Image credit: joo-ks.com
As I’ve discussed here (1) and here (2), my employment situation has become precarious over recent weeks. This past week there were off-site closed door meetings for higher ups from my division to discuss ‘efficiency’. We (those of us in my division) suspect there will soon be a major re-organization WITHIN our division.
Those of us within our division who work in my satellite office are especially nervous, as signs continue to point to our office space going away. What will happen to our little group in this suspected re-org? We guesstimate that we should be hearing something official at the end of the month. This will likely give HR time to get paperwork together. It also coincides with a planned visit from our new director. From what I’ve heard, executives here often give big news in person…
As I said in my last post, there are three ways that this will most likely play out for me:
1. I keep my job (with a new work process) and we stay in our office space. [This is unlikely, but possible.]
2. I keep my job (with a new work process), but we are moved to another office somewhere.
3. I lose my job. [Likely our entire satellite office is axed and closed]
I’m trying to feel optimistic. I think that my position will remain for now, given that I’m the only person who does what I do for this region. However, I don’t have long term security. Even if I keep my job now, there is no guarantee that I might not be pushed out down the road as they ‘continue to evaluate talent’.
Optimistic or not, I can’t sugar coat it. This REALLY sucks. The only thing that sucks worse, is having to go back on the job market. I’ve only been on the market during times of unemployment. The stress and desperation were always terrible. Going through rounds of interviews has become borderline traumatic for me now. I have received an invitation for a phone screen at one place and it makes me afraid, not happy.
Lately, I’ve been daydreaming about running away and teaching English abroad. It sounds great to me, until I run numbers. If I’m lucky, I’d save just enough to pay the monthly interest on my student loan. Plus I’d lose a year of retirement savings. Being older and in debt = not fun. Hell, who knows, I may keep this option in my back pocket if I get laid off and can’t find another job in a reasonable amount of time.
I’ll keep you guys posted as I learn more. In the meantime, while I still have a job, my #1 priority is saving as much cash as possible. I know I’m sounding like a broken record these days, but my future employment is taking up a lot of my attention.
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“Debtor’s prison is real, and opportunity cost is a bitch.” (DDSW
Double Debt Single Woman 
I don’t blame you either for being freaked about your job situation, or for being a little traumatized by the search process. Job searches have become exceptionally stressful for me too, with so little work available in my field. That said: it’s great that you have a phone screen invite. Deep breaths, and try to just be gentle with yourself and focus on doing what you can actually do. Good luck!
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Thanks for the positive words! I’m trying not to become too stressed out, but I’ve been dealing with a stress headache all day. The waiting is the worst part. I’ve been trying meditation techniques to help myself calm down. That’s all I can do. Worrying about it won’t change what’s already been decided.
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Wow, that’s a lot of stress. My husband had a lot of health issues back when he was still trying to work. Every day that he stayed home was another day I waited for him to get fired. At the time, I was on disability and we were paying down student and medical debt. So that was nerve-wracking.
When the day finally came, it was nearly a relief. Nearly.
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Yes, I understand that! I am at the point where actually getting laid off would be less stressful than living in limbo and waiting for the axe to fall. This is horrible.
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Ugh. Hopefully you’ll get to keep your job so you can save up some cash, and I hope everything goes well with your health issues too.
Sending you a virtual hug and many pats on the back. You’re a real debt repayer trouper! I’m really impressed by how much you’ve paid down.
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Thank you, Maria, for the kind words and the virtual hug. I try to look on the bright side. If I get laid off, I’ll have lots of time to get my health back on track and work on other projects, for a couple of months at least.
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