Joining the Ranks of the Unemployed

Yes, It happened to me. I am now known as Unemployed Floyd.

My company had a big slowdown in work, so they decided to cutback on personnel. I had only been there a year and they had hired a replacement for me at a lesser rate. It was a high pressure job and it affected me about mid year causing some medical problems. They were not happy with how I was doing--hence the replacement. I was asked to train him for a period--then I was to be laid off. My replacement had convinced them to keep me on--The job really required 1.5 people to do. Thanksgiving came and people became focused in the holidays--the job market dried up. I was about to fire up the job search again and now this.

How did I feel?

Since I had been a manager, the process was very familiar to me. However, this was one of the very few times I was on the receiving end. I really wasn't sad--I felt a bit relieved. Short of leaving the job for another, this was an excellent way to leave. When interviewing, I can really say that I was laid off for lack of work. They were planning to reduce the division I was in.

So what's next..

I applied for unemployment. I have applied two prior times--1983 and 2000. In 2000, the company that I was working for ceased operations. Since, by law, I received two month's severance--I was ineligible for unemployment payments. Fortunately, at the end of two months, I found my next job.

I'll take a few days off to clear my head. I have contacted vendors and friends--put the word out that I'm back on the market...in the job search, that is. Clean up a few things around the house. I also start a programing class this next week.

What for the future? For the first time in a long time, I have different directions I could go. I will find a job. If I have to work part time--No Problem. I have never been afraid of work. I just need to keep my spirits up and persevere.

Or I could just stay home and be a kept man.

Kidding.