I have been made redundant ...

[Logan]

Michelle, I'm sorry you are having to go through this. It is tough when it happens and I certainly have been there, myself. Keep your chin up and enjoy the change of pace. I hope that people will be lining up at your door for contract work and you won't even have to think about going back to working for someone else.

I worked out of my home for at least 5 years. Yes, at times it is hard to keep focus (with the animals around, especially), but I'm sure you'll be fine!!!

Keep us posted on how you are doing, please.

Logan

[Vermontcat]

Michelle, I have to admit that I was one of the original 33 people who viewed your thread but didn't reply. I'm one of those people who lurks when I have the time but I need to think a bit before I post a reply. I'm so sorry to hear about the job but look at the bright side, now you will be able to see U2 when they tour Australia in November!
Have you caught up on the recent news of them recording new material in the Abbey Road studios in London? A lot of fans have been very lucky to meet the band there this past week. One fan in particular had been in a car accident the week before and was very upset that her parents didn't even care about her, then she got to meet all four band members and she went from the lowest low to the highest high!
So hopefully this is just a short term thing and that good things are in your future too. I always crank up the U2 tunes when I'm feeling down, I suggest you do the same thing.
Sending hugs your way.

[Rachel]

My husband worked in his career for more than 20 years and handled numberous positions of considerable responsibility with success when it was determined that he was no longer needed. Of course it was a blow emotionally and financially, but he picked himself up, dusted himself off and eventually found other employment. He also found that he was less stressed and ever so much happier.

Feeling the way you feel is normal, but as other doors open, you may find that this was the start of a new life which will suit you just fine and where you will be appreciated for your skills and contributions. You know how valuable you were. Don't let anything or any body convince you otherwise.

((hugs))

p.s. Sometimes people read but just don't have the time to reply. They read because they care or they wouldn't even open the thread. That's the way I am anyway.

[Cataholic]

Michelle, I saw your post first thing this morning, and am responding immediately. I have NO idea where you came up with the "I'm nobody at PT" theory, as I, for one, don't feel that way about you at all. Now, **I** am sad that I haven't been more warm towards you.

But, this isn't about me, and I am so sorry you have been let go. All the cliches, its a 'good thing', blah, blah, are pretty much meaningless right now, since most of us equate our worth with our career. Not so.

So, something will come along, it has to, and who knows- maybe one day you will say, "it was the best thing to happen to me".

In the meantime, pull out the sweats (is it cold there?LOL), get the office set up, and get the word out.

Keeping you in my thoughts,
Johanna

[ChrisH]

Michelle, I just saw this. I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending positive thoughts and prayers that it all turns out to be a cloud with a silver lining. {{hugs}}
Chris

[Russian Blue]

First...(((hugs))). As Catoholic stated many people do equate their self worth with their career and when something happens their whole life is turned over. Do your pity party, have a few drinks and start seeing this event as an opportunity. Just like the company can change your world in an instant you can do the same in your life, but under your own controls!

I'm going to be one who will say that when one door closes another opens. To give you a great example, the same thing happened to my husband last year. He's a QA manager for two manufacturing facilities and one day, out of the blue, he was replaced and sent over to only manage the one facility. In essence, his job was cut in half and he felt he was on his way out because of his management style.

A year later, this was the best thing that could have happened to him. He is more respected now since he was able to take on other projects that he wouldn't have had time for in his old job. He also has way more exposure since he's working with various departments that he never worked with before. He is very happy now but he thought he was being replaced and eventually would be let go. Just the opposite happened.

It's always important to turn a rather negative situation into a positive. I believe that everything happens for a reason and maybe this will allow you, like my husband, to explore areas that you never had time for in the past. The future is yours, but you have to want to make the first step!

[anna_66]

I am working in a place that obviously did not see my value, and sometimes on PT, it seems to be exactly the same

Well, be glad that you won't be working at that place any more then! You worked way too hard to not be valued for the wonderful person you truly are
And never think that you aren't a valuable friend to me because you DEFINATELY are! I've missed our nightly chats (I've been so busy lately & I know you have too) and maybe once you get all set up at home we can start those chats again.

I'm not a good one with words but know that I care deeply for you and your family and wish only the best for you.

Big Hugs and BIG slurps from the furkids!
Love Anna

[pitc9]

{{hugs}} to you!
I'm so sorry to hear life has delt you a bad hand.
Please keep your chin up and remember... things happen for a reason!
I wish you all the luck in the world!

[caseysmom]

You know what they say, when a door closes another one opens. I know that it will be rough but you will get through. We are all cheering you on.

[ChrisH]

A message from your pal Bob


Chin up!

[caseysmom]

Chris, That is so cute and thoughtful.

[gini]

Chris, if that doesn't cheer Michelle up - nothing will!!

[Jadapit]

I'm so sorry this has happened to you also, I hate that your feelings were hurt here on PT. Its no fun when that happens. I care about you and wish you only the best. (((Hugs)))

[Blue_Frog]

I'm really sorry to hear about losing your job -- it sux. lots!!

I was downsized in 2001 from a technical support job, when they pulled 86 people into a room and told us all to go home (with a smile on the face of the guy who was from another office doing the firing i might add!). I went through being really really angry, and upset (i loved that job!), and just plain cranky. Then I took my severance package and ran away to California for a month, came back with a clear head and started looking for a new job.

Best wishes -- things will work out for ya!

[lizbud]

I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I know how hard it is to NOT
take in personally when something like this happens in the job market, but I
hope you come to realize that it trully isn't.It is not what we do in life, but who we are inside that really matters in the long run.I do hope this turns into
a great unseen blessing in your life and opens opportunities you never dreamed could happen. So like Chris's Bob says, chin up. ((HUGS))