It doesn't make sense to stay. There is no position in the club where I wouldn't be taking a huge pay cut. After 26 years it is difficult to start over. I am 3 years away from retirement. I guess I'll take the payout. That will give me time to find something else. It's just a job. We turn it into relationships because we're human. The company wants something else. Money. They are trying to not be Sears. It is very unfortunate about the Sam's share tho. We are super maxed. I'm trying to not be bitter. I knew it was coming. Trying to keep a level head.
For anyone leaving make sure to find a place for your 401k. If you don't roll it into another one the government will take close to a third of it. Good luck & God bless to all my fellow left behinders.
On one hand, it is sad how the company is giving up on people who gave years of hard work to build it up, on the other hand, the OP is right, It's just a job. It’s important to go out with dignity and move on