Out of the blue yesterday, my boss called me in and gave me two weeks notice. I've been with this company for 18 years! Apparently the company is not doing well, and I'm one of the higher paid employees, so I've become expendable. I was scheduled for a 6-month project, beginning soon, so I thought that would give me some job security. I'm overqualified for the position but the client likes me. Now it seems I'm being replaced by a less expensive guy so the company can make more profit. This sucks! Hopefully I can use this as an opportunity to find something new and different. After 18 years I guess I was coasting along, maybe not putting the energy into the job that I should have been. I work for a consulting firm, so I get a lot of variety through the nature of the work, but a change will still be good.

Hmmm, the HR person in me is smelling an age discrimination case here... you might want to check up on it! So sorry to hear the news. That really sucks. Don't know how you're situated in your life, but that would be totally devastating to us...

That really sucks. Don't know how you're situated in your life, but that would be totally devastating to us...

My thoughts exactly...so sorry Carolyn, but hopefully you are in a position to be able to coast for a bit and shop around. You have a great attitude about it, and I'll say a couple prayers for a new and exciting opportunity to present itself for you.

Thanks to all of you for the well wishes. We're lucky we're in a good position financially, so this is not a burden for us. We have no mortgage because we built our own house 14 years ago, so we've had a lot of time to put away money and low expenses. Erika, I'll look into age discrimination, but if the company is trying to save money by using junior employees, is that illegal? Cmom, I'd love to do independent consulting with my current clients, but I'm not sure if there are rules prohibiting stealing clients from your employer. People seem to do it all the time, so maybe its OK. Teresa, most people I know who have gone through a layoff said it worked out well in the end. Glad you and your DH landed on your feet. Hope I do too!

hey wildchild, that just sucks. It sounds like alot of us went throught this. My turn was in 2002, nearly the same situation as you. You are strong and wise and you have all of us here to turn to on those rollercoaster ride days. Here's to a better future job for you!

What a rotten deal, wildchild. As others have said, you have a good attitude. I'm glad to hear you are in a situation where it won't be devastating financially. My best wishes for something better to come as a result. TomS

I'm sorry to hear of this Carolyn. When it's time to do the resume and write letters, I'll be happy to help. Take a look at your contract regarding your rights on consulting with the firm's clients. If they severed you and are paying you severance, then you might forfeit that if you approach a client. If you are talking to EEOC anyway, I'm sure they can give you guidance. Teresa's story about starting her own consulting firm is like mine, except that I did this by myself in '01. I broke even the first year but the practice has grown very steadily ever since and I am very happy. When I called our accountant and told him, "I am going into business for myself," he said, "Congratulations!" I remember many years ago when I was in banking I worked with an ad agency in New England. The owner was very successful and I asked him what motivated him to start his own company. He said, "Simple. I got tired of being fired all the time." You never know when life hands you a big opportunity. Your pride is hurt right now of course, but think positively. You have a lot going for you and this may be your chance. Spareribs

Cmom, I'd love to do independent consulting with my current clients, but I'm not sure if there are rules prohibiting stealing clients from your employer.

First off, WOW what a shocker! Glad you are OK with it. Secondly, um, they fired you, so in my mind, all bets are off. But, generally, and laws are different in different places, if they didn't put a "no compete" clause in your employment contract, you are in the clear. Also, an employer can make you sign anything, but it might not be complying to what state law is. Try to find what the legal timeframe is in your state, the client's state or your employer's home state (help me HR folks as to which jurisdiction matters), and work around that. Let's say it's 6 months that a former employee can't compete. That gives Jr. Guy just enough time to go in and really mess things up with former client. At the 6 mo. mark, place call to former client to let them know you're available for consulting, if they ever have a need. You will be like an angel sent from heaven.