The severance pay has hit the bank so I can say whatever the hell I want about this company with little fear of retribution.
In reality, it was a pretty damn good 35+ years. Mind you, there were down turns, layoffs, the too often worry about your asset getting sold into the oblivion-of-low-paying-crappy-benefits-low-budget ownership of some wall street gang, and plenty of years with shoestring O&M budgets. There were days, weeks, and even sometimes, months of being less than thrilled about my current job situation. But it was always a job. A precious thing when you look around and notice the rest of the world. I needed it more than it needed me and I respected that. This often called crappy company offered me a chance, an opportunity here and there and I grabbed onto a few of them.
If you've read this far, yes, there is a message from this old timer. Most my age already know it and if not, they are likely one of the complaining whiners who needs someone to call the Whhaaaaambulance.
In the long run, your specific attitudes and expectations regarding what the job owes you and, more importantly, what you owe the job, will determine your achievement and success more than anything else.
I've had the good fortune that the good folks to work with have outnumbered the not so good and the down right jerks. But, I learned from everyone so, thanks for the opportunity to work with you all.
Hang in there, and best of luck