I hide it quite well, don't I? (especially with some fantastic cheekbones, eh?)
Thank you for all your well wishes and "fuck them!" comments. I totally appreciate it. To answer the questions ...
~ Will you and your family be okay?
-- I'm sure we will be. We have great support from our families, both mine and hubby's, so no matter what, we'll be okay.
~ Is it temporary?
-- I'm not too sure what this means. Is my layoff temporary? Yeah, they aren't bringing me back after some amount of time. Is my joblessness temporary? I certainly hope so.
~ What's wrong with companies? (yes, I understand this question, and many others I'm still going to answer, was rhetorical.)
-- They suck. It's all about the bottom line now. No heart.
~ Why do they have to do that shit on a Friday and ruin your weekend?
-- From the great movie, Office Space, "We find it's always better to fire people on a Friday. Studies have statistically shown that there's less chance of an incident if you do it at the end of the week."
~ What are your next steps? What are you going to do?
-- Panic. Cry. Find another job.
~ You had no idea?
-- Nope. 100% blindsided.
~ Did you at least get 12 weeks of severance?
-- 30 days notice. 25 weeks of full pay severance. All benefits paid throughout the 25 weeks. Prorated bonus of 10% of my salary.
~ What the hell is going on?
-- I wish I knew. If anyone figures out why 2009 (after jan 10th, of course) is/was one of my worst years on records, physically and mentally, please let me know.
~ Hey nancy remember me? (from miss t)
-- Why yes, yes I do. I actually think of you often.
Ugh. So after my severance pay runs out (25 weeks), if I don't have a job yet, I'll collect unemployment. Severance will be given to me in a lump sum payment about 4 weeks after my last day. It isn't really that good considering a few things...
-- During maternity leave, I used up all my vacation, so I'll have to pay back 2 weeks.
-- I have HCRA (health care reimbursement account) taken out of my paychecks, but you can use it before you pay into it. I had $3,000 taken out and have only paid in maybe $1,500 so far. Since I used up all $3 grand paying my medical bills, I'll have to payback the other $1,500.
-- I have an outstanding 401k loan, about $6 grand, which will have to be paid back.
So all of that will be taken out of my lump sum payment. Since I won't be able to collect unemployment until the end of my severance period, I'll have to divide the amount by 25 weeks and pay myself weekly to stay ahead. But due to being reduced by something like $10 grand, it will be such a lower amount than I'm used to, right off the bat. Oy vey. I guess it'll be better than what my unemployment checks will be, a hefty $487/week, before taxed. UGH. Just seeing that tiny number makes me want to throw up.
Okay, I can't think about this anymore tonight or I'll start crying again.
45 comments:
Well first of all, an unemployed Nancy looks HOT!
I've been blindsided like this before too and it SUCKS. No way of sugarcoating it. But am hoping that you do find employment soon.
Can I ask a question?
Are the kids home with you now or will they stay in daycare so they don't lose their place when you find another job?
xxxx
i'll be putting them in at the lowest level, <15 hours a week to keep their space.
Oh Nancy,
It blows. Uncertainty blows.
g
I agree with Seraphim--Unemployed Nancy IS hot!! With great cheekbones, I might add. Even though I hadn't commented yet on this latest fuckery, you've been in my thoughts and prayers lately, Nancy. And you're one of the strongest women I "know"...you'll get through this, too, with the same grace and class you've shown time and time again. Hang in there, girl, we're pullin' for you.
I am truly sorry Nancy. BUT....on a brighter note, you will look fabulous when you go for an interview!!! And I'm sure the kids are going to love the extra mommy time! I know there aren't too many good points to being laid off but I hope it won't be a miserable time for you. I hope you are able to find something soon. Surely someone is in need of a hard working, talented, smart ass at their company ;p
Oh shit Nancy! I'm so freaking sorry that you got laid off - but you're one strong cookie and I know you and your gorgeous family will be just fine - cos you're a doer!
You'll be in my prayers.
xxx
EEK. IT can be a bitch sometimes, can't it?
Well, fuck Nancy. You need some good Karma, so I'm trying to send some your way...don't know how much of that I have right about now, heh. Love the quote from office space. Gotta be like my favorite movie ever. Hang in there.
Are you positive you can't start collecting unemployment? I have a friend in PA who was given a full years severance but was still allowed to start unemployment as soon as he was laid off. Maybe each state is different.
So sorry about the lay-off - that sucks!! My husband was laid off in February (and I'm a SAHM) and is freelancing now - but still doesn't have a permanent job. It's a sucky time now. You're a talented girl - I think you'll be back on your feet soon.
Unemployed Nancy is a hottie!!
Hey Nancy, you can draw unemployment before the 25 weeks is up. I only got 9 measly weeks, my period would end at the end of July but I can file my first claim this Sunday. Go ahead and do the stuff online and see what date they tell you that you can file your first claim. If you want to wait to have it after your severance pay runs out, that's another story, but you can draw it earlier.
gah, that sucks big time! You do look fabulous though. I hope you find something quickly!!
Thanks Jules ... I keep getting differing information. It's driving me bonkers.
I hope that unemployed Nancy becomes employed Nancy in short order.
Well I must say that being unemployed agrees with you - looking great, sexy mamma.
You're a fighter, Nancy. You might take some time to cry and morn the loss of your job but you will get up and dust your ass off and before you know it you'll have found something bigger and better. You are going to come out of this better off than you went it - I'm sure of it.
It blows ass Nancy, but DAMN!!! You are fucking hot!!!!!!
I am glad you're getting a severance package, I didn't even think about that. When I got laid off from my job as a graphic artist (before I got my job here), they gave me nothing. I got my earned vacation, but since I had only been there 6 months, it wasn't much.
You put in twelve damn years, so I'm glad they're getting something. Otherwise I'd mail them cow shit in an envelope! Or human shit.
Yikes!!
You can pull Ella out of daycare since she will be starting school...right? That will help a little. Of course that was already in mind when adding Karl I'm sure.
Hopefully you will find something soon!
Unemployed Nancy is HOTT. I would have so say - much cooler than Jamie, employed or not.
It sucks all the way around. Even with my own company, it shocks and sickens me to see how they abuse the lower rung of employees so the top rung doesn't have to suffer. I mean, they can't be expected to downsize the Mercedes, after all.
E gad. That sucks suuuckkks....
I hope you find something else quick!
Didn't those bastards just send you on all that traveling, too? At least Karl is back on the boob. If they would have ruined it for you and then done this.. oh man...
There's definitely something about being sucker punched by your job that brings out the hottie in a girl! I'll have to take a pic of me all gussied up today when I go out for drinks with (former) clients. I am nervous because it could be very awkward as my now former boss will be there too...
Anyway- unemploymeny sucks balls. Imagine not having that severance & going right to $419 a week... (that's mine after taxes) You get very creative with how you spend & on what. Coupons become your best friend & goodwills are a godsend for some things. It's a shitty time, but we'll all get through it. Besides- this way we can chat all day without pesky 'work' getting in the way! ;o)
I love ya babe- you are an extremely strong & resourceful woman. You have been shit on by karma this year, but it's bound to turn around. Maybe all your bad stuff is just getting out of the way this year & next year you'll win the powerball...
Hey Nancy, it took me a while to post a comment because, to be perfectly honest, I just didn't know what to say. I'm sorry this shitty situation is happening to you. It sucks, there is no other way to describe it. I know you'll be fine, I know you'll find something else, but all those those reassurances probably don't make you feel better when you're just recovering from the shock of it all. Hang in there, girl. And I agree with the others - unemployed Nancy (just like employed Nancy) is hot stuff! :)
Nancy, yes, you are a hottie! lol, I don't normally call girls hotties, but hey, I can make an exception.
I'm checking into this for you, but I think that your former employer can't withhold the outstanding balance of your HCRA from your severance. As soon as I get an answer, I'll let you know.
Good luck with the job hunting and the unemployment. Hopefully you'll find something soon. BTW, how many were laid off in addition to you?
shit...so sorry.
Wish I had some fairy dust or something to make it all go away.
But, I will agree with the consensus, and unemployed Nancy is HAWT.
::hugs::
Nancy,
I just got word from our chief compliance officer that your former employer CANNOT deduct from your severence package the amount that you have already used but not yet paid back. If they try to do it, I'd be making a lot of noise, if I were you.
"Q: If an employee has a HCRA (also known as a flexible spending account) effective 1/1, elected $3,000 and has used it all already, and then gets laid off, can the employer deduct from the severance package (25 weeks of severance paid in lump sum, therefore it would not go to the end of the year) the amount that hasn't yet been withheld from the employee? Or is it treated the same way as if the employee quits, the employer is stuck holding the negative balance?
"A: The answer is no. It is the employer's risk under the uniform coverage rule. The reason there are tax benefits is because there is risk shifting."
Good luck!
It really does seem like you were blind sided, especially considering they had you running around the country on business just the other week. And they had just given you new responsibilities, right?
Good plan on keeping the kids in daycare at just the minimum level to keep their spot. You don't want to lose your place when you have such a great situation. Plus it gives you time to job hunt.
Hang in there. At least unemployed Nancy is a hot Nancy!
Thank gawd there's a decent severance, even if it will be a lot less than you're used to. Anything to help keep you afloat while...
But f*, how weird to be blindsided like that. I can't even imagine.
jesus h.
I am so sorry- this is really crap news.
And random aside- but my Mother was able to collect unemplyment WHILE she was getting her severance. Not sure if that varies from state to state- but something maybe to check.
xo
Unemployed Nancy ...you sure know how to rock it !!
Sorry that you are going thru all this crap.
You look great Nancy!
I'm glad you could reduce the kids daycare. Hope you find a new and better job soon!
Tori, thanks. No one said they were doing it, I just assumed so since I know I used it. Pretty cool if it was employers risk! Although someone else told me the payflex company will just send me a bill to pay it back. :(
I REALLY appreciate you asking for me though. Really.
Take care of yourself! You look great as always!
Tori, you were right. I just got off with HR and it's a "forgiven" debt.
I'm so sorry sweetie.
Just to add the lawyer's two cents, please check with HR (and your accountant, if you have one) as to the tax consequences of the "forgiven debt" of the FSA money. Is that $1500 you haven't paid in taxed as "cancellation of debt" income?
Well for being unemployed you do look great!
I would look into collecting unemployment now along with your severance. Here in FL you can do that. I had two friends get laid off in February and they both did it.
Good luck Nancy and, I agree with Seraphim, you look hot!
Well bygolly, you're the hottest unemplayed momma I've ever seen..rock on! haha
Gosh! I go away for a few days on vacation and you get laid off! That sucks ass in a big way!!
You are right, companies just don't care about the people that work for them anymore. It is all about money in their eyes. They have no heart.
I hope that everything will work out for you and your family.
Thanks for the comment on my blog a few days ago. I understand about getting behind, I have lots of reading I need to catch up on too.
I'm gone for a few days and come back to see this. I am SO SORRY this has happened to you.
Unemployed Nancy is superhot.
You're going to get back up and kick ass, I know you will. If I had a company I would hire you even if you had nothing to do with anything I did. Why? Because you kick ass.
Big fat (((kiss))) because your so Hot!
Big fat (((hug))) because I want to give you one.
Holy shit! This year sucks ass for you. I am so sorry. Hoping I won't be walking down your same path in a few months...
Nancy, late to the game and saddened to hear the news.
Wishing you some relaxing days (yeah, I know, hard to do) and a future filled with wonderful opportunities.
I was let go from a job due to budget cuts... teaching high school, actually. It was yuck: the principal came in to tell me during 5th hour, and I had to rebound and teach the period after! Needless to say, I had a colleague cover my class while I went to call my husband and best friend in the car. It was a shock.
Thinking of you! (And loving the tats!)
- Molly
http://roots-andwings.blogspot.com/
Totally sucks-so sorry to hear you're going through this.
Just food for thought-I have a health savings account, and you can use the full amount right away, but if I leave my employer before the end of the year and I've already used it all, I don't have to pay it back. The flip side is that if I left and hadn't used any of it, THEY'D keep my money. Since it's a federally regulated program, you should check to see if you really have to pay them back.
Best of luck on your job hunt.
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