Was laid off in July 2011 (along with numerous in the university), and then brought back in November 2011 in a better position and salary. In January 2012 there were some major leadership changes, and the new leadership laid off some of those brought back, thus it became my second lay off. It was traumatic to say the least. The reason they gave was financial constraints, however, if that had been the case then why did the create new positions to bring back some of those laid off in July 2011? Around the same time, in 2012, the university gave huge bonuses to a few top individuals and raised tuition. If the university was in financial straits and were laying off folks, then why give bonuses to some? Why not conserve that money instead of raising tuition? I am not angry, I am disappointed at the step treatment of some. I am grateful for other opportunities that came my way outside of Howard.
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Hello! Thank you so much for sharing. Oh, no, when I say grateful for the opportunities, I meant in various other ways....I got to move cities to live with family which was my biggest blessing. Professionally, despite having a Ph.D. and almost 30 years total work experience, I went through unemployment insurance and applied for hundreds of jobs; over qualified for some, unqualified technically for others, and in most cases unable to transfer my skills to other jobs that were close but not similar. I took a tangent and did two new certifications to qualify myself as a consultant. In the meantime I wrote an e- book to inspire others and myself on how to remain positive through challenges. I got a temporary part time job almost after two years and am doing that now as well as trying to develop my consultancy. I have my first paid (small amount ) lecture to give this month :) having given, and still giving, numerous pro bono lectures and workshops for the last two years. So I am heading towards a new journey and hope for its success. I measure happiness by having my loved ones and I alive and healthy; a lay off or two :) are no match to that :) I am so glad that you now feel good about where you are heading and I wish you continued success in that direction. Regards and blessings!
I am happy for you as you seem to be doing well after Howard. I left in 2011 as well and was bouncing back between temp jobs for about two years, I am stable now and feel pretty good with where I am heading. Good luck to all of you who are still back at Howard.