God I just did something really scary (work)

[Samurai_Writer]

I've been having serious medical problems and some rather traumatic personal problems over the past three months. I live alone, with no family or friends for 1100 miles. The only thing keep me here is, you guessed it, work. And for the past three months, my work has been REALLY slow and my job has devolved into more of a glorified secretary position than for what I was originally hired for.

My mom and my son have been begging me to move back home for years now. Well, I started doing a long-distance job search about three months ago, with no luck. So today, I wrote a memo to my boss, basically outlining why it was good for the company, the department and for myself why the company should eliminate my position, thus allowing me to a)receive severance and benefits for a short period, b)file for unemployment and c)move back home as soon as my job was eliminated.

I have NEVER asked to be laid off in my life. I have some money saved, and would be eligible for unemployment. I would be staying at my mom's until I found another job (already have three companies considering my resume in my mom's area). I have minimal bills (car payment and insurance, no credit card debt). So money isn't really the problem. But I am scared to death! I mean, I REALLY want to move home, desperately, for lots of reasons. I was hoping I would have a job offer before I moved home, but it's become obvious to me that no one is going to hire me, because I'm a)already employed and b)living out of state. I've had interviews where I SHOULD have gotten the job, flown there at my own expense, and still haven't gotten it. So I think this is the only choice I have, if I really want to move home, which I do.

Please tell me I just didn't do something incredibly stupid. My heart's going about a million miles a minute at this point.

[kalibex]

1. RadFemFL:

It's going to work out okay.

[Hello_Kitty]

2. I think you handled the situation very effectively.

Asking to have your position eliminated to ensure yourself a bit of a safety net the way you did. A lot of people (maybe me included) would have just up and quit.

You'll be fine. Not having any bills to worry about is half the battle. I'd quit my job and try something new if I were in that position. I've dedicated myself to debt elimination for the next 2 years.

[lukasahero]

3. Take a deep breath - you will be ok. :-)

I agree with ccbombs in that you handled it really well with the letter to the boss. That kind of good thinking is going to get you a great job in your mom's area.

If that area happens to be New England, drop me a PM - depending on what you do and want to do, I might be able to put you in touch with people...

In the meantime, here's a great quote for you (can't remember the author but I'm pretty sure it was a woman :)):

When you are about to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen - There will be something solid to stand on or you will learn how to fly.

Hang in there. And take some time to enjoy your new adventure. :) We believe in you.

[eleny]

4. This is what I did in 1976

I was working for the City of New York (where I was born and raised). I wanted to move to Colorado and got a leave of absence. I got here and lived with a cousin in farm country east of Denver. Applied for many jobs and started taking exams for them.

One day I just knew I had to make the commitment to myself to make the change. I wrote my letter of resignation to the City, put it in the mailbox. Made myself a cup of coffee and sat drinking it while the postman picked it up and drove up the road and out of sight.

It was scary but the best decision. From then on I meant serious business. I'm now retired after a long and happy career here in CO. Oh, and I met my husband a few weeks after sending the resignation. It just so happens that we grew up a mile away from each other in NY. If you know in your heart where you want to be - go there.

[Lisa0825]

5. I hope it works out for the best for you!

Since you have minimal bills and family to help out back home, I think it's worth the risk.

It is definitely easier to look for work when you live in the place you are looking.

Best of luck to you, and let me know if I can help with anything.

:pals:

[Samurai_Writer]

6. Update about my situation!

Well, the DAY I told my boss that I wanted to be laid off, I got a call from a recruiter in Boulder, CO. My sister lives about 30 minutes from there, and it is one of the places I would like to move to (close to family). I had a phone interview on Friday, and am going next Monday for a face-to-face interview! They sounded really interested in me. I'm kind of shocked, because I was not expecting anything like this -- I thought I would be laid off, then have to move without a job to Houston, then find a job from there.

I'm hoping that my 'lay off' gets signed off on quickly now... might take a couple of weeks or so, and I would like to get that severance before I got a job offer. A little extra cushion for moving.

Thanks for all the encouragement, and I will keep you posted.

[Lisa0825]

7. Good luck!!!:-)

:applause:

[eleny]

8. Hi!

See you in the Colorado forum. More there!

[politicat]

9. Keeping my fingers crossed for you...

I'm just outside of Boulder, and there are several of us in the area.

Best wishes!!