After 14 years at the same company . . . .

[ET Awful]

They brought in a new manager last year who has been riding me since he got there.

Today, the hammer fell and for the first time in over a decade I'm out of work .

Grrrrr. I ran the IT department for this company single handed for 13 years, they expand the department, hire someone above me and I'm gone in 1.

I mean literally, I was the whole IT department for a 100 person company, all helpdesk, server administration, security, etc., I did it all . . . but somehow that doesn't count for much.

Ahh well, the search begins.

[shenmue]

1. {{{hugs}}}

I was canned several months ago from a three-month job - my longest work in a while. I've worked a little over a year out of the past couple years, and all the work has been temp stints of a few days or contracts of a few weeks.

I just got a job offer at a local Target store for November through January. Holiday cashier. $8.25 an hour, 15-20 hours a week.



You are not alone. Hang in there.

[Dont call me Shirley]

2. So sorry. And good luck.

[okieinpain]

3. sorry dude, but i was a senior tech for my last company

for believe it or not 14 years. same thing happened guy ran off the whole team within a year and then i heard last week that he turned in a one week noticed and jumped over to some other company. feel sorry for them.

[JaneyVee]

4. Where do you live?

[ET Awful]

19. Northern Massachusetts, west of Boston n/t

[intheflow]

44. At least you're in an easy commute of

Last edited Fri Nov 7, 2014, 11:01 PM - Edit history (1)

a tech area. Got to be something happening on 128 for you. Good luck in your search! You didn't want to work for that dickhead anyway.

[ET Awful]

45. A lot of people today have looked at me in disbelief when I told them I'm

less stressed now than I was two weeks ago

[Curmudgeoness]

64. I am so sorry about the job loss,

but I do understand the "less stressed" comment. I just was fired from my job in September after 12 years---for asking for a raise, and the thing that surprises me the most is that I am also feeling less stress now---even with being out of work. I had no idea how much stress I was enduring until it was suddenly gone.

Good luck finding another job. I am finding that it is brutal out there, but at least you have good skills.

[GeorgeGist]

5. I am so sorry.

Sounds like they're up shit creek.

[B Calm]

6. I take it you were a salary employee.

[Tom_Foolery]

7. So sorry to hear that...

The assholes don't appreciate a great employee. I've been there, too.

[RebelOne]

8. Sorry. I was laid off my job after 13 years.

I was a copy editor for 30 of a publishing company's outdoors magazines. But in 2010, the company had to cut corners due to falling ad revenue and subscriptions. So I was laid off along with my boss and 2 of the top editors. I wasn't too upset because I had planned to retire after I built up more money in my 401K, but retirement came sooner than I had planned.

I hope your job search is successful in the near future.

[Stonepounder]

60. 14 seems to be a magic number.

I too was canned after 14 years with the same company and I was in tech. Their way was a little sneakier. They transferred me from one product to a different one. I knew nothing about the new product, it was on an operating system I was unfamiliar with, a new database totally different from the one I had worked with, and written in a proprietary language. I was given about 8 hours of training and turned loose on the phones for top level tech support. There was no consolidated documentation for anything. I asked for additional training and was turned down. Then I was fired for not getting up to speed fast enough.

Like RebelOne, I was approaching retirement as well, so we sold the house and lived off my severance and unemployment until I was old enough to grab SS and my 401k.

When I came home and gave my wife the news that I had been terminated, she thought for a moment and then said: "That is probably the best thing that could have happened to us!" Anyone wonder why I love her?

[grahamhgreen]

9. Thats their modus operandi - fire anyone actually making a living to save money.

[Tatiana]

10. I'm so sorry.

Sending good thoughts and prayers for you in your future employment endeavors.

This job market is truly beyond harsh. Long-term hard workers don't seem to be safe anymore.

[bikebloke]

11. After 14 years, I got my walking papers.

Big stress time.

[Faux pas]

12. My best

vibes to you ET Awful

[nichomachus]

13. When they canned my ass

The guy who called me up and told me kept saying "This had nothing to do with your performance." My question was "Then why the fuck did I perform - doing jobs of two to three people, putting in 10-12 hour days, etc."

A couple of months later someone told me that the boss admitted. after a couple of cocktails. that he conducted that round of firings "to show corporate that I'm serous about the budget."

[ET Awful]

20. This manager had the gall to tell me "We're letting you go because of performance issues, but feel

free to use me as a reference"

WTF?

I don't like your performance, but I'll give you a good reference? What kind of bullshit is that?

[Shemp Howard]

24. Are you over 40?

If so, get that reference letter (for later use as evidence), then see a lawyer about possible age discrimination. It can't hurt to look into that.

Good luck to you.

http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/age.cfm

[Marr]

52. That is an excellent idea. /nt

[MADem]

59. +1,000,000. That is SUCH GOOD ADVICE. Right on the ... er... money!!!!!! nt

[AdHocSolver]

40. If he offered you a letter of reference, take him up on the offer.

As another poster pointed out, a new manager will "clean house" of long-time employees, so as to be able to reduce costs by hiring junior employees at lower wages. This is typical practice at many companies.

If you handle this event properly, it should not be a reason for preventing you from getting future employment
You don't want to antagonize this boss. If contacted in the future, and it is almost assured that he will be, you don't want him bad-mouthing you.

The fact that he offered to be a reference, while it may be ironic to you, suggests that he isn't against you. His offer suggests that he may have been told to replace you by higher-ups. In any event, you don't want to make him defensive against you.

A "neutral" letter of reference on company stationery with his title and signed by him is your best protection that he won't bad-mouth you if, and when, he would be contacted in the future by potential employers.

What is a "neutral" letter of reference? It is a letter that states start date and ending date of employment (obtainable from company personnel records), job title, major job responsibilities, and that employment was terminated due to a change in business strategy.

In other words, you didn't do anything wrong. After all, you were employed there for several years. You merely want to avoid looking like a problem to future bosses. If you bad-mouth this boss in any way, you will only screw yourself out of future employment,

[ET Awful]

42. Unfortunately, the fact is that he is, was and will be against me

and has made that plain from day one.

He won't write a letter on company stationary (against company policy, I know this because I was there far longer than him). He was offering nothing more than a verbal reference which may or may not be of any use.

The HR manager at the company is a longtime friend who I knew before I became an employee and who I'd be far more likely to depend on for references.

[AdHocSolver]

46. Did you have a good relationship with your previous boss?

Could you contact him for a reference?

From what you said about your most recent boss, you don't want to use him as a reference. I remember being offered a reference by a manager in a contract position. I used him once, and the recruiter at an employment agency warned me not to use him again.

However, future employers may decide to contact him anyway, You have to prepare them to inoculate them from whatever he might say about you that is negative. However, only comment about working conditions there IF the interviewer asks about it.

Before retirement, I worked as a programmer analyst. Many years ago, I worked for a women who turned out to be a witch from hell. However, I couldn't say that to a potential employer.

I had to convey what she was really like without sounding negative. So, when asked about the job, I gave her a backhanded compliment by relating that she was a very hard worker. She often put in 10 to 12 hour days seven days a week, and if we were required to work late to finish a project, she would stay late and work with us to help us with our tasks.

An astute potential employer would understand immediately from what I said that she was a workaholic and a micromanager and difficult to get along with, What is necessary to convey, only if pointedly asked about it, is that for a short time, you had a difficult experience, you are over it, and you are ready to move on.

Talk about your successes in the time that you worked there before this boss came to the company.

In any case, to avoid reference "burn out", I suggest that you only give out references to potential employers AFTER an interview, Some employers ask for references before an interview to weed out candidates. You don't want to burden your references with fishing expeditions.

I am only commenting on your posts based on my experience.

[ET Awful]

55. My old boss would hire me back in a second if they had an opening :)

To elaborate a bit, for the first several years I worked for the company I just left, I was actually providing services to them via an outsourced IT firm as the only on-site person who provided all daily support and service and with a backup team of developers, etc. if needed.

The company I just left hired me away from the outsourcing firm and paid a good amount of money to buy out the contract (they lost a good chunk of change from that investment yesterday).

I've already talked to my old boss, not only will give me a great reference, but may have some temp openings coming up that she already told me are mine if I want them (won't be for a few weeks yet, but it's something to look forward to).

[tenderfoot]

14. Very sorry to hear this - the same happened to me about a year ago.

[CoffeeCat]

15. I feel your pain...

My husband could have written your post. You two lead parallel lives.

My husband is an IT manager too. He worked for the same company for 12 years. He dealt with the growth, and also with a few rounds of layoffs. Probably like you, he was doing more work with very little in pay raises.

Then the expansion happened, and someone was hired over him. Then, he was gone a year later.

It was difficult. It's hard to lose a job. The good news is that you have marketable, bankable skills. You've got experience and the job market for IT is pretty decent (depending on where you are, of course).

My husband was laid off in 2008. Oh shit, is right!

I know the uncertainty is tough, but I know you're going to land on your feet. Don't forget to apply for unemployment!

I am an editor/writer and I have helped my husband with his resumes and cover letters. If you would like me to help (free of charge, of course! ) do not hesitate to PM me and I would be happy to help when you are ready.

Best to you. It's going to be ok!

[IdaBriggs]

16. Sympathy! On a good note, you will most likely end up with an increase in pay.

Odds are good your previous employer did not keep up with the market.

Check out www.dice.com for new opportunities - hopefully, this will be the best thing that ever happened to you!

[LoisB]

17. I am sorry to hear this and hope you get a new one at a better place very soon.

[jtuck004]

18. You will find it much different now. Expect to be paid less for more, and

don't expect your job to last anywhere near that long. Assuming you find one you can stomach. Get your bills paid off. (After 20 something years the last network I worked on was 26,000 desktops and 800 servers, so I have a little familiarity). I hope you are luckier than many others, but many aren't.

I really don't miss it. Now they are tools to do things that fill the spirit, not kill it.

Welcome to the real party.

[TxDemChem]

21. I'm sorry to hear you lost your job.

I hope you find something comparable or even better real soon.

[ReRe]

22. I guarantee you...

... they are going to miss you. They'll probably have to hire 2 more beside your replacement just to handle what you did. Don't worry. You will find another job and I hope it pays better and is just all around better for you than the last one.

[smirkymonkey]

23. So sorry to hear that. I hope you find something else soon.

I have been at my current company for almost 10 years (a large Fortune 100 corp) and they just announced that layoffs are coming AGAIN! This has gone on almost every year that I have been there. So far, I haven't been let go, but it's months of anxiety before the axe falls. I may not be so lucky this time around. It's all about the damn shareholders.

[livingonearth]

25. Wishing you the best.

Too often the loyalty only goes one way in business. You give them your loyalty for years, but they show little if any in return.

[NaturalHigh]

26. I wish I could say something other than sorry.

Best of luck to you. I don't doubt that you'll find something else soon, but I know this still sucks right now.

[Leontius]

27. I got tossed aside in Oct after 18 yrs the last five almost broke me

my emergency fund will last for a couple of years if needed but jobs aren't in real short supply around here so I'm not that worried but I am enjoying the time I'm not working. I'll probably start back to work in Jan.

[merrily]

28. I am so sorry. I wish you a better job than you had--and soon, too.

You are not alone. I know a woman who worked for peanuts as a paralegal. She was not fired, but she left because they would not give her a raise. You could consider that a constructive firing, because she definitely earned one.

After she left, they hired four people to do what she had been doing.

[underpants]

29. That sucks

Sounds like you've got a lot skills. Depending on what state you are in look into your state HR website. The pay typically is close to the market and the benefits are unbelievable. I just got through my 1 year probationary period so I am basically here until I chose to leave.

[shanti]

35. i'll second that

a lot of people don't care too much for government jobs, but it provided me and my son with a decent living for many years, and i even got to retire from it. if you stick it out and don't get laid off for 10 years, you're in, and can make it to 20. after 10 years with the state, one is pretty much untouchable. i know of several fuckups who worked with me, but they had many years on the books, a boss who covered for them, and they always knew to call their union reps and scream discrimination when the hammer came down....so they stayed. the one thing they DIDN'T get is promotions!

[underpants]

39. Here it is 1 year

I'm a lock to retirement. I'm a good employee and the protections ( non-union) are one thing but being the type of worker who prides himself on efficiency and improvement AND knowing when to keep my mouth shut puts me in a better place.

The part that I love is a professionally managed pension. It pretty much survived the 2008 bottom. If Gillespie becomes Gov in 2017 (now you know where I live), which is likely, he will go right after it. I will be one General Assembly session away (5 years) from being vested. That is the only remaining hurdle.

It is nice to be treated with respect. No raises either but I can move into different positions/departments at higher pay grades.

[TxVietVet]

30. There's an old saying from my Army days,

work diligently and you shall be rewarded.

I was fortunate to work union after my Army career.

I hope you find another job.

They screwed you good.

Did the manager bring in one of his buddies from the Lodge?

I always loved it when I got caught in a one man layoff and the replacement was the fishing buddy/lodge buddy of the boss. I think they taught them how to read the secret writing on the building prints.

[ET Awful]

33. I think it was more that I was there before him and he always resented the fact that I wasn't a

Last edited Fri Nov 7, 2014, 09:22 PM - Edit history (1)

hand picked part of his "team".

[leftyladyfrommo]

31. that is so typical of what companies are doing

Everyone tells the same story.

[SharonAnn]

34. And they wonder why employees aren't loyal.

[leftyladyfrommo]

36. Can't. be loyal anymore

You justhave to do what's good for you.

[ET Awful]

38. I was frickin' as loyal as they come.

I had two chances to leave for other jobs in the past year and didn't take either of them.

I need current me to go back in time and kick past me's ass.

[treestar]

70. That's hopeful that you can get another job quickly!

Hope it happens!

[madamvlb]

32. So Sorry to hear this news..

[Stuart G]

37. I am sorry..

[uponit7771]

41. +++DICE.COM+++

[FormerOstrich]

43. Bummer, ET

I am so sorry.

I've been in IT for a VERY long time. The market is different than it was 13 years ago. Most jobs a 3 month contracts which are filled by the H1B recruiting firms. I am astounded how H1B workers can come up with jobs like we were able to at one time.

I wish you the best of luck.

[KMOD]

47. So sorry.

what's the saying...

Every time a door closes one opens up?

Lots of need for skilled IT people. Best of Luck.

[Liberal_in_LA]

48. how awful.

[Marr]

49. I'm really sorry-- it just flat sucks to lose your position.

I hope you're set up to weather the transition comfortably. Good luck in your job search.

[SomethingFishy]

50. Aww man, that sucks...

I feel for ya, I asked for a raise and was turned down again, 10 years in a row.. not even a cost of living raise.. They told me if I needed more money to go get another job..

No loyalty to employees anymore. They think they are doing you a favor letting you work there.

[Cleita]

51. Oh, I feel so bad for you.

Let this be a lesson to everyone who thinks they have job security. They don't.

I watched company loyalty with my dad and my husband be spit out like so many seeds in a fruit that was devoured and then no longer of use to the employer. They just discarded the rinds.

[RKP5637]

53. ...

[amerikat]

54. so sorry to hear this.

I'm sixty and thought I was unemployable. Many of the companies I worked for had gone bankrupt.
Thus hard to get a reference. In my desperation I paid ten bucks online to get a current phone number of
A guy I had worked with 10 years ago and knew my work ethic. He was in a position to recommend me for hire.

I had a five minute interview and was hired a few days later.

It's a good job with good pay and benifits.

Find someone that can vouch for you.

I feel your pain.

Good luck and don't give up.

[ET Awful]

56. DU never ceases to amaze me :)

The amount of reassurance and support that comes from this group is like no other .

[Delphinus]

57. {{hugs}}

I am sorry to hear this. Loyalty means nothing it seems.

Best of luck to you - I hope you find something better.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

58. ET Awful

If you communicate half as well face-to-face as you do in writing, you'll be back in the saddle in no time.

I had to shake my head twice this past week. One of my neighbors has worked in the Dept. of Agriculture for 10 years with a security clearance. She is a sweetheart, and her job is very demanding - a long commute to work and lots of travel. She asked if I would submit to an interview with an FBI guy at which time I would vouch for her character. I guess these are done periodically. So the guy shows up - looks to be 19 or 20 and asks me a bunch of pretty invasive questions. "Does she have a gambling problem?" "Does she drink to excess?" "Does she have questionable friends coming to her home?" Aye yie yie.

The other event was learning that a friend of mine's 19 year old daughter just got a job as a bag girl in an independently owned grocery store. She's making minimum wage and was informed she's on probation for 6 months!

Ageism and right-to-work states are creating a lot of anxiety in the job market today, but I hold out hope for you. You have proven, marketable skills and I expect we'll be hearing good news from you in record time. I wish you the best.

[MADem]

61. Yes, those security interviews are HORRIBLY intrusive, aren't they?

They cut straight to the chase in their questioning, but what they were doing is not unusual or unexpected.

They usually will ask you at the end of the interview "Who else can vouch for so-and-so's character?" They're looking for names of more people to interview. People who have seen this go down before usually warn the people they've submitted as a reference, and suggest that they all name the same few people, to limit the intrusion on other friends and family.

Probation is a common practice even at schmucky jobs, these days. It enables the employer to fire at will if the employee isn't working out. A lot of places have a one YEAR probationary period, so your friend's daughter is actually on a fast track to riches (snark intended, of course).

[HipChick]

62. This may have been the best thing that happened to you..

When you look back...
This is SOP for a lot of companies..why use you, when you are far more expensive than a kid they can get just out of college?
I went into IT consulting, and never looked back..

[Soylent Brice]

63. that's fucked.

[Thav]

65. Food for thought.

I also work in IT. I was unceremoniously let go in July. I breathed a sigh of relief and started looking for work. I started talking with people I knew and started getting contract jobs After about a month, I had more than enough work that I decided to turn down two job offers to go it on my own. One of those offers turned into a contract.

IT unemployment around my area is pretty much 0. Put out some feelers on your network to see if there are leads. If anything, you'll get some income and references while you're looking. Maybe you'll hit it good like me.

Also, too bad you're not in my area, I need to hire someone.

[truedelphi]

66. So very sorry.

That happens so often to very good people.

Have you thought it might be time to work for yourself?

Fancy title, like Interim Company Operations Analyst and Manager.

If you did it for Company X, you can do it freelance for Companies Y and Z.

And then make sure and pay yourself a good deal more to boot.

[whereisjustice]

67. You violated corporate rule #1. If you are caught growing older, you will be terminated...

Very sorry to hear this. It is happening everywhere. Neither political party wants to talk about it for fear of making rich people uncomfortable.

[CanonRay]

68. My niece's husband got fired last night

he asked for a raise.

[kacekwl]

69. Sorry , been there...

over 50 let go and after 2 years applying for any and everything am now driving a school bus because they were the ONLY one who would hire me.

[OLDMDDEM]

71. I feel for you

I was the ONLY accounting person at my employer. The owner's brother in law was given the title of CFO but never, ever opened an accounting book. After doing this for three years, I was let go - blaming they did away with my position - and now they have the brother-in-law to do everything. He used to come to me with the easiest questions for answers. I realize nepotism rules in my case, but I do feel for you in yours. Keep the faith, something will show up where you least expect it.