So the job hunt begins?

[susandennis]

Maybe. Remember a few weeks ago when I encouraged my manager to fire me and she declined? She's had a change of heart.

They have just nailed the budget for the next year and my job ain't in it. She needs a marketing database person. I could do this with a bit of a learning curve but I honestly would be crappy at it and would hate it. She knows this.

She said that she is very appreciative of my contribution to the company and wants to be very careful to be very fair to me. She said that we'd take the month of January to figure out everything.

She asked if I was interested in doing the web work on a contract basis. (That email from this morning is kind of haunting me now.) I said that I wasn't sure but wouldn't rule it out. I said that I was more interested maybe doing the parts of my job that she still needs me to do on a part time basis but that I'd have to have some kind of arrangement where benefits were included because I couldn't afford a part time salary PLUS health insurance.

So she's gone off to investigate that option. And I think I need to rev up that job hunting engine that I kind of got out of the garage a couple of months ago. There's a chance that she could come back with a part time salary with benefits that I could live with and if she does, I'd probably grab it. But I think my best money is to not count on it.

On the up side, I know she'd give me the best job recommendation anyone could ask for. And I'm glad to know now and have time to think about it.

Comments

[geordie.livejournal.com]

Oh. That's not so great. I've been there myself. Good luck and I hope this doesn't cause you worry over the holiday.

[susandennis]

Thanks... I'm actually grateful to have the holidays to process the info and plan. I'm just a little wigged out momentarily. It will pass.

[ruralrob.livejournal.com]

Hey Susan. I'm not sure thats the kind of news anyone wants or needs just before christmas. But I'm willing to bet that things will come together so that you'll be happier and perhaps even wealthier in the long run. We are all rootin' for you.

[susandennis]

thanks so much... i like the rootin' part!

Ugh!

[spiritgirl.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the great timing! Good thing you have had your eyes and ears open! You gave me LOTS of encouragement when I got the axe....and it sure helped me to get through it. Back at ya, bud...this could be a GOOD thing! Best wishes!

Re: Ugh!

[susandennis]

Thanks! And, I'm sure it will be a good thing.

[melodysk.livejournal.com]

Move to the UK Susan ;)

Seriously though ...fingers are crossed (not that I think you will need them)

[geordie.livejournal.com]

Is the job situation better? Not from what my former team members are saying, but perhaps that's just the realtime software field.

[sylphishone.livejournal.com]

First of all, that is so weird because when I read your post this morning I was thinking you should do the freelance thing. Second, I am working from home part time for the company I worked for for 3 years. It is an adjustment and I do NOT currently have health insurance. I am struggling over the idea of paying that much for it. On the other hand, I love being home more and having more time. I do worry about money a lot though.

[tabbarama.livejournal.com]

Bummer - well, now you have the help of your current employer to find the next.

[sylphishone.livejournal.com]

Also send me a copy of your resume. My company might be interested in hiring you part time also.

On the Rootin' Team

[pinkrose70.livejournal.com]

Hi Susan,
Count me in on the "Rootin' Team!"

And while, of course I miss the security and salary of full-time job...I am quite happy to be home and not working, at least for now.

My circumstances were quite different, as you may remember.

But, I agree...you have the month of January and with your wonderfully rich resume who knows what doors will be open to you now?

In the meantime, you can kick back and not be faced with that "stay or leave" decision. Sometimes it's nice to have it made for you. ;)

That duplicate e-mail from this morning is a bit spooky, and I'd be wondering more about the sender.

I'm not going anywhere....I'll be around here waiting for the updates.

did they keep the twinkies?

[estis.livejournal.com]

Since you haven't gotten your planned raises over the years, I will assume a severance package is out of the question. Hopefully something better will turn up quickly...

Re: did they keep the twinkies?

[susandennis]

Well, as it turns out, it looks like at least one of the twinkies is getting out and out canned for poor performance - after the holidays.

I'm not counting on a severance package but I do have a nice litte wad of unused vacation the pay for which will be nice.

[idajo.livejournal.com]

Susan . . I'm joining the throng of well-wishers who believe, without question, that something spectacular is going to come of this!! REM lyrics come to mind . ."I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes!"

I'm glad you're going to make health insurance a non-negotiable item should you decide to contract back. My monthly COBRA payment will increase from $334 to $384 come the new year . . yowzers!

On the upside . . forewarned is forearmed! I'm very glad you have time to ponder and plan!

[susandennis]

First of all, I love your new user pic!!

And second of all, yeah - the health plan thing is key. She suggested maybe a contract deal where they pay COBRA but I had visions of that falling apart pretty fast so I said that I didn't think that was a good option.

Thanks for the good thoughts!

[idajo.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I love your new user pic as well! Well, new to me, at least! I've been away for a while and I'm still doing my best to get back up to speed! LJ needs a Cliff Notes catch-up function!!

[pinkfish.livejournal.com]

I'm one of those people for whom the layoff (over 2 years now!) really was one of the best things that ever happened to. I bet you'll be one, too.

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

I just know that it will all work out to your benefit. I will send care packages if you need something, just say so.

Might be nice to have the time off if you can live on unemployment for a month or so if necessary.

We have probably all been there, or close in our lives.

It has always turned out for the best for me, even though the first couple of days are scary.

[susandennis]

Whao! I didn't even think about unemployment... hmmmm I wonder if that's a possibility - I suppose it is... Washington state pays some handsome unemployment...

And thanks for the grand offer and the kind thoughts.

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

You are welcome,, I mean them.

[dlanor.livejournal.com]

Here is another person pulling for you. I am sure you will come out of this better off than you were.

[drood.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. But I have a feeling you'll bounce back really quickly.

[jawnbc]

I think you should be paid for being Susan Dennis.

[susandennis]

Now you have me laughing out loud! I think you are exactly right!

Damn.

[lady-curmudgeon.livejournal.com]

I'm here for ya, whenever and whatever ya need...

[joyofmacs.livejournal.com]

I believe you can collect unemployment. You would in Massachusetts. Just have to be careful that the wording they are going to give when you apply. If they can only offer contract it is not the same as full time and there should be no problem.

This will give you time to pick and choose your next work gig.

At first I felt sorry, still do in a little bit of a way because it does always take one by surprise but knowing YOU and your SKILLS, no doubt you will have firms fighting over you!

[nitemirror.livejournal.com]

As others have said, I'm sure things will work out for the best and you'll soon have something much better.