This morning when I got up to get ready for work - my husband was asleep in the recliner - I was shocked because he works 3rd shift so he should have been at work. (Shocked too, that I didn't hear him come home in the middle of the night - guess my sleep meds really kicked in last night!) I thought maybe he was ill - and was a little (okay, a lot!) dumbfounded when he told me he had quit ... or technically, retired from his job! He has not been happy for years and it's gotten progressively worse over the past few months. He finally hit his breaking point last night when his boss 'told' him he had to run a machine that he hadn't ran in 12 years and he wouldn't have been able to do so in a safe manner. Hubs wasn't "insubordinate" and didn't refuse to do it - he simply told them he was retiring and gathered his belongings from his locker and walked out. He'd been with the company 39 years!! Today he went to the union office and filled all of the paperwork out (thankfully, he will have 2 pensions - one from the present company and one from the company that bought them out 12 years ago) and then went back to the plant to fill papers out with the HR manager. He asked if he could walk around the plant and tell everyone good-bye and was given the run around about having to he escorted around - when that's never been the case in the past. Plus, retirees are given a nice gift basket - he got none of the above. I know he is really bitter and under that bitterness is hurt - he really did pour his heart and soul into that place ... I feel bad for him - I know it will be a big adjustment too! But - for his own sanity and health, I'm glad he took the plunge. So - I guess retiring @ 59 1/2 is not an option any longer - his pensions are great, but not enough to quit at that age!! I'm hoping my own job is secure through the end of next year, but am not certain of that ... ! We'll get through this - and once we find our new "normal" we will be fine - but it certainly was a U-turn I wasn't expecting!!
Oh Jill, I feel for you. That's a rubbish way to finish up at a company your husband has given most of his life to - that just sucks! That leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Escorted around! What has happened to good manners, common sense and a tiny bit of decency? I hope you find some equilibrium quickly in your new "normal" life! PS - I got a phone call from my husband from his work saying he was finishing up on Friday (today in fact!) and that he too was out of work. Different situation for us though as he is a contractor and changes work places every couple of years. Not too worried as he usually gets work within a week or two - it's just a pain having him hang around the house in the meantime - he has no boredom thresh hold...
Oh boy...it's so hard waking up and going to a job that you no longer love doing, especially when you've been there for as long as he has, I feel for him. Maybe he can find something part time to do until another plan can be made? Pretty soon the retailers will be hiring for seasonal help, but they typically have blackout days where they cannot request to have certain periods of times off of work so that may put a kink in any holiday plans you may have.
First of all, THIS is so important. I'm glad that he cares more about his health and safety than he does about a job--even if he'd been doing it for a whopping 39 years! That is incredible! You must have been so surprised, to see him at home instead of at work. Of course it will be an adjustment for you both, and don't me, but this seems like it's more of a detour than a U-turn. HUGS! (And his now-ex company better treat him well, because he could always call OSHA and let them know of any dangerous conditions. Just sayin'.)
@JillW what a shock! That being said I am hoping that his friends and family help celebrate his (and your) new life stage... whatever that may bring.
Oh my! That is a surprise! But, kudos to him for being concerned about running a machine he wasn't comfortable with, and walking away. His health is more important. And it sounds like you are figuring it out. Good luck!
Wow! I can only imagine the shock that must have been to wake up to this morning. I'm glad that he stood his ground about not running a machine if he couldn't do it safely. I'm sure it'll be an adjustment for both of you, but hopefully something new will land on your doorstep next.
Goodness me- quite a shock indeed. I do trust that everything works out for the two of you financially. Sending you much love.
Oh those U-turns! So sorry such a long career had to end on a not so pleasant note, but good on him that he knew what was best. Wishing you all the best in your new normal! I'm no stranger to the U-turns. My DH came home this week to tell me he is laid off for a while, no definite, just a we'll see kind of thing. It's had me in a little funk for a few days, but like you said, we'll get through it.
you hug that man and tell him how happy you are that you can see him and laugh! I wanted to cry that he is working in a place he hates. Personally, I would have him contact the Union and have them fight for him. That supervisor is wrong. can't wait to see what pops up for you all
Something similar happened to my mom. She worked for a private Catholic school for 25+ years when the school system decided to consolidate because they were losing students/money. Instead of having three separate grade schools, they were going to have a lower elementary, upper elementary, and middle school. The consolidation meant, of course, that they weren't going to need as many teachers as they had employed. There were whispers and rumors and speculation for months, and the administration wouldn't give the teachers any definitive answers. My mom was so stressed and worried. She knew she was the highest paid teacher in her building (strike one) and not Catholic (strike two) so she finally bit the bullet and retired vs. looking for a new teaching job at 60 years old or re-applying like everyone else and hoping they'd hire her back. She hasn't had any regrets.
Anne, a few years ago the machine he was operating blew up - and knocked him out ... he landed about 15 feet from where he'd been standing - one shoe was blown off as were his gloves!! He called me from work saying he was okay, but he was terribly shaken up (literally and physically). The company did very little about it - he (or his co-worker) were never sent to the ER for a check up - and he went into the work the next day and the machine was deemed "okay" to run ... the issue that caused the problem had never been fixed. He went to the union (it's not a good one) and to OSHA and nothing was ever done - that was sort of the beginning of the end ... I'm glad he's out of there! He sometimes would get quite "cranky" when he thought about work - I think I will like not seeing that side of him!
Oh my gosh! That was quite something to wake up to! Good on him though. He clearly knew what he needed to do. Good luck ...
My parents are holding on - super stressed (each close to being the age they want to be to retire). Most days are a struggle. It is so sad the way so many of our most seasoned people in the workforce are treated by companies. 39 years at one company is a huge commitment. I commend your hubby! I don't blame him for feeling hurt and resentful of the situation. I hope in the days to come he finds peace with his decision and enjoys his retirement. Good luck to you guys ... thinking good thoughts for you and your job Jill! hugs!
Gasp!!! This is NOT GOOD! So glad he retired, give him a huge hug! So glad it sounds like you are very supportive. My hubby retired from his job as a full time Firefighter at 50, he had that job for 25 years. He could of kept going but so much has changed in the city with the way they treat the guys (police included) Each contract they would take more away. I would say the last 10 years he really never had a raise because when there was a raise that usually was the more $$ that you needed to pay each month towards your medical etc... So on the advice of other retired firefighters from other cities he retired as soon as he could to secure a 'good retirement package'. He retired already securing another job. He is now a Fire Inspector for our state. So he has plans to put in no more than 10 years here. He will Retire Retire at 60. We are planning on being totally secure as far as no bills so we should be good. I don't expect much in life. Live a recycled life already, as I don't buy much brand new. Most of my furniture is even used. We don't plan the elaborate trips, give me a camper and I will be happy! YOU CAN DO THIS!
What a surprise for you but good thing your hubbie knows his limits and drew a line that he wouldn't cross, for his own health and safety. Hopefully your new normal works out quickly.
