Laid off after 18 years of hard work and loyalty
I was laid off on Dec. 16 after 18 years of hard work and exemplary annual reviews at a national nurses association. I'm a graphic designer and was hired to do a publication, but over the years, as the other two designers on staff left, I absorbed a lot of their work. My job description was updated in 2010 to include working for other departments. At one point, I was the only designer on staff doing almost all of the work at the association. Then 4 years ago, they had a complete turnover in the marketing department, which resulted in half of my work being outsourced. No one bothered to tell me what was going on, and when I asked my manager, she told me to "stop harping on it." I was assured I was an essential member of the team and my position was secure. Then I was ambushed one day by my manager, director, and HR, informing me that the publication and my position were being eliminated. Knowing that there was still plenty of graphic design work at the association, I asked if a new position was being created for me like they've done in the past. They offered me nothing, refused to answer any of my questions and ignored the union contract that states they would try to find more work before any layoffs will occur. No one else who worked on the publication was being laid off... why just me?! Another question that was ignored. I felt so disrespected and humiliated. The union wasn't able to save me and they were blown off by HR as well. My only hope is to file a grievance now. I have to wonder, "Why me?" I was never reprimanded or had any conflicts with anyone there. I can't help but feel that it was because I've had many medical issues over the past 10 years that's required me to take sick leave (which I had plenty of), and utilized my medical benefits quite a bit. They would never admit this, but I still have to wonder if my medical history encouraged them to cut me. I didn't get any other answers, and since there is still graphic design work, why have I been kicked to the curb? Due to my disabilities, it's going to be difficult to find another job that I can do with the accommodations I require. After 18 years, I feel like I'm going through a divorce or death. It's ironic that the nurses have pulled the plug on me. BTW, know anyone looking for a graphic designer?!
Yep, it's the medical issues you were having but they will NEVER tell you that!
I tell you what that's a bunch of crap,evidently some higher up felt threatened probably scared you were gonna take their job. That's a hell of a way to tell someone Merry Christmas
Can you relate your disabilities to your sick leave? Did you request reasonable accommodations for your disabilities? Very well written scenario.
Christy--it's not about you personally. The reason that businesses dump good, hardworking people is because of the money. It sounds like they found a way to not only downsize the responsibilities of your job but also a cheaper way to do what was remaining.
First--make sure you have a copy of EVERYTHING that is in your personnel file. You have a legal right to this. Then look for a disabilities rights lawyer because you need to have someone help you evaluate whether or not you may have a claim against your former employer under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also, you need to know what your rights are to reasonable accommodations under the ADA by any future employer (unless you need accommodations for the interview I would not bring up the subject until after you have received and accepted a written job offer.). I'd suggest you start with the Nevada Disability and Advocacy Law Center ( http://www.ndalc.org) a non-profit organization. They can't represent everyone, but if they can't represent you they will be able to give you the contact information for experienced ADA lawyers in your area.
You are suffering a major loss that can be as devastating as a death or divorce and so you are going to experience the various stages of grief. A counselor can be enormously helpful during this time. A counselor will also help you move forward out of the pity party stage.
BTW, the world of job hunting has changed a lot since you were last job hunting. But I wouldn't jump onto doing online applications first thing. Your 18 years at one place means that you will be considered "overqualified" (translation--too old) for most jobs. Talk to a couple of employment agencies first. Face time with them gives you a chance to shine in a way that no online application can. Don't turn down "temp" jobs--besides supplying income, they can also turn into permanent jobs even if they weren't originally listed as temp-to-perm.
Also check out what resources are available at your local unemployment office. In most states there are employment resource centers that can help you with everything from writing your resume to interviewing skills.
You are not ready for this yet but after your emotions have healed and your income is in better shape, you might want to think about starting your own business. Most small businesses will contract out graphic design as they don't need it on a regular basis. Make sure first that you are up-to-date on the latest on Web design, as this is a critical skill these days for a graphic designer.
It also helps to make up a "to do" list for job hunting items and force yourself to do one or more items each day. It's baby steps in the beginning but the longer you do it the more items you will accomplish each day. At the end of the day add more items so you always have a running list.
Good luck!
Christy, u are a victim, of out sourcing. Nothing personal, but it a fact. You became, laid off, when you took on other people jobs, along with your own. the company was getting ready to lay you off. Don't get mad, excited, or depressed. Get your Resume ready for a new job. Graphic designers are a lot. so field is heavy. Find a related job, see if you can find a way to match your experience. Get a glass of wine .set down by PC, start list of things you have done and then find a related job or possible new field. get retrain if necessary. Applied for Unemployment, but get going girl , you got 18 years of experience. go for it.
I felt what you had now in your feelings.. I am an Artist too... and I believe you will find right away a job... maybe or just think about this is the right time to your life career to move on and time also you will start to serve to other companies that they need like you..sometimes we don't understand the palm of our lives and we have no even to find reasons why it happened unexpected happening....it is like sudden.. we don't understand at all.. but at the end you will right away and easy for you to understand when you hold already the unexpecting future happen to you...and love your self you are not down, you are an artist, there are many companies need your serve..and your self too.. there are many graphics hiring job and freelance too. and also don't forget to upgrade your the one that we r using fir work.. Like the Adobe Photoshop and others....that we r using now.. love your self as an artist..and be proud, try to surrender to Above God your feeling that .. those people who hurt you... and don't forget always to pray to Above.. because without him we r nothing..
This is my first post here. I have a lot to say. Maybe it will help someone. Maybe not. Everyone here has a story to tell. This is mine. I was laid off after 17 years with a large family owned commercial printer. I designed tons of different collateral and ads for customers. And I was a file analysist. Meaning I preflighted files submitted by other graphic designer from all over the country. I may add the caliber of work that I had to correct was really low. The feeling of being laid off was like the worst day since my wife passed away in 2006! A new sales guy and I were called into on of the two brothers office. We were told on a Friday at lunch time that we are bing laid off. WHAT! I looked at the sales guy, he at me. The asshole owner said in the same breath “It gonna be good for us!” I asked why me? He said it not just me. Four other people were being laid off. The company was merging with another company and there was duplication. Oh! Yeah! Sure! The brother’s let the company go down the tubes. Over the years I saw the writing on the wall. I was always looking for work. They were paying the highest wage in town. That is how they kept people. The workers either retired or died. But that was then and now is now. IMMEDIATELY when I got home I filed for UNEMPLOYMENT. The maximum were I live is $275 a week. The checks are deposited into my account every two weeks. That will last for another 3 checks. That helps a little. I also pressure wash and do handyman work. I am also a key person in a lawn care company in another city. I incorporated this company 10 years ago while working 32 hours. They busted me down to those hours for 6 years. It hurt for six years. I made myself C.F.O. for tax purposes to have a Chart of Accounts to protect income. I performed my services even through PROSTATE CANCER. Driving catheterized to the bank for deposits was not fun! But - again that was then and now is now. I do all the billing, answer love letters from all levels of government and I run payroll and do HR work. Sound big. Nope. There is me, my partner C.O.O. and one employee. All for tax angles that help all of us. Even with that few people making a living is very hard. Struggle is a better work. So now I don’t have a 32 or even a 40 hours job. Part of my career, I owned a family ad agency for 10 years. After the company went down because I could not keep up with the never ending technology change. I had to become an employee again. Tuff stuff. Knowing what I know is so different that what the average employee knows. But I never treated my employees poorly. It make me sad to know that America’s labor is suffering so. One RUSSIAN writer once said, “At least they don’t exterminate us.”
I am in a similar situation currently with visual and auditory injuries following a car accident and concussion. Suffering from PTSD- I used to fear the loss of my job. (Now, after some soul searching, I find that if the time comes where I am laid off or terminated - it will be both a challenge and a blessing. I wonder if you are able to re-think the situation. Make a list all the skills and experiences you now have because of your years of experience. Then list the things that truly bring you joy and compare your experiences with your true passions and see what overlap there might be. Perhaps the "higher power" needs your skills elsewhere. I do know that you are brave and strong...you've been there for 18 years. Dig down deep, find this strength of yours and use it, think outside the box, be creative, be joyful and be at peace. But also,take care of yourself- talk with a discrimination attourney to see if you have grounds for a lawsuit. Above all...stay strong and know that it is their loss.
Sorry Christy, welcome to corporate America. Been there and lived it. After 60 years old its a career death sentence.
I can empathize with your situation. Corporate greediness sometimes leaves us shell shocked to know the fact that "Some companies expect way too much loyalty and in return they treat us like dispensable work machine objects".