We now have the separation agreement. Ironically, they notified him less than 24 hours before his 22nd anniversary with the company. So less than 24 hours gets him two weeks less severance pay.
It's good that this is a new start, a time for him to move to a new opportunity. Who knew that a new opportunity would be a good thing to us at this point in our lives.
I thought life would be more ... in control ... more settled.
This is as much a challenge for me as it is for him. A challenge of confidence, compassion, strength, and faith.
So...tomorrow, I get up and start walking. Hit the treadmill and burn off some of this stress. Now is not the time to ask why I haven't done more with my life. Now is the time to support him, get him back on his path, and get our future secure. Lord, I ask that you lift me up to be a better person, to be a stronger person, and to be nurturing to this man who has dedicated his life to me.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
What Happens When Your Job Doesn't Need You Anymore?
In 1979, shortly after getting married, my husband lost his job. He was out of work for months. We stuck together and got through that storm - but not without some lasting fears.
Now, years later, it's happened again. We had actually decided that if the company did (yet) another RIF, we were prepared to have him accept it. The benefits would last nearly a year (which seems crazy - if they are paying him, why not just let him work??) which would give him some time to find a good job, not just grab at something. At this point in his life, he should be able to find something that makes him happy, that makes him feel like he's contributing, and that isn't insulting pay-wise.
We -- because this isn't just affecting him -- have discussed him doing some consulting work. He's been involved with customer service. Previously working with a call center that users could call in to resolve issues with their service, he knows what should happen at that level. He's created training modules for that. He has a deep belief that there is a correct way to handle customer service - and when he finds it happening RIGHT somewhere, he makes a point of telling them so.
I want to see him work for himself. He's able to work from home and put in more hours than most people spent in their offices. But how to do that?
Along with that, I'm experiencing fear, angst, and a bit of depression about it. I remember how he fell into a deep despair the first time this happened. I have to keep reminding myself that he isn't the same person he was. I can't seem to shake that old desperation, though.
He doesn't even have his separation agreement yet, and he has to have it reviewed and signed by October 4, so he has to be able to meet with an attorney AND keep working through this week. The stop sign is so very close.
This is going to be my journal of what's happening in this year. If you're reading this, I'd be more than happy to have your good thoughts, your prayers, or positive inspiration. He's a good man. He deserves to have things turn out right for him.
Now, years later, it's happened again. We had actually decided that if the company did (yet) another RIF, we were prepared to have him accept it. The benefits would last nearly a year (which seems crazy - if they are paying him, why not just let him work??) which would give him some time to find a good job, not just grab at something. At this point in his life, he should be able to find something that makes him happy, that makes him feel like he's contributing, and that isn't insulting pay-wise.
We -- because this isn't just affecting him -- have discussed him doing some consulting work. He's been involved with customer service. Previously working with a call center that users could call in to resolve issues with their service, he knows what should happen at that level. He's created training modules for that. He has a deep belief that there is a correct way to handle customer service - and when he finds it happening RIGHT somewhere, he makes a point of telling them so.
I want to see him work for himself. He's able to work from home and put in more hours than most people spent in their offices. But how to do that?
Along with that, I'm experiencing fear, angst, and a bit of depression about it. I remember how he fell into a deep despair the first time this happened. I have to keep reminding myself that he isn't the same person he was. I can't seem to shake that old desperation, though.
He doesn't even have his separation agreement yet, and he has to have it reviewed and signed by October 4, so he has to be able to meet with an attorney AND keep working through this week. The stop sign is so very close.
This is going to be my journal of what's happening in this year. If you're reading this, I'd be more than happy to have your good thoughts, your prayers, or positive inspiration. He's a good man. He deserves to have things turn out right for him.
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