to agree with his statement and I was actually envious that I wasn't in his position.

Several years later I was laid off from a different company, same idiot leading it. I made more money in the next several years, working for myself, than I thought possible. Getting laid off is the beginning of something better, its whatever your make out of it, its an opportunity. Getting laid off added several million dollars to my bottom line.