I get laid off my job today. Exit interview at 11:30 am.

[bobja]

Well, today is my last day at work after 6 years with this company. Best job and best pay I ever had and the best people too. Mostly liberal/progressive types in graphics. But the minority who were conservatives you could at least talk to and be friends with. I work(ed) as a graphic specialist for a capital investment company, and since they are totally dependent on the stock market – well, you know how that’s been the past couple of years. (Thanks, Bush!) At its peak we had 18 people in the graphics department – Yes, our own department! We’ve since been absorbed into the marketing department, the company has been sold, and in September after the layoff are complete, there will be one(!!!) graphics specialist and a proofer. Quality, customization and many years of experience are out the window for this company.

I’ve been laid off before. It sucks but don’t feel bad for me. It’s the best layoff I’ve ever had. Usually at 5 o’clock on a Friday it’s ‘Bob, you’re laid off, don’t come back’ so you can’t even get in touch with the unemployment office that day, and your benefits are delayed a week or 2. When I got this job, I had loads of debt, no vehicle, no computer, no money. Now I have cash, don’t owe anything, a nice van, 2 computers and loads of software. Anyway, I’ve known about my layoff since last October 1st. I have been paid a large bonus to stay an extra 3 months until now. My employer is giving me a nice severance package (that’s a first for me) including 3 months of Cobra insurance (medical and dental) coverage for me and my girlfriend, who’s been on my insurance for several years now. My employer insures all proven domestic partners. Cool, eh? Plus we are provided free use of an employment agency for resume help and job hunting. I can collect unemployment benefits too, as long as California has some to pay!

And the work was easy! They paid big $$$ for my off-site training on the latest multi-media software! Gave me a free computer! I Worked in the best building in town, with a view from my desk for 20 miles from 31 floors up. And lots of other perks.

Ah well, the worst part is missing all my friends I’ve worked with over the years. I feel a mixture of sadness at that, plus excitement at what comes next! Now I have time to really develop my digital art and move on to better things. I can afford to take some time off and visit some cliff dwellings and natural wonders in Arizona and New Mexico with my woman and new doggie. Soon (in a few months, I hope) I’ll have a website up with my digital work on display. I’ll let everyone know.

Bob

[Bunny]

1. Well, I'm sorry you're laid off,

but if it had to happen, sounds like you got a pretty good severance package. Good luck!

[bicentennial_baby]

2. Only 3 months of COBRA?

Hell, I quit my job, and I still got 18 months of COBRA here in MA. Where do you live?

[Bunny]

5. I'm thinking that the company is picking up the premium on his COBRA

for three months. He would still get the remaining 15 months, but he'd have to pay the premium himself.

[bobja]

6. Oh, what I meant was

that my employer is paying for the first 3 months.

[Champion Jack]

3. If you need some help on your next resume

try this:

http://www.bullshitjob.com/titles.html

[BurtWorm]

4. Sorry to hear about your bad luck today

I wish you good luck from here on in.

[rock]

7. bush* sucks

Good luck.

[AnnabelLee]

8. Good luck to you

You are taking this amazingly well, IMO.