Things often happen that we don't plan. And often do not want. And do not look for.
They happen for a reason. And sometimes, it takes awhile to see that reason and understand it.
It has been a very sad Christmas season in my work group. Less than 50% of us were outsourced - meaning we have jobs. 55% of us were surplussed - which means we do not.
I was among the fortunate few to be outsourced. Thus, my wish to go to work for someone else has been fulfilled - but not in a way that I chose. At first, I was, admittedly very angry about that. This was not MY choice. Now that I think back, perhaps that is why things worked out the way they did - with me being angry enough about my position to accept working for another company - in fact - to pursue it wholeheartedly. This was, perhaps, preparation for this outsourcing.
I did see the writing on the wall - I knew this was coming - although it was not the reason for embarking on a job search. However, I did not see it coming until next year about this time as there was one VERY BIG point which I did not factor into my equation. Once this factor was presented, I realized that the timing was correct.
Needless to say, no one in my work group felt very Christmas-y. Our parties were not well-attended. Some just fizzled out completely. One of the worst parts about this is that, as outsourced people, we remain in our jobs. Thus we will be working side by side with the people who have no jobs for the next few months while they desperately search for jobs within and without. The lucky few next to the condemned. Many of whom have small children they must support.
Understanding how businesses run - with fiscal years and reporting divided up into 4 quarters and the end-of-year being December 31, of course all businesses make a made dash for the best finish right at the end of the year. Which makes December the biggest month for layoffs. One would think, with the majority of the world celebrating some sort of spiritual holiday at this time of year, that some caring business owner might have considered moving the end-of-fiscal year to another quarter - thus avoiding the layoffs at a time of year when depression and suicide are NORMALLY at high rates. It seems strange to me that this has never been considered or implemented.
Now, for the good.... Yes there is much good. This was a blessing in disguise. It turns out that I will actually retire from my current company. Thus, I must figure out what to do with my pension. I have, at 50, the ability to use that in many ways. My current situation leaves me going from week to week - paycheck to paycheck - like many. And in debt enough that it is strangling me. When I divorced, I carried the financial burden of that move. As well as starting out with nothing. I took the kids bedroom sets and my kitchen pots and pans and my clothes and personal items. EVERYTHING ELSE I left. Some things, like couches and chairs, were donated - God bless my good friends with large hearts! Much - dishes, refrigerator, washer, dryer - I needed to purchase. Thus, I have racked up a debt which I am struggling to repay - along with the medical expenses for this year (getting kids into counseling and medicated ........sigh). Turns out that I am allowed to take the medical from the new company - which is significantly more manageable - and, when I truly retire from Corporate America - I will be allowed to return to my former company's medical plan....not good financially - but, ANY medical insurance is better than none at all. The savings from the new companys medical plan will allow me to put some $ into a 401K for the first time. I will most likely access a portion of the pension in what I believe (yes - I am consulting a tax person first) is a tax-free manner - to be able to give my daughter some money toward her college education. I believe that I will be able to do the same for my son when his turn comes in a few years. Also turns out that I can take a chunk of the pension and repay my debts - leaving me debt free for the first time in many, many years. This, however, will come with a 10% 'early retirement penalty'. But, I believe that will be well worth the penalty for the effects that will have a few years down the road.
Needless to say, this has been a very, very busy and stressful few weeks for all of us! The first two months of the year also promise to be very busy and full of decision making, and I hope, promise?
On the KID front:
Number 1 son is now 14. Doing so-so in school - but, with promise for the New Year. He has not been in treatment for long so it is hoped that continuation with bring about more positive changes.
Number 1 daughter - OHMYGOSH! This mothers heart is just SWELLING with pride! So, she was in Chemistry - and even in treatment, it was just not for her. So, two weeks into the SECOND semester, she switched to Physics. PHYSICS, PEEPS!!!!!!!!! She managed to COMPLETE ALL the work from the first semester AND catch up to all the work from the SECOND semester - and the progress report came home with a B+!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!! She is ON HER WAY to HIGH HONORS! Its what we ALWAYS knew she COULD do, she just needed some help! She has an A- in PreCalc, and A+ in English, Marine Science, and her Independant Study!!!!!!!!!!! This girl is HOT!!!!
I am off to unbury my car from the snowstorm yesterday.
Catch ya later!
1 comment:
I am hoping this year will bring you prosperity and happiness.
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