© 2001, Rosemary Augustine  -  Posted September 6, 2001

     The U.S. economy is in the pits these days.  The doom and gloom continues as companies are laying off - left and right.  And, people are angry, because they are leaving a company – not of their own choice.  I, on the other hand, tend to look at this with a different perspective.

        With all the corporate lay offs, it usually gives an opportunity to receive a severance package.  Some of the packages are quiet hefty - with as much as a year’s salary.  However, with some lay offs you only get a few weeks severance.  Bonuses on top of a severance packages can include a retention bonus – incentive to stay, lock up and turn the lights out - to transition bonuses – to help with the initial shock of loss and help you collect unemployment more quickly.  

         So you didn’t get the gold watch.  Well, buy your own.  How much does a gold watch cost these days?  You can buy a Seiko or Rollex – starting at $5,000 and go as high as $50,000 or more.  If you shop around, you can probably get a better deal along the streets of Hong Kong, Dubuque, New York or San Francisco.  

         Do you really want a gold watch?  Maybe it’s the principal of the thing.  Does it keep as good time or better because it’s gold?  Or because it’s more expensive?  If you spent 30 years with a company, what did a gold watch cost in 1971 vs. today’s cost?  Is that same watch 30 years ago still being manufactured today?  Probably not! 

         You worked for it, you earned it, and you’re entitled to a watch. Right?  So you think.  Companies have a different perspective.  You worked and earned a salary of which you’re entitled – exchanging service for salary.  I feel that companies downsizing and reorganizing - in an effort to cut costs, save a failing business and/or ensure something to the stockholders - are saying to employees, “buy your own damn watch, and here’s a severance package to cover the cost of such watch.”  The longer your tenure with a company, the bigger your severance.  And depending on your tenure you can upgrade from a Timex to a Rollex.  It’s your choice.  Personally, I’d rather take the money and run.  I can know what time it is by looking at the screen of my computer or cell phone.  In a time-conscious world, there are clocks everywhere, or I can always stop and ask someone.

        In preparing this piece, I did some of my own calculations.  Over the last 30 years of my working history, I’ve worked for 15 companies, and started 3 businesses.  Two businesses went defunct as a result of suppliers/distributors closing and one business is still operational after 10 years.  Of those 15 companies I worked for, 8 are no longer in existence.  Of those 8 companies, 5 offered healthy severance packages to its departees and those severance packages ranged from $5,000 - $25,000 or more.  Of the 7 companies still in existence, each has had some sort of downsizing take place over the years, with various severance packages given to those who left as a result of downsizing.  So…. A lot of money can be had from this downsizing business. 

        When you start looking at downsizing as a money making proposition, you’ll have a watch for every day of the week.   This could be better than the lottery.  And if invested smartly, it could pump up your retirement monies to a comfortable level.   Meanwhile, don’t be afraid of going to work for a company that might lay you off.  Hone your skills to 21^st Century levels, be flexible and stay marketable.  Who cares if you have to buy your own watch?  When I do the math, I calculate a healthy amount of money added to my bank account over the years.  I’m not sure I want a watch.  What I do want is a fun, challenging position that when I’m no longer needed or I’ve worked myself out of a job, I have the flexibility and adaptability to move onto the next one.  Learn to stay ahead of the curve by keeping your skills competitive, and redefining job security as your marketability.  Good Luck!

 ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL

       Are you asleep at the wheel?  I’d like to think not.  But as we go through life, I often feel many of us are not paying attention – to life and all it has to offer.  Today, try sitting quietly for 15 minutes and look out at the scenery.  Forget all your cares and woes, what do you really see?  Now look even further - beyond.. 

        I recently attended an opening at a local art gallery.  I noticed the work of the artist and the detail of his brush as I stood and starred at his painting.  I was amazed!  The more I looked, the more I saw!  So it is in life.  Step up your attention level, practice and apply it to all aspects of your life.  You’ll be amazed at what you see.

        Secondly, while sitting quietly and observing life, what are your thoughts?  Are they racing about, probably telling you, “you don’t have time for this silliness?”  Pay attention to your thoughts.  Are they negative or positive?  We have so much negative crap in the world, we have to really work on the positive.  After a while it becomes second nature, but it’s still work.  It’s the classic “half full / half empty” scenario.  Hopefully your side of life is full.  It’s what you make of it and as always, it’s your choice.

        Most importantly, how does being asleep at the wheel affect your life?  You miss out on a whole lot of “stuff” as you journey through this thing called life.  Let’s look closer on the real affects to life, jobs or finances:

        You are looking forward to going to your son or daughter’s first soccer game or maybe it’s their graduation from kindergarten.  The day of the event, you’re slammed at work and suddenly told you can’t take off.    OT Again!  You’re lucky if you get home before your child goes to sleep.

        You’ve been in your job for sometime now.  You receive excellent performance ratings but are continually passed over for promotions.  There’s always an excuse.  You’re good enough to train other people to do the job you keep getting turned down for.  The repeated comment is “we can’t live without you, if we promote you who would do your job?

         You just took a new job.  The economy’s shaky and you’re thankful to get your foot in the door.  However, you took a cut in pay to take this job.  Six months go by and you’re still struggling to make ends meet.  You ask for a raise and told NO.  The company doesn’t do raises until your next performance evaluation – which after 2 years on the job – never comes.  Hope you’re not still on this job.

         I’m sure some readers can relate to these scenarios.  Asleep at the wheel?  You decide!  Raise your level of awareness, get in touch with what’s really important to you and take control of the wheel.  Pay attention, work on those positive thoughts and most importantly don’t fall asleep while driving along the road of life.  Happy Trails!

        Here's wishing your September has warm days and cool nights while you live and work your passion - everyday!

Warmest Regards,