Flame — HabitableZone

Flame » in reply to Whoa, do you need a reality check.

I've had 4 years of reality check.
ER — (archived)

That's how long I've been looking for a job in my field anywhere near my present level and salary with comparable benefits. And it's a business where people know me and I have contacts. Now if I were willing to take a 40% cut in pay, or if I were 20 years younger, or if I were willing to move or take a job as a technician, there would be no problem.

And of course, there's plenty of temp and contract work out there (no benefits). That's probably what I'll wind up doing if they can find some way to lay me off, which they remind me frequently they can do if I don't keep up the productivity. 12 years ago, when I found this job, it was a big step up from my previous position. Everything was wonderful until a reorganization came along and the politics changed everything. In the meantime, things had changed "out there". We can't all be Silicon Valley engineers, all the time, forever.

I hope you never have to find out, for your family's sake, but it can happen to you at any time. It happens to thousands of American managers and executives and skilled techs in this country every year, haven't you heard the news? Haven't you seen the fear in your colleagues' eyes? But if it makes you feel any better, I used to think just the way you do: as long as I'm physically able to work, I'll be able to work and progress in my field; after all, that's what a lifetime in the job market had taught me. I hope you don't get the same rude awakening I did, but believe me, I've picked up enough from some of the other posters here to know I ain't the only one who's gone through it.

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