Today makes 1 week that hubby has been at his new job. He really seems to be enjoying it there. The only thing that has been hard for him is fact he is starting over from scratch. At ImagePoint, he knew his co-workers well, he knew the office dynamics, he knew where were good places to go for lunch (usually the Brewery). He had a good relationship with his supervisors and had proven to his co-workers that he knew his stuff. Now, that process is starting over again. But, he's working - and for that, we are truly thankful.
However, a part of us feels remorseful over it. Mainly because so many around us are still out of work, and many more are losing their jobs each day. There's one friend who gets turned down for jobs because she is "over-qualified". Her "over-qualification" for jobs has led to her getting evicted from her home at the end of this month. Also, I see many other middle-aged people who are out of work and having trouble finding work. It is a dire shame that these individuals are being turned away. Although age discrimination is against the law, it is practically impossible in today's job market to prove it. It is so evident that it is occurring - and it's terribly sad. These men and women have so much to give to a company. They are mature, responsible adults. Unline their younger counterparts, they have experience in their job and in life. Experience that can benefit a company in many ways. Instead, companies (who are hiring) hire young people with little or no work/life experience who may stay with them a year. Companies now have the opportunity to hire and benefit from experience and knowledge. For years, these experienced individuals have been working hard for companies (such as ImagePoint and Goody's). Now, they have been abandoned by these companies, and are desperately needing to work. These are people who will be devoted to a company and will give it their all. They have before, and they will again.
There are other friends whose spouses have recently lost their jobs. My heart breaks for them as well. When they tell me their husband or wife's company has laid them off, it hurts. I remember that fateful day in January and how it feels. I remember the helpless feeling that comes with the news. I just want to hug them and tell them everything is going to be ok - because it will.
One week down - hopefully more to go.
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Keep us updated. I'm also looking for work.
ReplyDeleteI have a few leads that I'm working on including a job fair with the Tennessee Smokies. Hopefully something will come out of it soon.
I was laid off the same week as your husband and landed a job today. The interviews were much tougher and I had stiff competition. The pay is only slightly lower than before. I am very, very grateful for the new position. I have appreciated your blog. I hated to have my spouse going through such uncertainty during my unemployment. Scary stuff. However, I do believe this has brought us closer together. We value money more than ever and our children have learned valuable lessons. Thanks again and may you all continue to be blessed.
ReplyDeleteIt is very tough out there! I too feel for everybody out there currently looking. I recently left my job for another job because I saw "red flags" at my old company. Shortly thereafter (6 months), they announced they were shutting their doors. Very thankful for the job I have...
ReplyDeleteMost companies won't hire older workers for fear they will leave once a better job comes along. Sometimes this is simply not the case. Younger workers have more opportunities than we had when we were that age; especially with the lottery scholarships now in affect.