I just got laid off....

[origami]

Originally Posted by ColleenSwerb

The government has no money to fund stuff. The Fed isn't handing out money, and lots of state projects are being put on hold because of it. Awesome, considering our nations infrastructure is in complete shambles right?

I'm still in the "shocked and angry" phase right now.

I am so sorry to hear this, Colleen, and I think it is shortsighted of our nation as well. It does us no good to let our infrastructure crumble. I also think that the only way to get out of this recession is to actually hire and pay people, who will then buy stuff and drive up demand.

Praying that you find new position soon!

[Lauramarie]

That does suck but if I can offer any advice, you definitely need to look for a job now. Do not wait because your chances are better. The longer you wait the harder it will be to find a job and you can still take advantage of maternity leave/insurance somewhere else. Vacation might have to wait if you really need to work to maintain the household.

[isaacsmom]

Oh no! I'm sorry this happened to you. Like everyone else has said - when one door closes, another one opens. Everything will work out, but right now I'm sure it is super hard to imagine how. I'll be sending prayers and good thoughts your way - for both you and your hubby!

[Kara]

So sorry! My employer had layoffs while I was pg 2 years ago - and I always thought I'd be safe because of my pregnancy status and the fear of a possible discrimination suit. I guess I shouldn't have figured that ...

I hope you find something better!

[Shawna]

Ugh that really sucks Col! At least you can file for unemployment, I'm sure it's nowhere near what you were making but something is better than nothing.

[Penny Springmann]

Col, I'm so so sorry! Sending my thoughts your way!!!

[MandaT]

So sorry Col.

((hugs)) Hope there is a silver lining in your situation soon.

[LeeAndra]

Oh, Col! I'm so so sorry. *hugs* What a crappy thing to do. I totally think you should go in and pull a hysterical pg lady stink in the middle of the office tomorrow.

[ariesfl326]

Oh dang Colleen...I'm sooo sorry to hear that! Definitely not a good time for you but maybe it will work out for the best. Chin up, stay strong!!!!

[jaylensmom]

So sorry Col...I was laid off 2 years ago so I know it can be rough...

[kendallt]

SO sorry to hear that, Col! I don't have anything to add because it's all been said, but I'll be thinking of and praying for you. {{HUGS}}

[rach3975]

I'm so sorry! To get 2 hours notice after 6 years would keep me in the angry phase for quite a long time, I think. I hope you find something quickly.

[AmberK]

so sorry Col.

[supertwinkle]

Oh Col, I'm so sorry to hear this. Not giving you severance pay after 6 years is really egregious.

[Sharon Kay]

So sorry to hear about the layoff!! That did come at a bad time (not that it ever could be at a good time) ... so happy to hear you can get added to your husband's insurance ... that must be a big relief!!

[TheHybridMess]

So sorry, Col. I hope you find something soon. 2 hours notice and no severance, that seems harsh and shouldn't even be allowed. Thinking of you...

[mrshobbes]

Col, I'm so sorry! That truly, truly sucks I will be angry with you!

[Aggie Aviso]

So sorry to hear about that Col

[Gemma]

Oh, I'm so sorry, Col!!

[adrianka]

Originally Posted by Giseli Freitas

Oh, I'm so sorry! That TOTALLY SUCKS!! (((hugs))

P.S. I didn't know they could do that! Here is forbidden by a federal law to fire a preggo up to 6 months after delivering the baby. If you adopt a child who is less than 1yo, you have the same maternity rigths.

It's similar here, you cannot fire a pregnant woman and if you lay off someone they have at least 2 months time before they leave and in some cases (depending on company) even several month's worth of salary.

A friend of mine was sacked from a Swedish company when the crisis first started and their social plan included 7 months of salary, a language course, a professional course and several weeks' worth of interviews with a job consultancy company. But that is NOT what normally happens, normally employers act by law, which means you have two months before you leave, some money and they CANNOT fire you when you're pregnant or on sick leave (I can remember a friend of mine from US was sacked when she was in a hospital, so obviously this rule is different as well).

Col, I do hope you can find something or that something happens so that you can afford to be SAHM.

[pomi]

So sorry Col! I hope it really opens up new and better possibilities for you like the others said here. Praying for you!

[LibbysMommy]

Oh Col. I am so so sorry hon (((hugs)))

[Melissa Bennett]

I'm so sorry Col, hope you can find a new job soon.

[ZaCola3]

Oh Col-I'm so sorry! ((Col))

[Andrea Gourley]

Hope you find a new job soon Col, bad timing huh? xx

[*Celeste*]

huge hugs to you. i'm sure that you will find something even better.

[ColleenSwerb]

Originally Posted by supertwinkle

Oh Col, I'm so sorry to hear this. Not giving you severance pay after 6 years is really egregious.

The company has no money, so I'm not surprised that there's no severance. I mean, it's shitty, but if they're laying off like a dozen people all at once? Obviously cash flow is an issue.

Thanks ladies. I know I'll get to point of seeing it as a blessing in disguise, especially if we find something up in Pittsburgh and can make that work out in our favor. But right now I'm still just angry and upset. ::sigh::

[adrianka]

Originally Posted by ColleenSwerb

Thanks ladies. I know I'll get to point of seeing it as a blessing in disguise, especially if we find something up in Pittsburgh and can make that work out in our favor. But right now I'm still just angry and upset. ::sigh::

I'd say that right now it's healthy to feel angry and upset. If you pretended to yourself (and others) that it's something to be seen as positive, it wouldn't do you any good. Sometimes we are frustrated and rightly so, and to feel anger is actually normal. Sure, you'll see the bright side one day, later, but it's not like what they did to you was fair and you are obliged to see the bright side right away. At least that's how I see it... And I think I've just said a lot and didn't manage to get the message clear. Better to shut up. *hugs*

[ColleenSwerb]

No, I know what you're saying hon. No worries, and thank you

[Keely~B]

That bites Col!! I'm so sorry. I've had a BTDT situation, I was 7months along. I know what a blow it can be. HUGS!

[origami]

Originally Posted by ColleenSwerb

Thanks ladies. I know I'll get to point of seeing it as a blessing in disguise, especially if we find something up in Pittsburgh and can make that work out in our favor. But right now I'm still just angry and upset. ::sigh::

On the bright side, I see in your signature that you're a Sweet Shoppe babe, so at least you can keep scrapping new stuff!

But you have every right to be angry and upset. I really wish that companies would figure out a way to cut expenses without cutting employees. To me, it seems very counterproductive, because one would think that a highly educated employee like yourself would be a very difficult resource to replace, even with the employment situation as it is these days. I think businesses are very short sighted these days and not thinking about the long term. I hope you can get to Pittsburgh, though, as you have mentioned, because the cost of living in places like DC and NYC is really outrageous.

[scarletsierra]

Oh goodness Col. I'm ao very sorry to hear this. I so hope that you find opportunities headed your way and that whatever new path emerges is something even better and something that fits just right for you. (hug)

[nun69]

so sorry Col...that totally sucks!

[ColleenSwerb]

Originally Posted by origami

But you have every right to be angry and upset. I really wish that companies would figure out a way to cut expenses without cutting employees. To me, it seems very counterproductive, because one would think that a highly educated employee like yourself would be a very difficult resource to replace, even with the employment situation as it is these days. I think businesses are very short sighted these days and not thinking about the long term. I hope you can get to Pittsburgh, though, as you have mentioned, because the cost of living in places like DC and NYC is really outrageous.

They decided it made more sense financially to hire 4-6 new Vice Presidents this year, who would "bring in more work with their contacts". Clearly that hasn't worked out very well, now has it?

It'll be cheaper for them to hire someone fresh out of college in a year or two if they need it, and train them, than to keep me. Thems the breaks I suppose. I'm sure I'll find something eventually. We'll make it work.

[lauren grier]

you will def make it work :] get the ball rolling with unemployment and take it one day at a time. I too was terminated when i was pregnant (pretty shortly after they found out ) Everything happens for a reason.. hang in there chickie.

[Angie4b1g]

Well those feckers. You should poop on someone's desk or something. How annoying!

[suze]

oh man that stinks!!! I hope you find a job thats even better

[julia]

I'm sorry Col

[ColleenSwerb]

Originally Posted by Angie4b1g

Well those feckers. You should poop on someone's desk or something. How annoying!

This made me DIE! Thanks Angie

Thanks for the love everyone I'm feeling a little bit better today after wallowing yesterday. Still angry, but not feeling QUITE as sorry for myself, lol.

[mummytothree]

I'm so sorry Col!! (((hugs))) I'm so sorry you are having to experience this....it's never a good time, but when you are newly pregnant it makes it that much more terrifing!!! But if you do move towards Pittsburgh...I know someone who will be super psyched!!! *whistling*

[scrapmonkey]

I'm sorry to hear that - as others have said, maybe it happened so that something better can happen for you....

[scrap2day]

So sorry this happened Col. Sending hugs.