This has been a bad day

[chequita guevara]

And relax, secure in the notion that, since you don't live in the U.S., you're a lot more secure being laid off than we are.

[Asher]

And relax, secure in the notion that, since you don't live in the U.S., you're a lot more secure being laid off than we are.

I'm fine. The package will absolutely see me through the next 2 months at minimum, then I'll be living with my folks with zero expenses until I find something. It could be a lot, lot worse.

[DanS]

I rent an apartment. I need to give 2 months notice to vacate, but I've already paid last month's rent -- so only 1 more payment.

In many jurisdictions in the US, you can break a lease if you are laid off, or move to another city for work. Don't know if that's the case in Canada, but it might be something to look into.

[Sharpe]

Was your package lump-sum or some sort of salary continuance?

If it is salary continuance like mine was, you still have to apply for EI within the 2-4 week limit, but you won't get any EI until the salary continuance is over.

At least you got good references, my former company had a strict policy of not giving any type of references - even personal references from employees appear to be banned and no references = much harder time in getting a job

[BlackCat]

Sucks Are you sure it's a good idea to take that VB.net job ? It'll be on you CV forever

Good luck with the job search and may you have a heavy hangover tomorrow

[Asher]

Was your package lump-sum or some sort of salary continuance?

If it is salary continuance like mine was, you still have to apply for EI within the 2-4 week limit, but you won't get any EI until the salary continuance is over.

At least you got good references, my former company had a strict policy of not giving any type of references - even personal references from employees appear to be banned and no references = much harder time in getting a job

2 weeks are salary continuance (this is because of the "2 weeks notice" law), the rest is lump sum.

[C0ckney]

sorry to hear about the job man, but it sounds like you've got yourself sorted.

enjoy your time off from the world, go out, have fun, do stuff you've been putting off because you're so busy.

[Asher]

So far, my tentative plans for my extended time off include the following:

- Watching The Wire and BSG all the way through
- Reading a few technical books I've had and been meaning to read without the time
- Contributing to a couple open-source projects to learn some new technologies (PS3 Media Server and Firefox are probably high on that list).

[-Jrabbit]

Glad to hear you were given a strong going-away package -- both financially and especially regarding the recommendation. That speaks volumes to potential future employers.

Soft landing =

Oh, and upgrading your skills during downtime is a huge plus. Good plan.

Now go have some fun and report back when you're good and sloshed.

[MrFun]

Now go have some fun and report back when you're good and sloshed.

Yes! A drunk thread by Asher would be good entertainment.

[Asher]

I'm pedantic about typing accuracy and I'm really not much different. I've posted a lot while reasonably drunk -- whenever I'm not outrageously angry at someone, it's a good bet I've had some drinks.

[Wiglaf]

The real question is, were you escorted out by security? When fired, I insist on police or at the very least building security taking me to my car.

[Lorizael]

I think you're confusing "I" with "my boss."

[Wiglaf]

I think you need to bend over. It's all moot, I work for the people now, the only way they can fire me is by voting and no one does that anymore.

[Asher]

The real question is, were you escorted out by security? When fired, I insist on police or at the very least building security taking me to my car.

Nope. They told me my account was disabled, as per policy, but basically I was free to walk around and say my goodbyes without supervision. Handed in my access cards on the way out.