I Guess I just Retired

[Bigwoods]

There are 24 stores in our region and I was manager of one for 10 years. I the last few months management has systematically got rid of 6 managers over fifty with 2 to go. I was number 6. Really thought I was safe because I have had a great record, had many accolades and never written up. Then the last few months my goals sky rocketed to where it was impossible to achieve.

So I was given a choice to give notice or I would be terminated. I was really bummed. Now I have to decide what to do. I am 63. I could take early retirement and work part time. I have to scramble for insurance now. Life changed dramatically for me in a two week period.

I now they can get younger people cheaper and less benefits. I just wanted to go out on my terms.

[eamarquardt]

Sounds like an age discrimination lawsuit to me. I'd check with a few attys that specialize in that area. Getting rid of six older managers sure seems like a pattern. I'd do my best to get the names and contact info for the other 5 ASAP while you can (and any other's that fall victim to this activity).

Just a thought.

Good luck.

Gus

[Maureenm]

I agree with above. I hope you you took the termination option as you should be able to get some unemployment.

[pohukai]

Bigwoods,

I'm sorry to hear about the upset in your life and the choice you must make which seems to be a 'no-win' situation. However, do you think this is the time to pursue what you've always wanted to do; to be your own boss and not let anyone control you the way this employer is treating you? This is an ideal time to start your own business with interest rates being as low as they are (if you can get a loan). You'll never work so hard in all of your life when you have your own business, but if you have a passion for something that people are willing to pay you for, it is well worth it. The challenge is finding that passion and believing in yourself.

I was fortunate to have a company try to control me 30 years ago and the courage to not let it happen. I had a lot of friends and family providing encouragement and now I'm not sure I'll ever retire; not because of financial reasons, but because I have found my passion. What is retirement anyway; doing what YOU want to do, right?

[PKCSPT]

Hubby keeps waiting to get the same choice, no loyalty in business anymore. Remember when hard work and loyalty mattered?

[Bigwoods]

My wife reminds me that now I will have some time to do all the things on her list ans maybe some teardrop time. I think I should go camping and do some thinkin'.

[Verna]

Greg:

Well, congrats in a way, in another way....doggone it, no loyalty from companies for their employees anymore.

I retired 1/31/11 with an incentive package that I couldn't refuse. But, I wanted to retire anyway. Good timing.

So, after about 4 months, I took a 4 week trip out West, saw the sights, watched my budget as much as I could (too cool for tent camping for me so I did stay in motels most of the time), and saw a lot of the western portion of our beautiful country.

I decided after 7 months that I wasn't accomplishing all of those things I thought I would do after retirement, so I took a part-time job in a library. Interesting, only 13 hours a week, but a bit confining. I was offered a job as a substitute driver delivering meals to seniors. Perfect for me because I was out and around, not confined--it made me feel good, and get paid for it, too. Then, after 7 months, I was offered a job to drive seniors to Dr's appts, dialysis, hair appt's, shopping, etc., and I drive their vehicles. This is a really good feeling job. The organization likes me, I love my passengers, they like me, and it's still a part time job--32 hours or less per week. I can give them some notice, take a few weeks off and take an extended vacation without penalty, or even take a long weekend for camping. I love that.

I haven't made a lot of money at these jobs, but they put a bit in the bank and I'm not hitting my pre-SS savings as much. And, I can now choose what I want to do.

This is your chance. Do you just want to travel? Do you want to volunteer, or look for a part-time paying job doing something you always wanted to do, but couldn't when you were working 40+ hours a week? Or, do you want another 40+ hour job?

Take time to think about it. Don't make a rash decision, unless it just feels "right". Above all, have fun. You don't have to be a manager now--you can be a worker. It's amazing how many little companies and non-profits would love to have a dedicated employee with your background. Just remember that you don't have to put any more stress on yourself than you want--it's now your decision.

Good luck...and remember to have fun!!!

[pete42]

I too faced a sudden lose of a job mine was due to an injury but it took months before my socical security kicked in I was 62.
I went through a lot of savings before I got any money.
I would let them fire me I believe that way you can collect unemployment insurance, I would check this out as soon as possible
like monday morning.

good luck and keep us posted

pete

[Shadow Catcher]

I would as others have suggested have a discussion with a lawyer ASAP. Being fired depending on how it is done may well mean not getting unemployment and the quick suggestion is to talk with some one at your state unemployment office explaining exactly what is happening. Have copies of records like employer evaluations etc. can help in establishing an age discrimination case. Band together with other fired managers.
Get professional help, being fired, RIF'ed... is a reality changer that can lead to depression, and one way to fight that is to fight it.
Good Luck

[Verna]

One piece of knowledge about an age discrimination lawsuit. The time between filing and settlement can be as much as 10 years.

[Mikka]

There are 24 stores in our region and I was manager of one for 10 years. I the last few months management has systematically got rid of 6 managers over fifty with 2 to go. I was number 6. Really thought I was safe because I have had a great record, had many accolades and never written up. Then the last few months my goals sky rocketed to where it was impossible to achieve.

So I was given a choice to give notice or I would be terminated. I was really bummed. Now I have to decide what to do. I am 63. I could take early retirement and work part time. I have to scramble for insurance now. Life changed dramatically for me in a two week period.

I now they can get younger people cheaper and less benefits. I just wanted to go out on my terms.

I feel for you! Same happened to me last January after just turning 57. I Came back from sick leave due to arthritis, fibromyalgia and depression to be told that a re-org had been done, my job as director of security had been filled by someone else, and I had slipped to the position of director of security project and to count my blessings to still have a job because of the work force adjustment! I had been in that position for over 13 years and always succeeded to get fully satisfatory and even at times superior rating. I Blew up, went away and took the time to finally stop working long enough to have my 2 knees replaced with metal and just returned to work 2 weeks ago. From supervising over 60 employees I have none and I need to decide my own work to keep busy. I am totally ignored.
I am in my 41st years in the governemnt, 20 as military and the rest as a public servant. Like you I never saw it coming and I will also leave on my own terms. No one will march me out if I don't want to. However, all that stress took its toll on me and I am heading for long term disability. Actually, this afternoon, I am picking up the psychriatrist report that will place me on Long term disability.
The new university educated kids getting in on management have no time nor any respect for their elders. The race is on to get rid of us and to replace us by hiring their friends or friends of friends...
Oh humm, I always said that because of my health problem I was rob of time to do the million of things I wanted to. I will now be able to get to it at my speed and try to be happier then I am now.

[stumphugger]

I chose to get out a year and a half ago. I'm lucky. I worked for the Gubmint and have a good pension plan that I paid into so much that my income now is not that much less. I had a pretty physical job and my feet gave out. I can still walk and hike on trails and level ground, but going through the woods and climbing over logs would be painful.

I live in a tiny community where jobs are in short supply. So, I've taken up fiddle playing, I help my friends who also were able to retire on their place and get firewood, and have work to do on my 5 acres. In the winter we ski. I have thought about applying for some temporary jobs but there are people who are in need and they should not have competition from me.

I guess it is what you make it. Tomorrow I'll maybe go pick up a friend and we'll head up to my Ultra Secret Huckleberry Patch and see if it is ready and if it has a good crop of berries.

I'm liking retirement.

[CarlLaFong]

Get a lawyer. My friend, Bob, was terminated because of his age. He sued. 18 million dollars split 6 ways .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayJKBrmxCus

[jstrubberg]

I would absolutely talk to a lawyer. That's a systematic pattern of behavior. Someone in that company is gong to be very sorry they chose to do something so transparent.

[Wolffarmer]

I see I am not the only one with that feeling of being pushed out on an ice flow.

Randy