Lost my job today

[Rifleman]

Due to on going budget problems, 3 people were laid off in my division at Argonne National Lab today.

I was one of them.

Already looking at some different things, just a lot to get my head around at the moment.

keep me in your prayers.

[csmith12]

:\

Sorry and good luck in your search for the next big thing.

[taz]

feel for you, I went thought a new job search last year. hope it works out for you.

[Rifleman]

It will, i have marketable skills and experience...

just a little jolting at the moment is all.

[jkv45]

Sorry to hear that.

The transition is usually stressful, but sometimes a forced change can open the door for something better.

Hope that happens for you.

I was laid-off (OK - fired) from a job in auto body, so I made a transition into a field that I was passionate about (professional photography) which lead to making a move to Chicago. After the professional photography industry blew-up, I made a transition to another field I was passionate about (refinishing), and moved again to start a business.

That's been 4 years now and although it was painful at times I'm happy it worked out like it did.

Luckily I got fired, because some of the guys I worked with are still there doing the same ****** job over 20 years later. No thanks.

[Motofool]

I know how you are feeling, Lohman; it has happened to me as well, more than three years ago and more than 16 years ago.

You will not forget the feeling.
Just try getting busy sharpening your saling-yourself-skills, rather than meditating about what/why/when this has happened to you and about how your future will be.

If you can apply for unemployment compensation, start the process right now; it is time sensitive.
Some related places offer free classes about how to prepare yourself for the job searching process, which is equivalent to working a full time job regarding time and energy.

Best wishes

[Rifleman]

Originally Posted by Motofool

I know how you are feeling, Lohman; it has happened to me as well, more than three years ago and more than 16 years ago.

You will not forget the feeling.
Just try getting busy sharpening your saling-yourself-skills, rather than meditating about what/why/when this has happened to you and about how your future will be.

If you can apply for unemployment compensation, start the process right now; it is time sensitive.
Some related places offer free classes about how to prepare yourself for the job searching process, which is equivalent to working a full time job regarding time and energy.

Best wishes

thanks for the support, i'm in a pretty good spot right at this moment. I'm getting paid for the next two weeks in lieu of 2 weeks notice (not sure how that makes any sense, you are paying me for 2 weeks, I've got stuff that needs to be turned over... but I'll stay home if that's what you want) I also am maxed out on vacation, so they have to pay me for that as well, and I have a letter in hand of a 5 figure severance package.

My understanding is that unemployment can't start until that last two weeks + vacation pay is done. Technically I'm still employed in the eyes of the state of Illinois.

I have got to find someone to ask all the questions to (lawyer) but just today, it's not awful, just a change.

My biggest question is can I go back to work for another division at Argonne if I accept the severance? if so, how long... and the like.

Like others have said, sometimes the best thing is the rock you are standing on goes away... you get to move to a better rock.

[Z1R rider]

It's just the nudge to get you going on the next great chapter of your life! Best of luck

[MrAtom]

That sounds like a real kick in the dong. Good to hear you're not in such a bad spot, but the situation sucks nonetheless. Keep us all updated!

[broken neck]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

My biggest question is can I go back to work for another division at Argonne if I accept the severance? if so, how long... and the like.

I think the HR department will be the place to get the information. The conditions depend greatly from one to another.

[SLOWn60]

Get up to Canada before we build the wall!

Good luck, Lohman. Losing employment is always very unsettling no matter what the reason when it isn't instigated by oneself. Keep in mind: it’s not you; it’s the changes happening beyond your control. Sounds like you have the training & experience that will land you on your feet elsewhere.

[snot]

I will keep you in my prayers. Keep your head up.

[JohnnyBravo]

Hope it all works out for the best!

[corksil]

One door leads to the next.

You are a very intelligent character and this sounds as if it will lead you on toward bigger and better things.

"The sole responsibility of a business is to it's shareholders." It's sad that the human element is often overlooked when things come up for review and a corporation is trying to increase it's profit margins. Don't take it personally.

Look to the future and don't get stuck on what may have happened differently or anything else in the past.

Keep a level head and be mindful of your words as you disengage from your former employer. Some corporations intentionally act rude as they let people go for the sinister purpose of subtly encouraging them to say things which can be held against them. I guess what I'm trying to say is.... "even if it feels personal, don't be emotionally reactive to the situation in a way that could backfire to your detriment."

Keep us informed. This site is a great network of intelligent people from all walks of life.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

My understanding is that unemployment can't start until that last two weeks + vacation pay is done. Technically I'm still employed in the eyes of the state of Illinois.

Don't listen to a word your HR dept tells you about that point, work it out with the state. Worst case, you apply and get denied. And even then, you appeal. If you can find clear guidance on the state websites, trust that over anything else (from HR, or here for that matter). In California at least, severance packages, paid out vacation pay over time, and a variety of other payments at or after termination date, do not count as employment. The applicant is eligible for unemployment regardless of those (after a 1 week waiting period, which is in place no matter what the circumstances).

Originally Posted by Rifleman

My biggest question is can I go back to work for another division at Argonne if I accept the severance? if so, how long... and the like.

This is wholly dependent on the severance agreement. Read it carefully, and understand the terms. If they don't make sense, ask questions until they are clarified. Unless you are considering legal action, I'm not sure that a lawyer is the first step here. Nothing wrong with running it by a lawyer friend or two, but engaging one professionally doesn't seem like the first step.

Originally Posted by Rifleman

Like others have said, sometimes the best thing is the rock you are standing on goes away... you get to move to a better rock.

Generally, I also believe that things tend to work out. But I fully understand the stress and annoyance of going through it due to no conscious decision of your own. Hindsight is always 20/20 or better, but one career mistake I made a few years ago after going through a similar situation, was accepting a job at a scale/level that was a bit lower than I was capable of. Financially, career-wise, and quite a few other -wises, I would have been better off staying out another 6-12 months or even longer searching for a better opportunity than grabbing the "OK" one that came up. And I might have been able to create even more websites than just Ninjette!

[Snake]

I'm very sorry to hear that. Good thing you have marketable skills. Another door will open for you.

[Racer x]

Sorry to hear about this. I know what this is like. I was a mechanic for a very long time. Then suddenly I found myself unemployed. Then I found myself unable to find a job. Loosing a job was never a problem until I suddenly found there was no others jobs. This was a shock. Normally I was never out of work for more than a couple days.

My advice is to find something. Anything ASAP. And at the same time take a mental breath before deciding what to do. You gotta make money and keep occupied. But finding a new career can maybe be something that you won't expect.

[CaliGrrl]

More time to ride your bike!

Seriously, I'm sorry, because being let go sucks. It sounds like a good severance package, which can definitely help ease things along and get you through until your next good thing comes up. Hoping that's soon for you.

[corksil]

Originally Posted by Alex

Nothing wrong with running it by a lawyer friend or two, but engaging one professionally doesn't seem like the first step.

In my experience, as soon as the words "talking to a lawyer" are spoken, all sorts of red flags go up and the situation can change. I agree with Alex.

Originally Posted by Racer x

My advice is to find something. Anything ASAP. And at the same time take a mental breath before deciding what to do. You gotta make money and keep occupied. But finding a new career can maybe be something that you won't expect.

Hey it's good to see you posting again ^^^ I also agree. There is something to be said for taking too much time off and having the skill of "being employed" atrophy. Men do well with rhythms and routine. Don't get too far out of the flow of "working." From my perspective, you weren't "let go" --- you were more so "released back into the wild" and good things will come of this!

Originally Posted by CaliGrrl

More time to ride your bike!

Yep it's important to have fun because stress is cumulative and can become toxic over time. When you feel good, everything is easy. When you don't feel good, everything feels like a chore.

[InvisiBill]

Everyone else covered pretty much everything I have to say. Sounds like you're in a pretty good place, as far as situations like this go.

If you can manage it, don't be afraid to take some time off from work. Like they say, nobody on their deathbed ever wishes they spent more time at work. Not working for too long does make it harder to start again, but taking a little work-free break can be a great thing.

[Triple Jim]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

I'm getting paid for the next two weeks in lieu of 2 weeks notice (not sure how that makes any sense, you are paying me for 2 weeks, I've got stuff that needs to be turned over... but I'll stay home if that's what you want)

It's a pretty normal policy, aimed at preventing disgruntled employees from sabotaging the whole works to get even. If an employee turns in his 2 weeks notice (or 30 days, etc.) or even lets it slip that he's looking for work elsewhere, many companies will ask him/her to clean out his/her desk and leave immediately, for the same reason.

Enjoy the extra 2 weeks of paid leave, even if you're gruntled.

[Abu_Mishary]

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

It's a pretty normal policy, aimed at preventing disgruntled employees from sabotaging the whole works to get even. If an employee turns in his 2 weeks notice (or 30 days, etc.) or even lets it slip that he's looking for work elsewhere, many companies will ask him/her to clean out his/her desk and leave immediately, for the same reason.

Enjoy the extra 2 weeks of paid leave, even if you're gruntled.

Yup. Clean desk on the same day and enjoyed that 2 weeks out riding. That was what I did.

[corksil]

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

gruntled

I actually looked that up to make sure it was a word. Obviously one can be 'dis' gruntled, but I've never heard the term 'gruntled' used before. And spell check is highlighting it as incorrectly spelled.

Anyways, back on topic.

Hopefully you are doing well, Rifleman!

[Triple Jim]

It was meant to be humorous, like when Don Rickles played the loser on the Andy Griffith Show, and declared that he was no longer inept... he was ept!

[Rifleman]

nailing down a Lab tech/remote manipulator operator job in Akin S.C. About 95% locked in so keep doing what you are doing.

this is going to be a good change for me, should have done it years ago

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

nailing down a Lab tech/remote manipulator operator job in Akin S.C. About 95% locked in so keep doing what you are doing.

this is going to be a good change for me, should have done it years ago

[MrAtom]

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

It was meant to be humorous, like when Don Rickels played the loser on the Andy Griffith Show, and declared that he was no longer inept... he was ept!

Or if you're a manchild like me and love cartoons:

[cadd]

SC = long riding season compared to Chicago!

[Girlasue47]

Hope you find other employment soon.

[corksil]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

nailing down a Lab tech/remote manipulator operator job in Akin S.C. About 95% locked in so keep doing what you are doing.

this is going to be a good change for me, should have done it years ago

Fv<k yeah! He's doing well!!

[Rifleman]

got a job offer letter yesterday from the Savana River Nuc site in Aiken, S.C.

proposed start date is June 5

Now the real work begins, moving everything and selling this barn of a house I live in

[Panda]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

got a job offer letter yesterday from the Savana River Nuc site in Aiken, S.C.

proposed start date is June 5

Now the real work begins, moving everything and selling this barn of a house I live in

Congrats!

[Triple Jim]

For me, Aiken would be a lot more pleasant to live than the Chicago suburbs. Nearly no snow, close to a lot of very nice beaches and rivers, and lots of country roads close by. I hope you enjoy it if you move there.

[taz]

Congrats and good luck with the move.

[cadd]

Congrats!! =)

[CaliGrrl]

Excellent news! Enjoy your new job.

[Rifleman]

well officially a South Carolinian... First day on the new job was yesterday.

trying to get my house in Illinois empty and sold.

then look for a house down here...

yeah, it's all good... 5 hours from the Tail of the Dragon and lots more riding weather here.

[Z1R rider]

There's that silver lining! Congrats!

[CaliGrrl]

Progress! I'm glad you're moving on with new things.

[BoBO]

I'm glad it worked out for you, I kept you in my prayers. Good luck and congrats to your new job!