I got laid off recently after 7+ years with NW and I am struggling mentally/emotionally. I can’t understand what went wrong. I’ve worked hard and was always being told the right things. I’m not afraid of finding another job. I saw the writing on the wall and prepared accordingly. I just didn’t think it would hit me so damn hard, or that I’d find it so difficult to move pass this.
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I got laid off after 10 years of working at Nationwide. When I was told that I was being affected, I felt like my whole world fell apart and got slapped in my face. I didn't understand what the big bosses from upstairs were doing. I thought they had completely out of their minds. They tried to save the company money so they can have bigger paychecks. They have been re-organized the entire company every so often since technologies changes so much and I would never know what would happen to me or anyone else. I felt so lost and embarrassed that Nationwide let me go.I felt that I have been shunned. I felt like I want to slap their face so bad how evil the way they do business. The big old boys and girls from upstairs are so lucky that they have the jobs and they got away with murders. Sorry that is how I feel now. Nationwide is no longer is my MY SIDE.
Not sure if anyone is still looking at this thread, but I was in IT at NW (25 yrs) and was laid off in mid 2019 with the "last" round of lay offs. Yes, it sucked, but I also knew for the most part it was coming. Did not make it any easier. I too prayed alot about what was going on (for a few years prior). To say the stress those last 4 years was high is an understatement. NW told us that it was better for us to know that every 6-12 months there will be layoffs because then we could "prepare". While I somewhat agree, it also resulted in more stress because it just increased the closer you got to the announcement date. I'm mixed on NW....yes I had a long career there and was paid well, but there were lots of downsides. Mgmt way out of touch, very top heavy (how many AVP/VPs do they really need?) and just an overall attitude of "we don't trust you to do your job" eventhough you're the SME of your area. Lastly, I had the same terrible mgr for the last 12 yrs.....not sure how they couldn't see that he wasn't good at managing? Did I say it lasted 12 yrs? But I'm not with another company after 18 months of being out of IT and its wonderful. It's amazing how much different the atmosphere is. I had grown used to NW's darkness and stress. No...its not normal and there is a better way. Anyway....get out if you can. That place is not good.
Hang in there. I was laid off after 28 years of giving blood, sweat and tears to them. Uprooted my family countless times as they changed strategies and organizational structures every two years. It is normal to feel a range of emotions; shock, denial, betrayal, anger, mourning. The hardest thing I've have to cope with is the loss of my work friends. They were like family to me and when NW laid me off, I felt like I just got shunned from the family.
Just remember, NW is not a person, it's a company led by people, who, with some exceptions, don't care about the people. It's all about protecting their careers, power and greed. That is why when the belt needs to be tightened, it's never done at the top where the big money resides and very little work is ever produced.
Nationwide has made some of the most foolish financial decisions imaginable. For example, they spent ten of millions of dollars renovating several regional office over the last couple years to just turn around and sell them for pennies on the dollar - barely recouping the cost put into them. The purchase of Harleysville. The value proposition was buying their talent, human services products and risk footprint. Well, the very next year Super Storm Sandy hits where they had a concentration of risk (bad timing), then most of their talent is no longer with the company and the human services products haven't expanded. Another is the centralization of personal lines underwriting and product. They spent hundreds of millions of dollars to build the Grandview campus. Moved a lot of people from out state into C'bus, lost a lot of talent that wasn't mobile. So they also had to hire a lot of new people. Within the last couple years, a lot of lay offs and now may of the floors and spaces are empty. I could go on and on....
Trust me you are not alone 25 years and I feel the same way as you. I feel sorry for my fellow employees as I am close to retirement
Totally normal to feel that way. I lost my position in a RIF a couple of years ago and it was like a gut punch. After well more that a decade and being a high performer to have everything tossed aside was a wake up call. I think it would have been easier had NW not patted itself on the back so much as being this wonderful caring employer. But move on and you will find something better.
Sorry to hear. Which Org you are in? Are you in IT?
Just know you’re not alone. No idea if you went from office to WFH due to the pandemic or what your situation is, but our ability to speak to each other about the current level of stress is limited. That’s one reason why a lot of people are feeling like they are about to explode. Just hang in there until it’s right for YOU to leave. Don’t allow it to get to you. I have started working it out with aerobic exercise. If I work up a good sweat in the morning I don’t go so crazy when the stress builds up in the afternoon. I can try to laugh it off. Get up, walk around, take a few deep breaths. Also, don’t be so intense about work. I set very high standards for myself but right now I’ve just decided to take it day by day. I work my time. I get up and walk away when it gets too crazy. For me, customers are fine. My stress comes from the company not from the work. Whatever it is about your job that you like, focus on that, for the time being. Sorry, it really is hard right now. You just have to take care of yourself.
I know what it is to give the best you can day in and day out. I've been through the last 3-4 rounds of layoffs these past few years and Unfortunately, things have significantly changed. I found myself not enjoying the job anymore and I feel I have nothing left in the tank. I'm constantly stressed every single day, week after week, month after month.
Although I am still employed at the moment, I'm as well struggling mentally. Only my wife knows that I've been depressed for awhile now. I refuse to take any medication. My wife tries her best time relieve my stress with professional massages, walks etc. but this position has unfortunately provided too much anxiety and stress and it drives me nuts. Every Friday afternoon, I pat myself on the back for making it through another week and winning a battle.....until monday starts a new battle.
I've been looking, waiting patiently, and praying on a way out. I have found myself thinking about the work day, negative customers, etc. even when clocked out and some times on weekends. Sunday night is always a struggle because I know what's coming the next morning. I have been carefully and patiently planning to finally say goodbye to NW. God knows I've been praying to be one of the ones let go this year, collect my severance, my PTO, etc. and move forward, no looking back. Until then, I need to keep moving forward for my family.
I always wondered if I was the only one that goes or has gone through this. Keep fighting. I wish you all the best of luck, and to be happy whether with NW or somewhere else. Much love to you all
You're not the only one.