I'm 49 and I've spent more than a decade at US Bank. I'm still having trouble accepting how easy it was for them to get rid of me. It's not the job search that's the issue, I already managed to land a few interviews. It's realizing how unimportant I was to the place where I spent so many years going the extra mile. I missed my kids' birthdays a few times to make sure things get done in time and this is the thanks I get. It's not a nice feeling to realize it was all for nothing.
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You can't change the past. All you can do is deal with your feelings, and try your best - one day at a time, to move forward. You did what you thought was right, what you thought you should do. You can learn from this too. It sounds like you thought being a dedicated, hardworking employee - a loyal employee- was the right thing to do.
It sounds like you have learned from this experience that the loyalty wasn't the two-way-street that you thought it would be. It is unfortunate, but if there's any sort of "silver lining" it's that you can put yourself and your own family first in any decisions going forward.
I have also been here 10 years and sacrificed many personal things for “emergencies” and was eliminated. Lesson learned!
Sadly seemingly Corporate America is unable to put employees FIRST...it's the shareholders always. I look back after nearly 40 years and gave nights, weekends, holidays on call, given up family time, but you see - when it's in our DNA to do theeee best and give it all -- it's just what you do. I am thankful that most younger folks realize there is a balance. The expectation in my time was you gave it all. Reality back then. You do a good job, but you can't give sweat, blood and tears. And few in the coming years will stay with a company for the length of time our generation did. That's the reality. So... feel good about what you did for that chapter. You can take pride in that you did your best. But regrets are a waste of time. There is life after US Bank. Promise!
In 2022 I am totally amazed at posts like these. Anyone, at any company, especially US Bank, who goes the extra mile for the company because they believe there is some sort of 'bond' is living in the 1980s or before. Everyone must understand the 'bargain' with the company is 'even' every payday. The company is under no illusion they owe you Anything.
Happened to me there in 2018 and it changed my mindset entirely. Loyalty is not valued anymore. Don’t skip your vacations or time with family. No company is worth that and your could be laid off at any time. Put yourself first! Always!
I am also 49. I get your frustration. It is amazing that they let employees go who have been hard working and dedicated while they keep people that never do more than the minimum. I don't understand other than the realization that the people doing the downsizing know nothing about performance, hard work, or dedication. It is my understanding Price Warehouse Cooper's is leading this, possibly to reduce liability (making sure a range of ages and genders so bias can't be proven).
Oh, and would you mind sharing any details of your severance agreement, assuming you have one? Might be helpful to others if you’re comfortable sharing any info. Wishing you the very best of luck!
I know exactly how you feel. I’m at the same age and also spent over a decade at the bank. You’re not alone. All the best!
Lots of long term employees are super dedicated. On call, weekends, crazy long hours. Management doesn't care. This is a miserable and un-rewarding place to spend your career.
First, congrats on the interviews - that’s threat! Thinking good thoughts for you. Second, after I got completely abused by my last employer before USB (insane hours, low pay, etc.) I vowed never to put my work before my non-work life again. It’s a job, not a family. I know you’ll have a new opportunity to tell all of us about very soon - good luck!