Is anybody ever happy getting laid off?

[RustySterling]

And the answer is: YES. DING! DING! DING!

My company was bought out by another and after about 8 months of knashing teeth the announcements went out last Thursday. And I was among the, ahem, LUCKY FEW. Yes, we are lucky. You can't believe how many people are stopping by my cube or stopping me in the hallway to say how envious they are.

The reason is that my company set up a very generous severance package that not only includes a big chunk of cash but also job placement services and full payment of COBRA for up to a year. I've been here a long time (12 years) and I'm leaving with enough cash to make a very hefty down payment on a sizeable home -- or whatever else I want to invest in.

I know it's a tough economy but I have a very specialized skill set in computer support and I already know of some companies looking for people like me -- we are very hard to find, it is that specialized. Plus my old contracting agency has said they will take me back in a heartbeat and already have places where they could place me.

But I'm going to take some time off. This gives me a chance to really get out and do some shooting. I have the luxury of time and I'm going to focus on honing my photography skills.

Oh, and I'm buying at least one toy. I've got my eye on the Canon 85mm f/1.2L to add to my bag.

It's good to get laid off. Yes, indeed, these are the good times; and we are having them -- I INSIST!

[kirbinster]

My wife was very happy being let go a number of years ago. She had worked there only six months and they had her stay anoher three months to get the company ready to sell. In exchange for those three months she got 15 months pay as a bonus when she left.

[milosh]

Originally Posted by RustySterling

And the answer is: YES. DING! DING! DING!

My company was bought out by another and after about 8 months of knashing teeth the announcements went out last Thursday. And I was among the, ahem, LUCKY FEW...

It's nice to hear some nice news. Should we say Congratulations! then?

[RustySterling]

Originally Posted by milosh

It's nice to hear some nice news. Should we say Congratulations! then?

Oh yeah, they are. I know people here who didn't get RIFed and they are livid. They were hoping to walk away with the severance package. It's extremely generous and I'm glad they let me go.

[Jim Bryant]

good for you ........enjoy the rest of your life

[private]

I for one cannot WAIT to see the first set of pics with your NEW lens. If your travels take you to DC, look me up! And congrats!

[smc1377]

When I first read your thread title, my mind somehow left off the word "off". It made for a great laugh.

Congrats on getting laid off!

[Saralonde]

Occasionally something that's generally bad news works out well. Have fun with the time off while it lasts!

[RustySterling]

Originally Posted by private

I for one cannot WAIT to see the first set of pics with your NEW lens. If your travels take you to DC, look me up! And congrats!

Pat: Funny you should mention that. My best friend lives near Columbia, MD, and I lived in Alexandria for several years. So I was thinking about taking a trip back your way to visit him and some other friends. If I do I'll give you a hollar.

SMC: LOL. I thought about the wording too as I was writing.

[RustySterling]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

good for you ........enjoy the rest of your life

Jim: I'm also looking at getting a used 1D Mark III. That would compliment the 85 f/1.2L.

Sara: Yes, sometimes bad news is good news. The people staying behind are very dour about it.