Pepper,

I'm so sorry to hear about your job. I agree with Sasvermont, I'd have a labor lawyer look at the agreement to make sure that you are getting what you are entitled to.

And being unemployed is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. In this day and age, alot of companies are downsizing. My only concern for you is your age. I am also 50. I have been at my job for 4 years. It seems like every 6 months they're "cleaning house" which means that since I was the last to be hired, I'll probably be the first to go. The newspaper I work for took a wonderful man who is tops in his field of investigative reporting with over 30 years of service and farmed him out to report on the courts. Sort of a demotion. In the meantime, they "custom made" a position for a much younger man with no experience in investigative reporting. Dennie (the older guy) has hired a labor lawyer, which is a smart move, as he is 61 years old.

It seems to me that if your job is being eliminated, they should go out of their way to find you something within the company, seeing as you've been there for over 20 years.

I've been unemployed many times in my life. I have also worked since I was 15 years old.

I reiterate, you need to see a labor lawyer. Protect yourself. These companies who try and pull this crap need to know that it will not be tolerated.

We are here for you, Pepper and Amberlee. Hang in there.

Donna