Thread regarding Ford layoffs

Hello, I retired on Nov. 30th, 2022 and took the lump sum after 29 years. Best decision I ever made. What was interesting is that management asked me to come back before I left!!! I was never a disgruntled engineer- the job is what you make of it. Don't be entitled and expect a free ride or an easy job. I never was a desk jockey, always spent my time at the plants and suppliers. Learned something new everyday!

Will probably work another few years, pay went way up, stress went way down!

Because I am still working, I can do a lot of stuff - extra vacations, new fast cars, and liking what I am doing. I saw my brother-in-law retire (or should I say let go) and he sits and watches TV all day then starts drinking. I want to put my skill to use and contribute to society.

@q8 I agree with you. I’m very thankful. I wish the amount goes up with inflation. Premiums have been going up exponentially every year :(

@ep you say the money ford provides toward healthcare is not enough. I have to tell you that very, very few companies provide anything at all. While the premiums are pricey, be thankful for the support you do get.

@j1

Here's to your health friend. There's a lot to be said for minimizing life expenses. Meanwhile the people that run the place are still tripping over dollars to pick up dimes. Hoping "number go up" while they quietly reorganize every quarter or two. Fire the OG engineers because they cost too much, then whine that there aren't enough mechanics to fix thier piles of junk because rEcALls caused by outsourcing engineering to low cost countries. Maybe they think they are winning, I don't know. Eventually no one will have money to buy a dog $hit product in the 1st place.

I was cut 11/24. I'm still not certain if i'm retired but getting more and more used to it. You really can cut a lot of expenses you realize you don't need and live better without the stress.

Congrats to all who were able to retire successfully! Enjoy your days, do good things in the world! Ford could be better, this is what kept a lot of us there, but it often never is. Reality smacks us in the face repeatedly.

Thank you to all who commented on LAF..life after Ford. Im close but want to get to 30 years. 3.5 to go!

Just realized its been 3 years since I retired. After almost 35 years, the timing was ideal since I invested my lump sum and other investments in the market. No complaints, the only watchout is healthcare if you are not eligible for Medicare. The company provides some support but its not enough. I was in my late 50's when I punched out so make sure you have a plan to get you to 65 and Medicare. You learn pretty quick who your friends are when you retire, especially when others are still working. Never stop fighting for your people, dealers and customers.

I echo the same sentiment as others. Retired 3 years ago. I had 28.5 years of service and was planning to stay until 35. Two financial advisors told me to stay as “recession is about to happen”. The interest rate/lump sum was the tigger. I went with my gut feeling and it paid off. The biggest benefit has been my health. I now live stress-free life. Wake up every day with a smile. The lump sum is generating income to cover expenses and travel. No early meetings with India. No BS PR reviews and fake ratings. No more “need to get on a call bridge” and miss family events.

OP: If you’re close to retirement, run some analysis and see if you can afford to retire. Good luck.

Retired three years ago, and I have not regretted it once. I had 30 years, and the interest rates/pension clinched it. My investments are earning more than I’m spending. I am enjoying my hobbies and traveling more. I worked hard for many years, and now I love not setting the alarm clock. I could have worked again, but I didn’t want to. I have never been bored. If you can do it and want the time to pursue other interests, don’t wait.

Retired in 2022 due to the interest rate. Got picked up unsolicited by an auto supplier, and worked two more years. I discovered the back stabbing isn’t exclusive to Ford. Finally retired for good in 2024 and never looked back. Not having to drive everyday, taking extended vacations, taking up new adventures, and spending more time with family and friends have been great. At this point my time at Ford seems like another life.

Life is better on the other side. I imagined the last years of my career being the best; instead, they were the worst and it was slowly ki-ling me (toxic). Glad for everyone else who also moved on. I feel fortunate to have had a Ford career but it’s not without cost. Would I recommend to a friend/family member. No.

Fortunate and grateful to have retired earlier than anticipated (lump sum/interest rate beckoned at the time). I grew up working class and my expectations for wealth are informed by that so I do not want. We cook at home always (stopped catching colds), plan on keeping our cars for more than ten years, and take modest vacations. I garden, read, walk whenever I can, open the table to friends/family as often as they will visit and try to be nice to people. External conditions can/will surely shift - solace will hopefully come from within.

I retired in 2021 took a buyout after 16 years working for the company. Unlike some of the posters, I really enjoyed the people I worked with at that time and was sad to leave. Outside of my group however, I had mixed thoughts as to where the company was heading.

I still keep in contact with a few of the engineers I worked with, and they all feel same, the company is in a state of free fall without any solid long-term product plans.

As for retirement, having the best time of my life!

I retired then, but really miss the camaraderie of Ford…NOT! 🤣🤣🤣

Retiring and taking the lump-sum was the best decision I ever made. If you can financially leave the toxic Ford culture, do it. I feel so much better and smile every day.

Retire when you can afford it. Stress is a silent ki-ler. Ford is not what it used to be.