Hawaii Babies

Looks like MH is getting laid off (long)

Soon after we found out we were pregnant, it was announced that the newspaper MH works for (he's an IT guy) was being bought out by its competitor.  We've been living in uncertainty ever since, not knowing if MH would have a job, wondering if/when he'd be laid off.

The entire merger has been a huge mess.  Information has been very spotty.  People have been living in limbo for months now.  If information was provided, it was very vague or conflicting or even last minute.  A couple of weeks ago, MH got a phone call from the "new" company saying he had to show up for an interview for a position with the new company that very same day, in just a couple of hours.

Last night, MH got a phone call from MIL.  I guess she saw on an evening newscast that the new company already decided who they were and weren't going to keep.  Final phone calls offering employment with the new company were made last night.  MH didn't get a phone call.  Isn't it nice that we had to find out about this from my MIL, not from someone within the company?

So, it looks like his last day of work will be this Friday.  Thankfully, by law, he will continue to get paid every two weeks until July 2nd, but the new company reserves to the right to "recall" him anytime up until then.  So they don't want to keep him permanently, but expect him to show up if they feel like they need extra help?

Anyway, MH is handling all of this very well.  I think he's accepted it.  He tells me he sees this as a blessing in disguise and an open door to new opportunities and a better work schedule (he's currenlty working long hours and shift work). 

I'm not there yet.  I'm in the depths of anger right now.  While I'm thankful MH has had employment with this company for the past 4 years, it's come as a result of great sacrifice for both MH and I as individuals and also as a couple.  I know I'm not thinking straight right now, especially because we have a baby on the way, but I feel like it was all for nothing.  I'm also sad for MH.  He's a hard worker and team player and to be tossed aside and not wanted...well, I feel bad for him.

He's been sending out his resume, but so far, no call-backs.  I know that we'll be okay, financially, for a few months.  I'm hoping he'll find something before baby comes in October since I'll be LWOP for at least 3 months.

Thanks for letting me get all of this off my chest!  I feel a little better.  I'm definitely thankful that we are in a much better situation than some of the hundreds of other people who will be laid off by the end of this week from MH's company.  All we can do is do the best we can with what we have.

Re: Looks like MH is getting laid off (long)

  • imageMrsNicole&Brian808:

    Anyway, MH is handling all of this very well.  I think he's accepted it.  He tells me he sees this as a blessing in disguise and an open door to new opportunities and a better work schedule (he's currenlty working long hours and shift work). 

    THIS.

    I just saw your FB update Angry  Makes me so angry to hear about the news.  I really feel for you guys but I think there will be a silver lining in all of this.  B is well educated and has a lot of experience and there will be a better position out there for him... maybe closer to home? Better hours? Pay?  I will keep both of you in my thoughts and send major vibes.  I know right now it's hard to deal with and let yourself deal with it the best you can.  It will get better, I promise.  As you always know, I'm just around the 'corner' if you need me Left Hug

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    Tara & Ian . 4/24/2008 . The Kahala Planning . Married

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  • I'm so sorry to hear this! 

    Tara is right I think there will be a silver lining and something better will come along.

    I'm sending B lots of job finding vibes!

  • I'm sorry to hear about this :( You definitely don't need this kind of stress while PG. I like your attitude though, "all we can do is do the best we can with what we have" ... very true. YH is being such a trooper about everything too ... I hope it all works out for the best.
  • imageMrsNicole&Brian808:
    I'm definitely thankful that we are in a much better situation than some of the hundreds of other people who will be laid off by the end of this week from MH's company.  All we can do is do the best we can with what we have.

    i'm sorry.  but you are so right.  i always say that when one door closes, another always opens. and although you feel like you made sacrifices all for nothing, perhaps this will open up some other opportunities for a better job...or maybe even a job where he can work from home since he does IT stuff...then he could stay at home with the baby some :) you never know what the future holds and ultimately once you get past the anger i think you have a great perspective and attitude about this and things will work out for you!

  • That sucks, Nicole.  And while it seems like bad timing, maybe he's right.  Maybe, hopefully, something better will come along.  Seems like this whole merger thing really has been a mess - I read The Daily Dish and she talks about it.  And I know some other people who work there who won't have a job either. 

    Good luck to your hubby in finding something!

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  • Oh Nicole I'm sorry this is happening. I don't have anything to say that the other girls haven't already said, just wanted to give you a big hug over the net. Hang in there. There have been a few times when I didn't see how anything good could come of a bad situation but good did come. It's really true, when one door closes another opens.
  • oh my goodness Nicole, i am so sorry.  the company has been doing a *horrible* job handling everything!  I just want to echo what everyone else has said already.  even though you're angry (and you have every right to be!), you're doing a great job keeping the right perspective, and props to B for being such a rock through all this - it will work out.  good for you both for being prepared, you will weather this just fine.  HUGE hugs to you. 
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  • Thanks to all of you for your encouraging words.  I was teary as I read them.  While there is never a good time for anyone to lose a job, I know being PG is amplifying my worry and emotions and I don't think I'd normally be this worked up.  There has been quite a bit of change in our lives this year.  I'm sure it's meant to prepare us for parenthood.  Smile  I know we'll be okay and this is in no way the end of the world.  I just need to allow myself to feel what I need to feel and then move on.
  • inamrainamra member
    Oh no =( I would also be upset about finding out from MIL first instead of from the company themselves too! I hate it when companies do that (like we hear about the layoffs from the morning newspaper first instead of from them). But like YH mentioned, this may actually be a great opportunity in disguise for him. Especially with the baby on the way, it will be a great time for him to find a job that would be more accommodating for parenthood. It's really admirable for him to be so composed during this time too. Lots of hugs to you and lots of job vibes to YH! Hope he finds something that will be perfect for you guys!
    Sept 2008 Wedding | May 2010 & Mar 2012 Babies
  • That is terrible!!!!!  Thinking of you and hoping your Hubby finds something great before that baby comes ;)
  • What a horrible way to find out you're getting laid off!  Even though the job market isn't great right now, IT is great career field for your H to be in.  People always need help with their computers!  I'll be sending some job dust your way.  I hope he finds a new job soon!
  • I am so sorry Nicole.  You have every right to be pissed.  I would be too.  Kudos to B for handling this so well.  And he's right, this is an opportunity to find work that is more suited to work-family balance, especially with a LO on the way.  Because he is a hard worker and a team player I am sure he'll find something soon...hang in there and trust the process.  I imagine he'd qualify for unemployment insurance in the interim which will help during the transition as he looks for wok.  And perhaps it's a good idea to have a back-up plan should he not find something by October, just so you have an alternative lined up for yourselves.  (((BIG HUGS)))
  • i'm sorry - for the bad news and unprofessional way you had to find out.  Good things are around the corner I am sure  :)
  • So sorry to hear this. I have some coworkers that are also affected by this merger.  Hopefully he'll be able to bounce back quickly since he's in IT, probably a lot easier than being a seasoned writer.  I'm really sad to see that some of the programs that the companies provided are being cut as well, such as metromix and hawaiimoms like me. Hopefully there will be an

    entrepreneurthat will take the coordination on and continue those services, making more jobs available as well. Keep your chin up! i'm sure everything will turn out just fine.

  • I'm so sorry I couldn't post before - I kept getting the "account verification" notice thingy - but I'm really really sorry you guys are having to deal with this right now. I'm glad Brian is handling it well though...it sounds like he has a great attitude, even though it's a sucky situation. I hope he finds a new job (with an awesome company!) soon!

    (((hugs)))

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