I was part of the January/February RIF earlier this year that nobody is talking about. I was with the company for 19 years and thought this was the worst thing that could happen to me and my family. I was given 30 days and cried EVERY day until the moment they escorted me out the door on my 30th day, but let me tell you, it was the BEST thing to happen to me and my family.
Verizon paid me (a lot) to go away. I was a hard working employee; one that any company would love to have. I never took a sick day as long as I was with the company (reminder: 19 years). I left the company maxed out with 300 vacation hours. All I did was dedicate my life to this company, yet in the end, I was just a number.
Two weeks into my severance, I was at peace. No more corporate drama, no more B.S. I was happier than I had been in a long time, yet I always thought I was happy with VZW.
My message to everyone going through this transition now: smile and embrace it. My new employer told me "send your affected co-workers our way... We will happily accept the Verizon work ethic".
There IS life beyond Verizon. We learned a lot. Now take those skills to a company who appreciates a hard work ethic.
If you're still reading this, smile... You deserve what's awaiting you. I guarantee it.
I hate clichés, but:
" when one door closes, another one opens "
"Good things come to those who wait"
"Everything happens for a reason"
You can do this. You WILL do this. I made it, and so will you. And I'm happier that I've been in a very long time, and I know you will be as well.
Best of luck, my friends.