I'm feeling really stressed today and my anxiety is acting up thanks to all the uncertainty.
Are there any people here who have been laid off before and have managed to come back from it completely? People in our industry who are in their late forties or higher?
I could really use a positive story right about now.
No. Nothing good except I got my opt out form. I feel sorry for the people in the field that will have to deal with this mess
Prior to SF i survived 3 layoffs in 4 years thanks 9/11. Keep your mind open and try to answer the question what do I want to be when i grow up? Your new job may not look like your old one but you may find that ray of sunshine in it.
I have a positive story.
One day, I had had a enough enough incompetent micromanagement,unmanageable workload, unachievable metrics, mandatory overtime (now that I'm no longer there, I don't have to call it "non optional", giving up my life for a company that could not care less about me, negative impacts on my health and that sense of dread I woke up with every morning.
Too many here are also looking for insurance jobs, so I used my skills and experience to go another direction.
I found a job in the same city I live in (no commute) better hours, more flexibility, work life balance. It's a little less money to start out, but it's worth it to not hate my life and to sleep at night.
I have a positive story: I went out on medical leave due to a serious illness. While out, I took the opportunity to have a number of heartfelt discussions with my spouse about my health, the impact it had on our family, as well as the direction the company was heading in and the constant stress I was under. The bottom-line we both agreed on, our family and my health were more important than SF and the constant stress I was under. I gave my notice and separated from the company. This is the positive part: I am healthy now, my family is closer than ever, and life does go on post-State Farm. Too often people get caught up in the immediacy of what is going on around them. I recommend taking a step back, even if it is taking some PT, and re-evaluate what is truly important to you. Once you have realized what is important, act on it. Regardless of what you choose to do, stay or leave, do it for the right reasons. Life is too short...
My worth and value as a person are not defined by my job at state farm
Understandable to have the anxiety. Been thru this many times in my career with this company, but agree it's gotten worse. Hard to work day-to-day, and it sure doesn't spur motivation. On the positive, I have several friends that did not relocate when their office closed in a small, big city. All are happier for it, even though not making the money they were because they had to start over. A couple were picked up by competitors and enjoying the flexibility that SF was not willing to offer. Can't live our daily lives worrying about what is not in our control. Plan and prepare, and enjoy the things that are most important to you in your life. It's not this company or any company for that matter.
My apologies for the long wind about to occur: I know it’s easier said than done but it’s important to adopt the mentality that “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” If you adopt that mentality I can guarantee your life will become so much happier! We obviously can’t change what is going on right now; bottom line is it s---s. But please realize that there is much more to life than work! I challenge you to take 7 days and during the day write down 3 good things; It can be favorite memory from a vacation, something your looking forward to. Anything good. Make sure you keep it out and visible. Sounds trivial but we have a natural focus on what goes wrong in our daily lives and it can destroy you if you let it. We are quick to notice even the smallest of problems, yet we rarely spend any time dwelling on the good. Take the time to notice the good things in our lives and get more from these! :-)
I'll offer you one. Go out and sit in this wonderful sun and tell yourself "my life and happiness are not tied to an insurance company.....". Then believe it.