We are NOW on the official first day of the unemployment/employment search/career makeover. I headed off to work, but he was up when I left. After receiving his regular WORK emails (his last day was Friday) all weekend, they closed his profile, so he no longer got those emails on his phone. He felt obligated (after 22 years, I think it was just habit) to respond to them in such a way that it didn't appear that he was still there, but didn't just flat out say, "I'm not there now!"
He has to determine where to file for unemployment. I think he can file where he worked. (we live in a community that spans a state line). Several folks I know who live in one state but work in another file in the other state (not the one where they live). He doesn't believe me. What can I say. I know nothing. I've accepted that.
I'd be happy if he cleaned or unloaded the dishwasher today. Most likely, he'll do some laundry and vacuum.
I can't begin to understand what he's experiencing. Yesterday there were some loud exchanges and then the rest of the day was silence. I don't know if I can keep myself mellow while he goes on this journey of self-discovery. I think this may be my outlet.
Brace yourself, Eppie, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!
Showing posts with label Customer Service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Customer Service. Show all posts
Monday, October 7, 2013
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Here Endeth The Employment
The big day has come and gone. Every day, he brought home files/books/his history at the company (these were NOT company files or property -- he even left the folders).
He said it was much better to do it little by little, rather than one huge move out. (It was better for me, too...I didn't have to act as pack mule.) The shock was less.
On Tuesday night, he composed an email to people who were important to him over the last 22 years at the company. He sent it out Wednesday night. By Thursday morning, he had multiple emails and cards. He had visits from folks who hadn't seen him since they started.
One guy he REALLY wanted to say goodbye to was out on vacation. About mid-day, he stopped by the men's room and as he left, he was pushing the door open, and there stood the guy who was on vacation, pulling the door open. He was stopping by to see him. (That sounds kind of weird, but it was weird in another way.)
They talked, he had lunch with several friends, some of whom were leaving, too.
The guy who was left in charge of the area hubby had been working in called him over and started picking his brain. He was asked questions that his former boss had never asked- she had been disconnected from the team for the entire time they were in place. Just a strange set up from the beginning. Kind of a "step closer to the door" if you ask me.
By Friday, as he was headed to HR to begin the process, one of his good friends, nearly a "brother from another mother", was also on his way. They kind of came into the company about the same time and here they were, leaving.
They kind of freaked out the HR ladies. I don't think they got to see a whole lot of people cracking jokes and making light of the situation like these two did.
He turned in the computer and left the campus one last time. It's a different company now than it was 22 years ago. But he's a different man than he was 22 years ago. Our lives are different. No kids at home, bills are minimal, and we can do what we want to.
Next: set up the company, sign up for unemployment, and determine where to go next.
He said it was much better to do it little by little, rather than one huge move out. (It was better for me, too...I didn't have to act as pack mule.) The shock was less.
On Tuesday night, he composed an email to people who were important to him over the last 22 years at the company. He sent it out Wednesday night. By Thursday morning, he had multiple emails and cards. He had visits from folks who hadn't seen him since they started.
One guy he REALLY wanted to say goodbye to was out on vacation. About mid-day, he stopped by the men's room and as he left, he was pushing the door open, and there stood the guy who was on vacation, pulling the door open. He was stopping by to see him. (That sounds kind of weird, but it was weird in another way.)
They talked, he had lunch with several friends, some of whom were leaving, too.
The guy who was left in charge of the area hubby had been working in called him over and started picking his brain. He was asked questions that his former boss had never asked- she had been disconnected from the team for the entire time they were in place. Just a strange set up from the beginning. Kind of a "step closer to the door" if you ask me.
By Friday, as he was headed to HR to begin the process, one of his good friends, nearly a "brother from another mother", was also on his way. They kind of came into the company about the same time and here they were, leaving.
They kind of freaked out the HR ladies. I don't think they got to see a whole lot of people cracking jokes and making light of the situation like these two did.
He turned in the computer and left the campus one last time. It's a different company now than it was 22 years ago. But he's a different man than he was 22 years ago. Our lives are different. No kids at home, bills are minimal, and we can do what we want to.
Next: set up the company, sign up for unemployment, and determine where to go next.
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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