I went through the same experience many of you are facing now. We were told in 2013 our office was not a named facility and would be closing in 2018. We finally got a QTD of Nov 2018. It has been a stressful, unpleasant experience knowing you will not have a job at some point. It's even worst when State Farm is all you know. I left a few months ago on my own terms and started working for another company. After leaving the Farm is when I realized I was in a bubble. I believed years ago that no company was better than State Farm, but I was wrong. That was part of the bubble mentality. Please don't think its the end of the world because of all the changes State Farm is going through. Use the time you have left to evaluate your skills, update your resume, begin researching other companies in your area, and start networking. You can still live a good and comfortable life outside of State Farm. There are many good companies out there that will value your skills and talent that also pay really well. God Bless you all.
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55, was not in a location that was going to be closed this year, but will be on the chopping block and was being driven out, false accusations with no examples/nothing to back them up, bogus writeups, you know... what they are doing to employees of a certain age...
I couldn't sleep at night, woke up with a sense of dread, had physical symptoms of anxiety when at work and had no quality of life.
It wasn't worth it.
I got out.
I'm about ready to start a new government contractor job. I'll have quality of life and schedule flexibility, something I haven't had at "The Farm"
It was a stressful few weeks looking for a job along with so many others, so I second the recommendation to look outside of the insurance industry if your area is saturated with those looking for work.
54 years old. Thanks!!
Trust me, you can let go and move on as I've done. Your skills are valued in the marketplace. Look at small to mid-size insurance companies in your perspective locations. They will hire you in a heartbeat. Also take a look at government jobs as you may surprisingly find jobs that match your skillsets. Take control of your future. The severance may sound good, but consider the severance as an in case you don't find a job before your QTD. It's not a lot of money in the big scheme of things. Now, if you are about to retire, that's one thing, but if you have many working years left, then cut your losses and get out before your QTD.
So encouraging. I too have felt scared to test the waters. Now though I am polishing my resume, looking for other opportunities and most importantly giving myself the okay to let go.
The OP is precisely right. After 27 years I felt as though there was no opportunity outside of SF. When you have been around that long, you’re comfortable, even in the most distressing times. I was in a Hub and could have hung on...waited it out. It just didn’t feel right...it felt like it was a matter of time. I polished up my resume and went looking for a job. At 57, I interviewed with two companies and received two job offers. Your skills and experience ARE valued in the marketplace. I wish everyone success. You have options.
As a 50 something year old staring down the barrel of a 7/31/18 QTD, those words are encouraging. Thanks!
Thank you!!
Thank you