I’m in my late forties, I'm already drained, and the idea of pushing through another decade or more of the same feels suffocating. I’ve put too much of myself into this job to walk away easily, but some days I catch myself almost hoping they make the choice for me.
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Mondays, always start like this. Why am I here. Why do I deal with this cr-p. Should I just retire. I’m at the point of just going let me just walk. Waiting for a RIF is just as sole su-king and it won’t get me too much compared to what I have saved.
Ironically today there is a career HR development expo. The HR people are way too up beat for me to consider they really work for the big O.
been at the company for a long long time. Made a lot of friends, did a lot of cool sh-t, didn't make as much as did at other companies but paid myself first, loaded up the 401k, the ESPP, hung onto my RSU's for the most part until they went ballistic a while back and added that to our net worth. Lived beneath our means but still lived really well cuz we didnt buy stupid sh-t. 'Little of no net worth' - Gordon Gekko, for us there are 2 commas in our net worth for years and no debt. We thank the big O for the benefits and the pay over the years. But you gotta take responsibility for your own finances and not try and keep up with the Joneses, they broke anyway and that Tesla they have is leased, they are one paycheck away from being in deep doo doo. Stealth wealth is a great feeling... =)
| work your contracted hours
I don't recall that being stipulated anywhere. Perhaps in Europe where employees actually have contracts.
I think quite a few people are in the same position. Keep collecting the monthly pay check, build an emergency fund and work your contracted hours.
Extra effort is generally rewarded by being assigned more work for no more money.
Pay increases are becoming increasingly rare so you do more for less and less.
Recently issued RSUs are practically worthless as the stick price craters.
I'm hoping for a severance package soon.
It’s really important to carve out some time for yourself and enjoy the things that bring you joy.
your job is just that = a job. It doesn’t define your worth or your life. Don’t let it weigh you down.
view work as a means to an end, something you do for a salary, rather than your entire identity.
Try to focus on detaching from the stress that comes with it. Sometimes, giving a simple “Yes, Boss” keeps things smooth and helps ease the burden.
boss's loves to validate their big ego's and as long as you can validate and fulfill it you'd be liked and possibly never have to face layoff consequence.
Take care of yourself, and remember that you’re so much more than your job.
Follow the Dave Ramsey Rule: Debt Free ='s Financial Freedom !!!
Pay off you mortgage, cars, loans, credit cards.....
Then you make real $$$$ !!
@df That is brutal. Am in my 60's too. Took the RSU's that vested and the severance, and didn't look back.
The RIF was cruel. Take care of yourself. I understand. In 60s. Been laid off twice in 3 years.
Will enter 40s and feel the same way. Was a try hard and learnt it got me no where. Being liked is more important than competence. Results don't matter, who you su-k up to matters more. Your job is not your identity. Do fun activities everyday, not only the weekend, you need to look forward to something daily. That can be out with family/kids, playing some sport or some hobby. Take care of your mental and physical health - once lost, hard to impossible to get back. I would advice not to resign - you worked so long at least get the severance and leave. Pay coming in paying bills outweighs running down your savings. Try to reduce debt and expenses so you are ready if needed. Be on the hunt for opportunities through any contacts/network you have. Easier said than done - be willing to swallow pride and take a lower title if it gives you mental peace and happiness. Life is short, and working where you are miserable for 1/2 of waking hours is a recipe to shorten it further. As Ferris said decades back "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Whatever you do, do NOT leave now without having a job to go to - unless of course you have enough money saved up to last the rest of your life.. Seriously. I was there about three years ago (and I'm considerably older). I didn't have enough money saved to retire. I still don't, and now I have to compete with thousands of others for maybe five or six posted jobs that actually exist, avoid the scammers and meanwhile pinch pennies until I can find something.
@cq had good advice. Please don't jump from the frying pan into the fire.
Just take care of yourself and on the sick leave. It will a bit clear your mind and start planning plan B. Do not stay there too long, do not let them to make you totally drained out.
One day at a time.