Greener Pastures

GreenPasture

I got laid off from my job this week. This is the second layoff our company has had since last winter, times are tough out there, everybody knows it, and our company is suffering like many others. Lots of great people got let go last time and this, so I’m in good company. Of course I’m legally constrained about what I can say about that situation that could be construed as negative, so that doesn’t leave anything I can mention. Just suffice to say I’m super excited to be moving on to better opportunities, and thrilled to be getting a severance package to sweeten the deal. Our expenses are low, we have good savings accounts, and I expect to find a new, significantly more rewarding job in a reasonable amount of time. So, the severance package spells a down payment on a new barn for us-yeah!

Several friends have called and emailed to express their condolences over the situation. Someone who got laid off in the last round told me something that I now can confirm- it’s the ones left behind who actually deserve sympathy. They are the ones still wondering if it’ll be them in the next round, wondering if they’re on a sinking ship and if they should take a life raft now before things get worse. And they are stuck doing the work I was doing, in addition to the work they were already doing. It’s always a really demoralizing time after a layoff-I’ve survived a bunch of them there, so I know.

But me- I’m having a great time at home, working on fencing and other projects in between resume writing, job posting reading, and envisioning a new great place to work. Every morning I wake up to this view. Yahoo! Life is good.

10 thoughts on “Greener Pastures

  1. bruce king says:

    best to wait for the next job before you spend too much. Times are really tough out there; unemployment in wa state is now over 10% — that’s just the folks who are drawing unemployment benefits. for those folks who’ve run out, they don’t count ’em. The real unemployement rate is probably 15%.

  2. Jo says:

    I was going to feel bad for you but it sounds like this is a good thing, especially the staying at home part and working on the farm. 🙂 Best of luck finding that great new job!

  3. Dee Daly says:

    Michelle,
    I am sorry you were laid off from your job. The same thing happened to me some 15 years ago when I was laid off from my job at Swedish Hospital.I was devistated. I had been a loyal employee for 13 years and then let go.
    Today, all I can say is being laid off was the very best thing that could have happened to me. I found work in my nearby community and no longer had to travel 30 miles to Seattle for work.
    I presently work at Providence hospital in Everett, only 15 miles/25 minutes away and I am always near home. No bridges to cross and less traffic!! When I leave the hospital and cross the tressel I am in Snohomish!!
    I have been at Providence for 15 years, longer than any other nursing job. I love my present job. I would have most likely never have left Swedish if I had not been laid off.
    So, what I want you to know is; sometimes things look very bad but turn out to be very good and may even be the best in the long run. Keep your chin up and enjoy the time off.
    I enjoy your blog! Write a book! (PS) I have a skin stapler for you. Can you use battery operated clippers? Dee

  4. workingcollies says:

    Thanks all for the supportive comments. I am pretty excited for a change! I have always tried to be prepared for this reality, since our industry does go through these cycles a lot- so I’ve done all the suggested things, having 6 months expenses in savings, keeping my resume fairly up to date etc. It pays off, as I immediately felt ready for it, knowing I had a plan in place.

    Dee I hope I get as lucky as you and find something with a great commute, that would sure be nice!
    Michelle

  5. Angie says:

    I’m really bummed! You’ve alway been one of my favorite people to work with. But I know the future holds great things for you, professionally and with the farm. I’m just so glad you have this blog to keep us up-to-date with what’s going on in your life. Stay in touch!

  6. workingcollies says:

    Thanks Angie, I will definitely miss my good friends there, they were the best part of working there. It was great working with you all these last 13 years! I hope you and Chris do OK and weather this storm, come what may!
    Michelle

  7. Larry Grove says:

    Its been quite a while since I was last on your site. Great content, and I am glad you are invigorated with the farm. I regretted missing the last AMD reunion when I heard you would be there. I think software development and farming to be an interesting simultaneous combination in a person!

    • workingcollies says:

      Hi Larry, good to hear from you, missed seeing you too, though I’m sure we’ll catch up sometime over wood-fired pizza! That’s the one downside of leaving a company after many years, I will definitely miss all my friends and esteemed colleagues there, they are what makes the place tick! But, we can still keep in touch online! 🙂
      Michelle

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