The best laid plans... (Job Layoff)

AprilZ81 · February 2015

I was notified yesterday that my position will be eliminated in 3 weeks and my last day of work will be March 13th. My last paycheck will be March 27th and if I don't have an internal position secured by the 13th I will get 2.5 weeks severance.

<sigh>

I just went through this 2 years ago and I'm not looking forward to job hunting again.

I'm trying to look on the bright side.

1) If absolutely need be we can live on DH's salary but we would have to make significant cuts to our various savings plans.

2) I didn't love this job anyway. I was coasting through this until we had a baby and then if we decided I would stay home then I would have resigned.

3) I applied to 7 internal positions that I am qualified for (some more than others) and if I am hired in any of those positions it would be a virtual job which means I can work from home in my sweats!

4) I get a new boss. I like my boss as a person but as a supervisor she wasn't that great.

For now we are putting our plans for the bathroom remodel on hold until I have a new job secured. We haven't signed any contracts yet so there are no penalties. We are going to go ahead and finish DH's bar project in the basement because it is pretty much finished except for the top (the pricey part) and the new sink.

As I continue to process this latest life change DH and I will sit down and look at the budget and decide when we should make the cuts. I'm torn about doing it starting in March as a "just in case" measure in case I don't find something before my income dries up or just waiting until my income stops. I'm leaning towards March but I haven't talked it over with DH yet.

I had a good cry (several of them) last night and kinda feel crappy today but I know I will find something. I just really hope it is an internal position because if I start a new job I think we will have to stop TTC because I wouldn't be eligible for FMLA for a year and I wouldn't want to go out on maternity leave right after being hired. It seems less sketchy to me if it is a job change with the same company, but maybe I am trying to justify things.

Anyway... Prayers would be appreciated that I find a job quickly, and a job that pays more would be a bonus.

formerlyGDaisy09 · February 2015

So sorry to hear this. ((Hugs)). It sounds like you are taking a good approach and weighing out the pros and cons of various situations and have plans in place so as soon as your new "normal" becomes evident you can hit the ground running.

We deal with frequent income changes with H's job situation, I'd consider putting your new limited budget in place ASAP, better to go into emercency mode early and potentially end-up with some extra cash on hand when things work out, then to be scrambling in the end. a couple extra weeks gives you a chance to work out the kinks and figure out if the cuts you're planning on will work or not.

kasi55 · February 2015

I'm sorry. I've been there, and it stinks. I hope you find something else soon!

AprilZ81 · February 2015

And I just got a follow up call from HR.

Since I took 40 hours of vacation in January I have a deficit I will have to pay that back which seems incredibly unfair since THEY are the ones that are laying me off. I would have happily continued to work in my current role but THEY decided they didn't need me. Should my vacation be considered their problem?

I followed policy when I "borrowed" from my vacation accrual for the cruise. So stinkin' angry right now.

jessica490 · February 2015

Boy that really sucks, I'm so sorry! I hope you can get an internal position!

simplyelise · February 2015

That sucks. I hope something comes through and you guys can stick with the TTC plans!

MommyLiberty5013 · February 2015

So sorry for you.

If your company is doing lay-offs, they are hurting financially. Are you sure shifting to another department within this same company won't just come back again to get you for another round of lay-offs down the road? What is the "writing on the wall?"

If anything, working at the company in a different role is a stop-gap measure to protect you and your DH in the short-term (3-6 months). I agree that trying for one of those internal positions is the best choice for the time-being. However, I think you may want to consider your longer-term options not counting on this current company as part of that picture.

Regarding the bar, is there a less expensive option you can use for the completion?

Xstatic3333 · February 2015

I'm so sorry April. I'm glad your previous hard work has put you in position to weather the storm. Prayers that you'll hear good news from an internal position soon!

formerlyGDaisy09 · February 2015

AprilZ81 said:

And I just got a follow up call from HR.

Since I took 40 hours of vacation in January I have a deficit I will have to pay that back which seems incredibly unfair since THEY are the ones that are laying me off. I would have happily continued to work in my current role but THEY decided they didn't need me. Should my vacation be considered their problem?

I followed policy when I "borrowed" from my vacation accrual for the cruise. So stinkin' angry right now.

That seems silly, but I'm unfamiliar with policies like that. I "earn" my vacation time for next year by working this year. My first year working for this company I had no vacation time, now at the beginning of every fiscal year I am "given" the amount to time I earned in the previous year. But my company also doesn't allow you to collect pay for unused vacation time, it's use it or lose it time.

I would make a little bit of a stink about them asking you to payback the time when they are the ones terminating your position, but I'd also make sure you're really familiar with their benefits and leave-time policies before pushing the issue too much, especially if you're hoping to find a new position there.

AprilZ81 · February 2015

MommyLiberty5013 said:

So sorry for you.
If your company is doing lay-offs, they are hurting financially. Are you sure shifting to another department within this same company won't just come back again to get you for another round of lay-offs down the road? What is the "writing on the wall?"
If anything, working at the company in a different role is a stop-gap measure to protect you and your DH in the short-term (3-6 months). I agree that trying for one of those internal positions is the best choice for the time-being. However, I think you may want to consider your longer-term options not counting on this current company as part of that picture.
Regarding the bar, is there a less expensive option you can use for the completion?

The problem with this position is that the clients I'm doing work for do not contribute to my salary, so while I provide a valuable service it is a pure expense to the company and they are trying to cut expenses. The positions I'm applying for are client paid so it shouldn't be an issue, but of course at any time we could lose the client contract and I would be right back here again.

I am applying to external positions as well, but I think my chances are higher for a job transfer to a different division. I have excellent recommendations lined up, including people who would be peers at the new position if I were to be hired (same job title, different client). I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

As for the bar, we are pricing out options this weekend. DH just got a large bonus (earmarked for the master bathroom) so I'm okay with getting a nice bar top so he can finish out his project. This counter is not going to make or break our financial situation. We will put off any other non-essential projects on the house until my job situation is resolved but I want him to be able to finish this up.

AprilZ81 · February 2015

formerlyGDaisy09 said:

AprilZ81 said:

And I just got a follow up call from HR.

Since I took 40 hours of vacation in January I have a deficit I will have to pay that back which seems incredibly unfair since THEY are the ones that are laying me off. I would have happily continued to work in my current role but THEY decided they didn't need me. Should my vacation be considered their problem?

I followed policy when I "borrowed" from my vacation accrual for the cruise. So stinkin' angry right now.

That seems silly, but I'm unfamiliar with policies like that. I "earn" my vacation time for next year by working this year. My first year working for this company I had no vacation time, now at the beginning of every fiscal year I am "given" the amount to time I earned in the previous year. But my company also doesn't allow you to collect pay for unused vacation time, it's use it or lose it time.

I would make a little bit of a stink about them asking you to payback the time when they are the ones terminating your position, but I'd also make sure you're really familiar with their benefits and leave-time policies before pushing the issue too much, especially if you're hoping to find a new position there.

We have a monthly accrual for PTO and Vacation time but we are allowed to borrow from future earnings up to 40 hours a week. Otherwise NO ONE would be able to take a full week off until June and then everyone would be out of the office at the same time (which isn't allowed).

I'm currently 25 hours in the hole and I may not get any accrual in March since my last day is on the 13th (assuming I don't get hired in another position).

I could understand being asked to pay the time back if I was leaving of my own free will, but I think this is just rubbing salt on the wound.

I'm not making a big fuss yet because I want HR to see me in a positive light, but if I don't get hired on I will be asking them to "forgive" that deficit since this is all out of my hands.

vlagrl29 · February 2015

I'm so sorry you are going thru this, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I got laid off right before the xmas of 2009. It always sucks to get laid off, but it was one of the best things that happened to me. The job was really boring and my boss was a micro manager which gave me a LOT of anxiety. I started my own business in Jan of 2010, didn't look back and I really enjoy it. Got pregnant just 5 months later and am able to SAH with DD. Everything I always wanted.

Don't forget you can apply for unemployment in your state.

AprilZ81 · February 2015

@vlagrl29 Yes, unemployment is an option but I really hope I don't have to resort to that. They don't withhold any taxes and there are a ton of hoops you have to go through. I've heard nightmares about some of the seminars and videos they make you watch to even get eligible for unemployment to begin with.

jtmh2012 · February 2015

Just curious. You said you provide a very valuable service to your clients. Given that they're about to lose your services, if they truly value them they might be able to hire you direct.

simplyelise · February 2015

AprilZ81 said:

@vlagrl29 Yes, unemployment is an option but I really hope I don't have to resort to that. They don't withhold any taxes and there are a ton of hoops you have to go through. I've heard nightmares about some of the seminars and videos they make you watch to even get eligible for unemployment to begin with.

DH has been on unemployment since the beginning of the year after his work contract ran up. It was actually really not hard and they do withhold taxes. You have to go to a screening and meet with a staffer, but he said it wasn't that bad. He has worked as a temp occasionally, so the amount goes down during those weeks. You simply have to keep track of the places you've applied. DH was hesitant at first because he felt like it was taking a handout (although we both support unemployment on the whole). But having that little bit of income from him has made the past few weeks way easier. And it's also meant that he could hold out for some of the jobs that are more at his level and in his field.

He had a very promising second interview today and has a second interview for a different job on Monday. It looks like he will have something within a week. And without that little bit of help, he probably would've had to take something for much lower pay right away.

AprilZ81 · February 2015

@simplyelise Thank you for telling me of your husband's experience with unemployment. That does ease my mind that it would be worth the hassle if I need more time to find something in my field. I'm pleased to know they do take out taxes, I had heard that they didn't and I didn't want to worry about saving more for tax bills next year.

I wish your husband all the best with the job prospects! I hope he gets an offer.

AprilZ81 · February 2015

jtmh2012 said:

Just curious. You said you provide a very valuable service to your clients. Given that they're about to lose your services, if they truly value them they might be able to hire you direct.

I'm checking for open positions with my clients. The problem is that they outsource their corporate meeting planning and lump it in with corporate travel and don't want to pay for the meeting planning part which is why I'm out of a job to begin with. I doubt if they wouldn't pay part of my salary via my current employer they won't pay all of my salary themselves.

I guess that means I'm not as valuable as I thought. lol

simplyelise · February 2015

It might actually vary state by state for the taxes. In MO, they do take them out, but since the disbursement is through the state, it might be different elsewhere.

Sisugal · February 2015

In my state you can sign up for unemployment benefits online. And yes, they take out taxes - not doing so is not an option here.

als1982 · February 2015

This just sucks. Sorry @AprilZ81‌

HoneyBee973 · February 2015

I'm sorry @AprilZ81, hope you get a new position within your company, and can continue TTC as planned.

JoanE2012 · February 2015

Uggggh, that sucks. I'm so sorry. I think that's pretty rotten with the vacation accrual, but I know that's how my company has it worded....you have to pay back any unvested days you used at termination, whether I resigned or the company laid me off. But geez, I think they really should just give you that as part of severance.

You'll find something. And in the end, it will probably work out better. It's just sometimes hard to see that now. Good luck!

vlagrl29 · February 2015

AprilZ81 said:

@vlagrl29 Yes, unemployment is an option but I really hope I don't have to resort to that. They don't withhold any taxes and there are a ton of hoops you have to go through. I've heard nightmares about some of the seminars and videos they make you watch to even get eligible for unemployment to begin with.

I've been on it twice and it's super easy. You can choose to withhold taxes which is what I did. ETA - I didn't even have to meet with anyone. It was all done thru their website and I had to do a once a month check in, but didn't have to meet with anyone then either.

smbenevides1989 · February 2015

I'm so sorry! I hope something internal comes through soon! Good luck on the job search!

short+sassy · February 2015

Hey April-- I'm so sorry to hear this! Hopefully you will get one of those internal work-at-home positions and this will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

My DH was laid off just one month after we got married...and that was over 18 months ago and he still hasn't found another job . So I very well know how super sucky it is.

Like yourself, I was laid off from a job a few years ago where I owed vacation time. However, HR "forgave" the vacation time owed, in addition to giving me two weeks severance. I didn't even have to fight for it. They basically said what you feel, that if I had left the job I would have had to pay it back but since they were the ones laying me off, I had borrowed my vacation in "good conscience" and it would have been unfair to make me pay it back.

AprilZ81 · February 2015

I just got off the phone with the recruiter. Three of the positions I'm qualified for will not consider a virtual position and I can't relocate to those cities. I'm not surprised at all with that.

One of the positions I'm not really qualified for, which I already knew.

The recruiter is going to pass my resume along to the hiring managers of the other three positions.

Two of the three would be great fits with my skill set, they are basicly the same job with minor differences due to the client relationship.

The third would be an okay fit but they want someone to work west coast hours (so 11-8 or 12-9 give or take). I would do it if I had to, but man that would suck since I wouldn't be able to spend any time with DH in the evenings, especially on a Friday night. That one is also currently a temporary position which makes it even less attractive.

The best laid plans... (Job Layoff)

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