Comments on: Can Losing Your Job Mean Finding Happiness?

By: Lemuel Jopio

Lemuel Jopio — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:44:49 +0000

Losing my job was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. Since losing a managerial position at a software company (a job I also hated), I was able to build up own my home-based business to a level where I now make a very good living.

Plus, My wife and I got married this year and we also bought our first home. All of This would not have been possible if I was still stuck in that dreaded cubicle, acting like a “yes” man to my former boss.

Now, I’m my own boss and I only answer to myself. I’ve never been happier. By the way, all of this happened within the past year.

Yes, losing your job or being fired should not be seen as a negative at all. In the long run, you’ll only get stronger mentally. And with smart work and determination, you’ll become a lot more happier and successful by moving on.

I’m sure glad it happened to me!!!

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 06:33:20 +0000

Plonkee is confused because on this side of the pond we don’t have terribly generous ways to get rid of people.

How a company fires / lays off an employee varies widely by the company. Some categories of employees will get severances depending on the type of job and the company, but it’s the company’s call. We don’t have anything in the way of the redundancy programs. I am not sure if that is government mandated or industry standards but I remember being quite amazed at the hoops my company went through went getting rid of a UK-payroll employee.

By: PinoyTech

PinoyTech — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 09:13:14 +0000

We recently had to layoff people from my office. As I delivered the message of retrenchment to them, they cried. I cried but I did not show it to them.

It wasn’t anyone’s fault. The layoff was because of economical reasons.

I hope they find happiness though in finding the right job since I doubt they’d be sitting around the house.

By: Weekly Roundup - Personal Finance Upkeep Edition | Cash Money Life

Weekly Roundup - Personal Finance Upkeep Edition | Cash Money Life — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:03:34 +0000

[...] Can Losing Your Job Mean Finding Happiness? Money Smart Life’s response to Lazy Man’s situation. Sometimes, I think losing your job can help you find happiness. It forces you out of your comfort zone, and forces you to reevaluate your life. A great article. [...]

By: Lazy Man

Lazy Man — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:03:30 +0000

You got the scene almost 100% right. The delivery of the news was dead on. There were no tears and walking out with a box of my stuff.

Towards Plonkee’s point, I did receive severance which was equal to 2 weeks pay.

There should have been written or even verbal warnings and that’s one of the many things that my company admits it could have done better.

By: Mark from Smart Investing & Money Management

Mark from Smart Investing & Money Management — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:38:32 +0000

I’d prefer to leave when I’m ready, rather than an abrupt flush down the toilet

Look out for signs, constantly evaluate your position in the company and be ready to move. It takes courage and readiness but it’s always better to make your own decisions rather than have someone else make a decision for you.

- Mark.

By: plonkee

plonkee — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:44:03 +0000

Don’t you people have notice periods? At my place of work there is a minimum one month notice period on both sides. Often if you are made redundant then you’ll get more time (and help getting a new job).

If you are asked to resign, then you might be escorted off the premises but they still have to pay you for the rest of your notice period. Being fired is a bit difference but you can only be summarily dismissed for gross misconduct any way, otherwise there are written warnings and so on.

I’m certain that everything will work out for Lazy. I have to admit when I read his post, I did double check my emergency fund, especially as I haven’t got a well paid spouse to support me.

By: The Financial Blogger

The Financial Blogger — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:27:26 +0000

I agree that losing your job stinks. However, it gives you a special opportunity to look at your life, at your career and decide if you want to keep on heading this way or change things a little. Sometimes, we don’t have enough courage to quit and change our life even if we don’t like our job. When you are laid off, you have no other choice but to get back on track and the right moves.

I find that when you actually quit your job, it is definitely for more happiness. I wrote about how I quit my first job while I didn’t have anything that was waiting for me:
http://www.thefinancialblogger.com/one-of-the-best-things-i-never-did-quitting-my-job/