Jerry - I am so sorry this has happened. But I hope, as others have stated already, that you can take this as an opportunity even if it feels like a rejection right now.

What I would do is sit back for a bit and think hard about what you really enjoy doing. Is it still architecture or perhaps something else? Do you have a way to combine your knowledge of architecture with another profession such as teaching? You didn't say explicitly that you want to remain in the architecture business. But off the top of my head, I think starting a new firm would be a whole lot of work you might not want to invest at this stage of your life.

Whatever you do, you have my sincere wishes for success. Keep us posted...you know the Vintage community supports you.

 

'Sorry to hear about your plight, Jerry. I was in the same boat just after 9/11. I did a great deal of soul searching, and self-doubting. I even started studying for an entirely new career.

Someone told me that some day I would look back and be glad I was let go. And today, I can honestly say that this is true. I've got a better job with better career opportunity in the same industry working with a growing, profitable company that appreciates my hard work and talents.

You've got a great attitude (better than I had). Keep your chin up, and see if your network can help you back on your feet.

 

Jerry, I'm very sorry to hear the news, I really wish you the best! Let me know if you need to meet up for a cool one with Skip at O'Leary's, I'll come down, the first couple are on me.

Employment situations like this can become extremely hard on the self-esteem. Do not let yourself fall into this trap. You were let go because of a business decision and someone's perception of acceptable profit margins, NOT because of your value as a person or an employee. The words may read simple, but the meaning is far deeper, it is easy to find self-doubt during a situation like this, and you can not allow that to over take you.

 

Jerry,
Time to break out the college year book and let your Diploma speak. Hear there re-building quite a project in south Manhatten. The word Cornell Alumni is of great value and was hard to get that status. Good luck,
Nick

 

Maybe it's time to pack the S and move somewhere warm where the construction industry is booming, architects are in demand and most importantly...where you can drive with the top down all year round.

Try Naples Florida

and don't worry about all your friends and relatives...they all come to visit...

fltsfshr

 

Jerry, Sorry about the news, but I'm sure you'll be just fine. Take your time getting back into the work force and enjoy yourself some first. If you and the Mrs. are heading up this way again be sure to let me know, me and Karla will be sure to try and meet up with you.

 

Wow, thanks for the outpouring of support and good ideas
I spent a full day cleaning out sh*t in my office, forwarding e-files home ('your mailbox is full' ), and taking care of exit stuff/ unfinished business. Tomorrow morning I'll spend 1-2 quiet hours to finish the job.

Tonight we had another couple (architect friend since college) over to the house for potluck and friendship support. I'm feeling amazingly relaxed about this change....we'll see if it sticks

Grant, this is something I would really like to consider, but it will have to wait a few years. I've got a neat 90 yearold mom-in-law nearby who is healthy but needs the family around

Levi, we (or I ) may just do that later in the spring, since my brother in Queensbury is not in good physical shape

 

definitely start your own company. This is the only job security you can get for yourself. I was not downsized but I left a good paying job 8 years ago to start my own. Never looked back. We have grown every year with now a total of 12 of us.

 

Jerry, if you have at least a pension of $600.00 a month you can move to Panama and get all kinds of tax benefits... you can live there like a king for less than 40K a year ..

 

Eliott, I've read about Panama and understand that they DO have amazing incentives to get Yankees to Not Go Home. I think there's a 10 year abatement on property taxes, English widely spoken, etc.
But here are the quandries:
*Are there any of the wild 4 legged species "StooK" able to thrive there?
*Are gay turtles able to maintain a legal relationship w/o fear of becoming road kill