All too common these days and I suspect that it will continue, especially with family owned businesses with no succession plans as the kids have no interest in the business.
Went through this as well. Transdigm Group bought us. "No immediate or big changes", blah, blah.... Staff reductions almost immediately, over 50 offered buyouts, more staff reductions and drastically increased work loads. I was designated as a "franchise player" and kept because of 25 years of experience with the company. I endured 4 years of greatly increased hours, incredible stress and constant concern about what I could not get done. Came back from a ski trip and pulled the plug 3 days later. I remember, with glee, the long faces on the mahogany row players that day
Been retired almost 7 years and am loving every minute of it. My division has struggled with high turnover, hires from outside the aero industry who come cheap and a serious decline in quality and delivery.
BTW, the CEO of Transdigm was paid $61 mil last year and over $250 mil over the last 5 years.
Peter, enjoy the break and make it permanent if you can. You will not regret it.