Introduction - Freckles Laid Off

At the ripe age of 56 - soon to be 57 I find myself a laid off older female in a society that values youth and beauty. I can't help but wonder if I will I ever get another job? Will I get a job with the healthcare benefits I need because I am a cancer survivor? The unemployment rate is higher than I have ever seen in our country and the market is flooded with so many candidates, many younger than me and with advanced degrees – it’s really pretty scary. I wonder if another company will see my value and look past the 56 years of life you can see on my no longer youthful face.

I was laid off after working (not to be divulged due to severance package agreement) with this company where I gave my blood sweat and tears. Exempt staff had go with this RIF - it was upper management's choice who they would keep and who would go - who would get their heads chopped off and who were protected. Unfortunately I was not protected by the polictics and the others who were friends in management and it was off with my head – along with others who were also over the age of 50.

Then came the dreaded walk to my office for the last time by management and HR as they stood in my office and watched me as I packed all my memories and treasures from the many years of dedication I gave to this company.

There were no good-byes that day - it wasn't allowed. I walked out with my boxes in hand and I could only wave good bye and throw kisses to my friends. After several attempts to call my friends and no one answering their phone or returning my calls I found out that they were told by management not to talk to me. There was an email sent out telling everyone if I called them not to talk to me. Isn't that odd? Anyway I can only assume they fear the same thing will happen to them if they talk to me. I really miss them.

Now I contemplate what I will do to move to the next chapter of my life.
More to come tomorrow.
Freckles