I decided to create this blog to record and discuss the upsides, downsides and choices to consider when you find yourself out of a job at the ripe young age of 55. Yep, that's right; the corporate ship commander advised me that due to the economy, the competitive nature or our business, and the alignment of the planets that "my position had been eliminated". Here's how this story starts....
As most of you have already guessed, this important announcement was given to me on a Friday (as usual), October 17th. I sensed it was coming, because I couldn't think of any other reason that I would need to fly out of Detroit at 6:00 AM for an 8:00 AM meeting in Memphis with my boss. When I got to the boss's corner office there was the boss, John, and a strange guy from Human Resources named "Jack".
John rushed through the preamble which ended in the statement "you're position has been eliminated", and then Jack started into the legal stuff. I sort of went into a great day dream while Jack was talking....and you can probably understand why. Here's the important stuff out of what Jack said that I remember:
- Your last day of employment will be March 2, 2009
- You will receive your full bonus for 2008; and a prorated bonus for 2009
- After that, you will receive 17 weeks of severance pay.
- You will also receive 3 weeks of vacation pay.
- Your health insurance will remain in force until September 2009.
- You get to keep your full pension.
Essentially, the company has given me paid leave for 8 months to try and discover what I want to do besides work for them. As far as I am concerned, this may be the luckiest break / brake, I ever had. I am going to try and take this at least semi-seriously and optimize this golden opportunity to try something new. That's what the "Let Go Journal" will be about. I got "Let Go" and now I get to "Let Go". I'll try and get you caught up with me....since its been roughly a week and half "black Friday".....all the best
It's gonna b a great ride. I love you. nancy
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteI would hire you but I am on thin ice myself. I would prefer that you hire me but you might not like that so much as I am a slow learner.. Anyhow what a great opportunity. You can become passive aggressive until next March. Come on out to San Diego. We can go riding. I still have 5 bikes in the garage. R/Stu
Mike,
ReplyDeleteWhen you figure out what you wanna be when you grow up, let me know. I've been stuck on that one for a while now myself. I'm gonna miss you down here, but I know one thing for certain and two things for sure.....You're gonna be fine, and you're gonna have a great time!!!
Esther
Mike:
ReplyDeleteLove the blog - leave it to you to take a message of negativity and make it into a positive. I'm so glad that you and Nancy will have some time to explore and reinvigorate. Isn't that what this life is all about anyway?
You're welcome in St. Louis anytime ... bring a guitar and your best 'Kinky Friedman for President' shirt!
Kevin
The world is grave danger for the next few months. Mike has free time. That can mean nothing but trouble:)
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best old friend. You always bounce. This time will be no different.
Hello my friend, my friend, my goooooooddddd friend,my friend! PURA VIDA! That job I mentioned is still open, however due to your lack of experience in this field you will be reqired to furnish your own uniform. The standard issue is as follows: Shorts, NO CUTOFFS, tee shirt with some reference to longhorns, beer, women, therpy, billfishing, or Costa Rica. Flip flops, steel toe prefered, or sperry style deck shoes, and you will need to furnish your own gloves! You will not be required to work on any jobs in Williamson county! As my main man said, SOME OF ITS MAGIC, SOME OF ITS TRAGIC, BUT I HAD A GOOD TIME ALL THE WAY! As BIG IKE says "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!) I love you like a hog loves slop! I'm planing a Memphis trip to see my Memphis Queen soon, do you have a room, if so is it a smoking room. If not can you get me a room with an IP discount still? BIG
ReplyDeleteHey Mike,
ReplyDeleteYou rawk my sox! Letting go and strutting like a cock sums you up perfectly!
You still have what it takes to set the world on fire...so light it up, baby!
Hey...I'm starting a new business with rabbits! You just could be the perfect partner!
Keep on rockin', Mike! Will look forward to reading your escapades on your blog!
Luv ya,
Di XO