Just received lay-off notice

[Lynn 007]

A few days ago, I along with 6 of my colleagues received lay off notices. I am pretty happy about it but others had to leave the office and were extremely upset.

I don't want to come across as insensitive to their feelings but we have it so good compared to other people.

It is 9 MONTHS NOTICE!!! March, 2012

We can either take eight months salary and leave and still have access to internal job postings for two years. or

We can stay in the position for the 9 months with HR assigning you to a new job (not less than 5% of your current salary) based on your skills in a new department. Of course, you can still apply for any internal job.

I don't know of any other company that is that generous with their notice.

Can someone help me understand what I am missing and why people would react so negatively to the news. I'm not sure if they see how fortunate we really are.

[supertom]

I guess some people don't like any change and enjoy security to the extreme.... sounds like a place i would want to work.

[Curtis2011]

What country do you live in?

I can't imagine a 9 months layoff notice at any company in the USA.

[Lynn 007]

I'm in Canada.

Supertom-Thanks, perhaps that is it-fear of change.

I look at it as a huge opportunity to start applying for jobs in departments that are more in line with what I really enjoy.

Even if HR ends up putting us in a branch we don't really enjoy we can always apply for other jobs.

[kenaustin]

Lay off is really depressing. We have to prepare ourselves for this.

[Vasco]

A lay-off is simply an event, and it's up to an individual how to interpret the meaning of it in a particular context (in NLP we call it Reframing). So it sounds like you have it under control and there is absolutely no reason to feel "bad" about what somebody else's reaction is.

Originally Posted by Lynn 007

Can someone help me understand what I am missing and why people would react so negatively to the news. I'm not sure if they see how fortunate we really are.

Unfortunately, it's a typical reaction of the mindset that the future is determined by the circumstances which are beyond their control.

[Lynn 007]

Originally Posted by kenaustin

Lay off is really depressing. We have to prepare ourselves for this.

I disagree. IMHO, it is only depressing if you want to make it depressing. I see it as a great opportunity to focus on the future. This is just a kick-start some of us need. The reality is we were given 9 months notice. I think I am so fortunate.

absolutely no reason to feel "bad" about what somebody else's reaction is.

Although I have no control how others feel and I don't feel "bad". I want to respect their feelings and how they are processing the news, especially if I have overlooked something I couldn't see.

Thank you both for your response.

[LostMyMap]

Originally Posted by Curtis2011

What country do you live in?

I can't imagine a 9 months layoff notice at any company in the USA.

I got one a few years ago. It can happen.

Lynn, well a layoff, even a good one like this is change. And your co-workers are very afraid of the change, and the unknowns around it. And like was mentioned, a change that they aren't fully in control over. It is shocking to get that notice, even when you get a good deal. Hopefully in time they will realize that things aren't as bad as it initially felt like. I got nine months notice, plus four months severance pay after that for staying. A pretty good deal, and we knew it was coming, but it was still a pretty nerve racking day. Give them some time and see what happens.

I had been at my company for over 5 years and I knew I needed to do something, but inertia was holding me down. The layoff was the kick in the butt I needed to get my own business started. And the nine months gave me the time to prepare.

Anyway, good luck whichever way you decide to go!

[nzmegs]

Sometimes the knowledge that you have lost your job is better than the prospect that you might. these days so many poeple are in the positiion that they fear being laid off. At least you now know how much money you have, you are free to pursue a dream or to change careers and you can plan the rest of your life.
Being positive is by far the best way to deal with such a change and you will find that you will make forward strides while your workmates may find themselves stuck.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do. perosnally i choose self employment, but at least you have the room to consider your options.