Author Topic: Laid off "Where young people go to retire"  (Read 2703 times)

pdxvandal

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Laid off "Where young people go to retire"
« on: March 20, 2014, 02:38:40 PM »
Well, my six-year run at a large global corporation came to an end this week due to a "reorganization." Forced into early retirement in Portlandia. :) A little surprising for me, but we're 60% smaller at our local office than when I started, so change has been constant.

I appreciate this forum and some of the lifestyle changes I've been able to do in the past year. It has helped me become better prepared for a change like this.

Fortunately, I have nearly four months' severance salary in addition to unemployment benefits. My wife still works full-time at a much more stable company, so we won't be completely destitute. Only child is still 16 months from kindergarten, so paying a fairly hefty price for daycare at the moment. May be looking at reducing a day there this summer.

Anyway, since I've never been without regular work in 23 years since I was slinging pizzas at Little Caesar's, I will be reconnecting with myself, friends and family in the near term ... and save as much as possible. Fortunately, I have a nice cash 'stache built up in saving for a house. House hunting will have to wait for the time being (I'm OK with this!). And I have a part-time seasonal job that will bring in about $1,000 next month. Maybe I will help out at my friend's beer festival this summer, write more, do some long-delayed house chores. Just live a little for once before going into full job-search mode.

Again, really appreciate striving for the Mustachian lifestyle. If anyone needs a communications/marketing person in Portland, I'm available! Peace.

Saverocity

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Re: Laid off "Where young people go to retire"
« Reply #1 on: March 20, 2014, 03:06:52 PM »
Sorry to hear that, perhaps if you are unemployed you could reduce the daycare completely and look after your child until you find a job, might stretch your buck a bit...

pdxvandal

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Re: Laid off "Where young people go to retire"
« Reply #2 on: March 20, 2014, 03:14:59 PM »
It would stretch the buck no doubt. However, I would only consider this if I can't find a regular gig 6-7 months from now. It's a sought-after daycare with waiting lists, so if we pulled her out now, we may not get back in. Also seriously considering switching to a full-day Catholic School pre-K program nearby that is about half the price.

Gimesalot

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Re: Laid off "Where young people go to retire"
« Reply #3 on: March 20, 2014, 03:42:37 PM »
I can understand what you are going through.  Although, my not-by choice semi-retirement is coming to an end soon.

I have stayed sane by learning to do a bunch of new skills.  I have learned how to repair cell phones, manage rental properties, fix plumbing and electrical issues, learned to change my own oil, and even make yogurt.  It hasn't really made or saved me any money yet,  but I at least feel like I did something with my time off. 

Also, I spent a lot of time with friends and my husband.  Overall it has been nice.

Take some time to do those things that you have wanted to complete but never got around to.