I was told by an employment lawyer in the early days after my termination he will review my case but he also suggested “find something you love and move on.” The words stung a bit at first because I was so indignant in how I was treated after being a loyal long term high performing employee. I now appreciate his forthrightness. Being in an at will employment state there is not a lot that can be done. Attorneys will normally consult for free and if they take your case will do so on a contingency basis (only get paid if you get a settlement). There may ultimately be a basis for class action, who knows. Keep copies of your ratings and any performance memos, make a time line of how your were treated/reviewed while it is fresh, request a copy of your attendance and your shield (if you are terminated or pushed to retire). It appears severance may involve signing away rights (consult an attorney before you sign if you have concerns).
Start your healing process now for the sake of your health and relationships, and future success. If you are uncertain you will be severance or fired or pushed into retirement just be prepared to go today or tomorrow. Imagine what if I go to work today and they give me two weeks severance and 30 days of health coverage (with cobra coverage at about $600 each for up to 18 months)? What will I do?
Identify your budget/financial needs (let go of expectations and determine bare bones survival needs to realistically access your situation); your interests and passions; your resources and options. Visit your local unemployment office (they are a wealth of information). See if your community has any back to work support groups. Start working on your resume, update your LinkedIn page (create one if you don’t have one) and start reading business articles to get up to speed on life outside State Farm. Let friends and relatives know you are/May be looking for other career opportunities in case they know of any. They may have suggestions of other possible career areas as they know you well. Make up your own personal business card with your contact information so when you are networking/meeting new people you can give them your contact information quickly. Brand it for you - to be memorable and stand out.
What is happening at State Farm is sad but not unique (unfortunately). I have read about many similar themes and experiences across multiple companies on the layoff.com site.
Hope and courage to all. You are not alone. Grieve then move on. Hold people accountable if you have a legal remedy but don’t let it take over your life. You are too important, too amazing! Life is to short. The best revenge is success! Thrive and be happy!
There is life after layoff/termination. You get an opportunity to “refresh” and perhaps follow a different path in life.
I am a few months down the road after a sudden termination and starting to get used to the concept of freedom of time. I am enjoying following my other areas of interest and passion. I realize now how much I had obfuscated myself as a person and human being to fit into the artificial metrics created for our company’s evolving call center environment over the past 5-10 years. Change is inevitable and I embrace that and understand that. Change can be positive and the best thing. Change can also be scary and sad. Change does not have to scar or define me.
Be bold, have hope and courage. Be kind and forgiving of yourself and those supporting you. You are a pioneer on a new path on your adventure of you life’s journey, enjoy it, you will be ok. Good luck.