I figured it was coming due to my pay. I am still processing the news. No anger or anxiety. More relieved because now I know. Sadness, yes...because its been 16 years but not depressed. Maybe it will all hit me (either relief, anger or other) when I wake up and wonder what am i going to do since I don't have a job. Dr Phil comes on 12 times a day on OWN. lol.
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Don't know how helpful people found the outplacement services (they stress that they are NOT a recruiting agency) but it's probably worth going though the resume review exercise, especially if you haven't searched for a long time. At least in my location it was sometimes depressing (sending out resumes, answering ads etc accounts for about 2% of hiring, everything else is contacts) but the information can be useful. And it's free
Got Rif'd today did NOT see it coming had more than a full plate of work that no one else was doing. Started Job Search Today as well as cost-cutting and planning for the future.
I also got RIF'd in April, 17yrs, 100K+, ,actively pursuing jobs/networking everyday 4+hours, except weekends, and still nothing unless willing to relocate (not happening). Most days, I lament on how quickly Verizon degraded over the last 7-9 years and what an ultimate shame.The other part of me, most days, smiles with fond thoughts of the old MCI days/people and some days I'm just glad to be away from all the toxic people/Directors I was surrounded by daily who made horrible business/personnel decisions daily. When I see Verizon commercials on TV or someone mentions I get one consistent pang in my gut, of summed up in a word or three......grotesque, self=serving, sickly corrupt on so many levels. Thinking a tell-all book may become my next venture, maybe even before I get rehired. #HappierWhilePonderingHomelessness......
Following up on the advice from above. Don't try to do a job search til after Thanksgiving. December tends to be a slow hiring month, because of the holidays and prep, so plan that if you get a job in January, you'll be doing great. I'm not saying this to bum you out, but to possibly save you some heart ache. Go ahead and apply for unemployment at the appropriate time, and remember that money is part of your benefits for working. It's ok to take it.
You'll figure it out.
Below is some advice that works for me - FWIW, I've been laid off twice at other companies and also was a contract worker for a number of years.
Take some time (several days) to absorb it; reflect on things you're thankful for in life; go for a walk; BUT DO set a definite date when you will "go to work" looking for work. Don't put it off. Treat the job search as what it is , a job - get up, get dressed, 9-5. Set goals - e.g. "study/prepare 2 hours for interview questions" , "1 hour check job sites". Here's a tip I picked up years ago from one of my favorite books, Tom Hopkins' Master the Art of Selling - Call 20 people everyday. I actually call 5 people. They could be people I've worked with in the past, cold call to HR dept., etc. -- I find the act of actually talking about and verbalizing helps get me out of fear and loathing mode and into a more positive take-action mindset. Lastly, I resist the temptation to ruminate over prior job - as few could-a, should-a, would-a whining sessions as possible - it ain't going to help - in my head I keep asking this one question "What is the most effective thing I can do next, right this minute, to get me closer to next job?"
I was part of a IT college hire class a few years ago and they RIF'd most of my class over the years. They make sure to mix the RIF's up enough so that people cannot sue for discrimination. That being said I don't see too many, if any at all, new college hires in VZ IT these days so it doesn't surprise me that the only ones left have double digit experience.
Its been my experience the many of the affected ones have double digit years with VZW, guess culling off the the old hands..
I also thank you for your time with the company, I was not affected (this time) but 2 of my coworkers were. It hurts to see good people get laid off.
This is my first layoff too. When one door closes and wider one opens. The future will be bright. It will be an adjustment from working like a slave (oncall, nights, weekends, holidays) to not working at all.
You will go through all the emotions in the coming days. Take some time to vent and recharge.
I got whacked last Oct..I was in shock for several days as I had never been laid off and two I was busy as a beaver with work.....had a mix of emotions as I had been with VZW for 15 yrs and 100% reviews...
Got rif'd in April & still looking 4 a job. Dr Phil does help u get thru some afternoons for sure.
Thank you for your time with this company. I'm sorry it ended this way.