just spent a half hour reading through all these posts. I had told myself I wouldn't do it but for my own peace of mind I did since I've been so depressed. I was one of those 550 last September and my entire world has been turned upside down. I read all the news updates on RJ and can't fathom that they laid us all off and have had nothing but record profits and going on a buying spree of companies. One good thing that happened is that I recently sold all my saved RJ stock for a nice profit that will get me through the next few months but that is little satisfaction for what Paul did. You would think that Paul and RJ would have a heart and call back all us laid off employees to see how we are doing and try to find spots within RJ now that RJ is growing again. I tried for 2 jobs and all I got was a cookie cutter thanks but no thanks. I'm retired now (at 61). I'm not going to take a 15 dollar an hour job. Going to hang on for Social Security. When Cobra runs out Obamacare here I come. Thank you Paul
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Yes, trying to move on. I have applied for many jobs and have gotten some interviews but no job yet after all this time. When I don't hear from interviewers or get an email saying I am no longer considered for the position then that's when I feel a little bit depressed and think about my life.
If after a year I cannot get a job I will probably decide to retire and see what happens. Worst case scenario, things will be okay! :-)
Some similar situation here, you are not the only one. Worked for several years at RJ always getting good reviews so I guess that at my age I started to become a liability and RJ decided that it was better to lay me off. With the new C suit management it seems that they only care about making money.
I am still not 59 1/2 so if I start using my retirement savings I will need to pay an early retirement penalty. I have downscaled my expenses and applied to several jobs but nothing yet. I don't expect to have a similar salary to the one I had at RJ but I hope I can get a job to take me a few more years until I can retire. Otherwise trying to stay optimistic, I believe in God and have hope that something good will come!