Can The Adults Please Smoke? 36 and Living Well...- Page 160

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 10:14am

Lordy. So sorry you're in that position.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 10:16am

That totally sucks, YWIW. *hugs*

I find I'm at the point in my career where I am balancing the desire (dream!) to retire with the hope that I retain my job... there is no loyalty in corporate America. It's all about the bottom line.

The damage it does to morale when things like this happen is huge. Hope today is productive for you!


I'm attending an interesting luncheon today - with the ABC News department. They hold it every year, and all of the top news folk are there, with a lively discussion of current events. Given what's happening right now, today's discussion should be fascinating.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 10:20am

What are they serving?

I thought I'd beat Moony to the punch.

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 10:27am

As Moony's ancestor once said, "Let them eat cake!"

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 10:29am

Thanks for the good thoughts. I hope my friend is OK. This is all she has known work wise for her adult life. At least she will get a good package and have some time to clear her head and get perspective.

Honestly, in California, the ACA is going to be up and running with exchanges. It may provide options to some of the older workers. We all have vested pensions, and the one thing (other than increasing the pension) keeping folks is health care. There are a whole bunch hanging on for the health benefits at this point.

I still like my job most days, but this week is not a good one.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 10:38am

Agree with you about retaining health care. That probably ranks at the top of the financial issues that I grapple with when I look at possible retirement scenarios.

The good news about this week... is that it's Wednesday! Closer to the end than the beginning. *hug*


(They'll serve salad, chicken, rolls, water, and some dessert like apple crumble. It's the same every year. )

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 10:41am

Ooh, Addy, sounds very interesting.

YWIW, that's a shame. We had a layoff over the summer, but they asked for volunteers (with an incentive). They got quite a number of volunteers (including myself), but not everyone was chosen. It is all about the bottom line, yet in the case of the firm I work at, we're very profitable! Morale is at an all-time low and really not being addressed. It was so nice to be off for two weeks in a row (which I haven't done in 10 years).

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 10:50am

Dottie, it's nice that they first look to volunteers to satisfy the need to downsize. We've had that happen here, as well.
We also hold 'open positions' for longer than usual, not replacing someone who has left right away. It's tough on the teams who don't have proper staffing, but it helps with overall staffing. Or, so they say.

Two weeks. Heavenly!

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 11:46am

We have two staff members in their 60's and I know that if I laid them off they would never get jobs with commensurate wages. One is part-time and has not benefits the other - golden health insurance. I would like to can both of them, but will not.

It is tough out their - one of my best friends has been basically unemployed for 5 years, he has a 20, 18 and 10 year old sons! I doubt he will ever find a full-time job.

Sad times for many!

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 12:48pm

Hardy-har-har, guys.

But, really, was it the apple crumble?

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 12:55pm

I volunteered to be laid off once. Unbeknownst to my boss, I had just typed up a letter of resignation the night before. In my case, it worked to my advantage.

This is a crazy-ass world, economically speaking. With the news of a possible deal, I'll be interested if any ABC news folk had to work instead of attend the lunch.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 12:58pm

Jonesing for 50 apple crumbles, huh, cuz?

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 1:03pm

Here you go, Moony.

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 1:21pm

*drool*

WANT. NOW.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 1:52pm

We had some meat and cheese pastries for Bosses Day.

And, long term, I think my friend will be OK, with many of her co-workers wishing they would get a non-working layoff package. It was just how it was done that set people off.

Strange times indeed. Also, a good reminder that we are all at-will employees (unless any of you have a contract or are a partner like Brd) and this could happen at any time.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:16pm

It was plates of biscotti, pastries and other finger-desserts.
I had my heart set on apple crumble.

The luncheon ended earlier than it has in years past. I'm certain they all had to get back for what will be a busy afternoon preparing for the evening newscast. George Stephanopoulos began by sharing the up-to-the-minute news that he had access to. An interesting conversation ensued, moderated by George and Diane Sawyer.

They also had their primary correspondents take turns sharing some of the more important stories they've covered. From Robin Roberts to Cynthia McFadden, with Barbara talking about her 'Most Interesting People' special. A bunch of talented and interesting people in the room.
I was seated next to Lara Spencer, so we had fun chatting about decorating during the free time. Hard hitting stuff for us.

It's Bosses Day?

Updated On: 10/16/13 at 03:16 PM

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:18pm

brd, your loyalty is admirable!!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:20pm

And she lives in Greenwich, doesn't she?

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:24pm

She does! We talked about that, too. And the people we know in common.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:26pm

Nice. I'd have my heart set on apple crumble, too!

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:31pm

I may have to make some.
I have a quick and easy recipe, but I'm sure it pales in comparison to any of yours, Dottie!

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:34pm

Lara Spencer? I LOVE Lara Spencer!!

Of course, I love apple crumble, too. Maybe even more.

OK, definitely more.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:41pm

You should have attended in my place, Moony!

I'm having a Honeycrisp apple now. Pretending there is crumble involved.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:43pm

Addy, I'm sure your recipe is delicious. How can you go wrong, apples and crumb topping. I just might have to make some, too.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 10/16/13 at 3:46pm

...just add ice cream!