The shoe finally dropped.

[blueyes]

My dad just called: he's been down-sized.

I'm stunned. This isn't particularly out-of-the-blue, as the first rumblings surfaced in January 2007. He got passed over in the first three cuts, but didn't survive this latest round. This is more surprising than it 'should' be, because of two or three incidents in the past three or four weeks that were exceptionally positive and made it seem as though he was practically assured of a position through this last round.

My mom doesn't know yet, but she is going to be massively upset when she finds out. Dad's taken the rest of the day off and he seems to be in a fairly positive mood, given the circumstances. He's already got a headhunter on the hook and he's on the career websites and all that junk. He's got connections. It just is incredibly hard to believe that Dad has been let go after 30 years with the company.

[FunInTheSun]

I'm so sorry to hear that. 30 years is a long time, but in this day and age there is no loyalty. I'm sure things will work out in the end. Does your mom work? Do you all have savings?

[kellybeen18]

My dad went through something similar. He started looking for something else right away, but if we think that's hard in our twenties, imagine in your fifties! While he was searching, he did some consulting work in his field to give him something to do and bring in some income. Luckily, my parents had some savings they could use. Eventually he found something and they had to move to another state, but they ended up living closer to me, and they have moved a lot before so they were somewhat used to it. In the end it all worked out, but I understand about being surprised and worried!

[oldmanwinter]

but if we think that's hard in our twenties, imagine in your fifties!
I've been witnessing that that with my dad. His situation is a little different because he wasn't laid-off, he sold his business. But he's not ready to retire yet and has been looking for something without much success.

At least in his case it was entirely his decision and he knew what he would be getting into knowing that he may never find anything. But having that news sprung on you like that must be awful.

[AsianGeek]

but if we think that's hard in our twenties, imagine in your fifties!

I completely disagree my dad left his company when bank of america merged with fleet and he didn't spend too much time getting another job that paid even more than that he made back with fleet. While getting that job is certainly harder than someone in their 30's. Your work experience that you've accumulated definately makes you a lot more valuable than someone in their 20's.

[teardropp176]

I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully everything works out, I wish the best for your family. :)

AsianGeek, you make a good point. Experience is most important. :)