Thread regarding General Motors layoffs

Life After GM

I was part of the 2009 cuts, and I understand VERY well what you all are going through. The anxiety, sleepless nights, the seeing the whys and why nots you would be laid off, etc. It is excruciating.

In 2009 when they laid us off, my area was done somewhat more humanely. Everyone not laid off stayed home. Then they demoted, and moved on to the layoffs. They give you a standard speech about it is not your work performance (and most times, it's not), it's just a sign of the business, etc. Then of course, you were walked out.

The emotions are the hardest. Please don't think of the unfairness of it all-it will spin you in circles to think of some slacker who kept their job, etc. This job didn't define you, YOU defined the job. So don't lose yourself.

Please make sure you are on LinkedIn and networking, and have an updated resume. Do not be afraid to reach out. If a potential employer asks why you left GM, be honest-say you were affected by a large restructuring. DON'T bash GM in interviews, you will look bad.

I found a lot of kindness in unexpected places, and others, who treated me like I had a contagious disease-I learned from both. I also went back to school ONLINE and it paid off 100 fold!

It was one step back, but 3 forward. Good luck to you all and if you are affected, many are wishing you well. There is nothing to be embarrassed about as most of us have gone through it.

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Post ID: @OP+XtHoVO4

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As a member of the "Class of 2002", there is life after GM. This is your chance to redefine your work life if you so choose. I understand not everyone has the same amount of flexibility due to existing family commitments but this may be an opportunity for the family also. Good luck to all!

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Post ID: @rlb+XtHoVO4

Thanks new member class of 2019 here. Appreciate the words. Feel awful right now but hope it's for the best. Didn't care for the canned speech from my director, but once he left it was handled with class.

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Post ID: @jcv+XtHoVO4

As another member of the "Class of 2009", I predict virtually all of you effected will end up better off both income-wise and satisfaction-wise. That isn't just feel good talk, either.

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Post ID: @axp+XtHoVO4

Good Post. Took the VSP two months ago, and so far life with only a couple small hiccups is better than I expected!

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Post ID: @rni+XtHoVO4

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