I Just got fired!

[Barbara Jo]

I just received a bad phone call.

My employer of the last 13 years informed me that I was fired.
Long story short, it is over a trumped up charge but the real reason is I'm almost 63 yrs old and they have a history of disposing of older workers.
Yeah, I'm getting an attorny but it's hard to prove.

It's 's a big intenational company who paid me well and this is another resaon to ge rid of me by hiring new workers at a lower rate. It's a skilled blue collar position.

I am thinking about retireing as I have a far amout of money put away for it. However, I will have tighen my belt a bit and rein in my spending. The prospect that anyone will hire me at my age in this economy anywere near at what I was making is slim to none say the least.

Anyway, one thing that keeps crossing my mind is maby now I can let Barbara run a bit freer as I would no longer have to worry obout my blue collor co-workers. My family has long abandoned me and most of my friends have either died or moved away and I'm presentlt living alone.
I guess I need to find new friends who are CD/TS friendly.
Personally I'm in excellect health.

Oddly enough, I recently have begun to decorate my apt in a much more feminine fashion. My bathroom is becomimg ultra feminine and I find myself carring less and less what others may think.
I'm actually quite at peace with myself at this point. and look forward to a new direction with my life.

Perhaps now I can experience new found happines

Thanks for letting reveal my siuation. :)

[docrobbysherry]

you're taking it VERY WELL! :thumbsup:

They say when a door closes, a window opens! Except maybe in YOUR case, it sounds like MANY windows r opening! :)

U GO GIRL!:heehee:

[Andy66]

OMG! After 13 years??? Yes, I think you should consult an attorney. On the other hand, your attitude is awesome. It seems you have what it takes to turn this into something positive. Best of luck. :hugs:

[RADER]

I am sorry about your being discharged. What type of work where you in,
If I may ask. Myself, I was unintentional forced to retire as a Carpenter at
age 60. I did not want to, but when your a little over-weight and over 60,
well you are overlooked. I was lucky in the fact that my Union allowed
me to take full retirement at age 60, with benefits, because I had 40
years in.
I hope you can make do, You do qualify for social security at age 63,
although it is a little less than 65, It is still something. Rader :sad:

[jenna_woods]

I really wish you all the good luck, it might be a good thing for you i sure hope so hun, I am that age and retired and love being Jenna most of time,

[charlie]

Well, you are taking it in a mature straight forward way. What can you do. Just be sure that your retirement money is not is stocks and move forward!

[Barbara Jo]

Thanks for the kind words.:)

I can collect SS right now if I wanted to plus a retirement from Ford Motor co.

I have faced many adversities in my life and I'm still sane as I have a positive attitued and really like myself and life.

An example would be a few years ago when I was diagnosted with prostate cancer and it was removed
I tunred it into a postive thing by considereing how it would/did make my body more feminine, impotency and all. :)

It's strange how I let life events expand my feminimity.

Anyway, as a wise old friend of mine once told me,"there is always someone worse off than you".

[Jeannie]

Sorry to hear about your job loss. I am retiring out of the military in a few months and I am about your same age, I have reach maximum years allowable. I will be living on half of my present income and I was hoping to get a job for at least two years but with the things are now I may not get one and it is certainly going to be hard to live for the next two years. I wish you luck and happiness and remember we may not be able to help with jobs but we are here when you need us.

Jeannie
:sad:

[RADER]

Babra Jo;
Take your retirement and SS and run with it. Let the younger ones do
all the work. I did and now enjoying the fruit of my years of labor.
Now you can be more en-fem, and not worrier about it. Rader

[Cherry Lynn]

Barbara, I can relate to your predicament. In 2002 I was fired from a company I had worked at for 24 years. I went into business for myself and am doing quite well.

[JulieK1980]

My father had the same sort of thing happen to him, it was a life altering experience for him. I'm very sorry to see that happen to anyone! I wish you the best of luck, and I hope your positive outlook continues! maybe not how you wanted your retirement to start, but it sounds like you have a bright path foward!

[Nicole Erin]

Sometimes getting let go of a job is a relief.
It is like the blame is not yours, and you don't have to deal with it anymore.

The good thing is you have money saved so it is not like it is an emergency situation

[Kelly DeWinter]

I'm so sorry to hear that you were let go. Remember change can be an oppertunity for growth. I read a story today about a skilled factory worker who retrained as a welder, and could not get a job as a welder, but ended up getting another job because he was skilled. So your skill will be an asset!

[JulieK1980]

I'm so sorry to hear that you were let go. Remember change can be an oppertunity for growth. I read a story today about a skilled factory worker who retrained as a welder, and could not get a job as a welder, but ended up getting another job because he was skilled. So your skill will be an asset!

There are a few people in Nursing school with me in their mid 60's its never to late to find a new niche.

[joann426]

it happens to the best of us and yes when we get older those company do things like that i know at 60 years young they wont hire me any where

[Lynneth Lee]

I know how you feel, the same thing happened to me 18 years ago. But guess what? It takes alot less money to live on than you think. I'm sure you can make it, and best of all, you have the best attitude that is possible. Girl, you WILL make it!!! Now pull up your stockings, hitch up your panties and start a new day! :hugs:

Nanette Faye :love:

[AKAMichelle]

I'm sorry that you got fired. The way to look at it is you have so many opportunities. Sometimes the worst of times can be the door that you have waited for all your life. You could start a business or do some side work to make up the difference in your retirement. You still have a lot of life left in you and you should take this as a blessing. You get to bring Barb out in the open without any fear. You could even move to a new city. The opportunities are unlimited for you. Good luck to you

[Barbara Jo]

I'm sorry that you got fired. The way to look at it is you have so many opportunities. Sometimes the worst of times can be the door that you have waited for all your life. You could start a business or do some side work to make up the difference in your retirement. You still have a lot of life left in you and you should take this as a blessing. You get to bring Barb out in the open without any fear. You could even move to a new city. The opportunities are unlimited for you. Good luck to you

Exactly my thoughts. :)

[lingerieLiz]

Yes it happens to many of us. Don't forget your unemployment. Right now you can draw it for a long time. You can also collect it while getting SS and retirement pay in some states. Don't pass it up, a few thousand dollars a year can buy lots of nice clothes.

[Mandy]

So sorry to hear your bad news, at the end of the day, Its there loss & possibly someone elses gain :)

[Presh GG]

Barbara,
I was just thinking , why not spend this time getting involved in the LBTG community, maybe look into the trans clubs in your area. Many have outreach programs to help each other with home projects, your skills would be greatly appreciated. Would be a good way to make those new friends you spoke of.

Best of luck,
Presh GG

[DonnaT]

Sorry to hear that Barbara Jo.

If you were a member of a union, then let them work for you.

Hiring an attorney can be expensive, and I wouldn't want to pay one if the likelihood of getting my job back was slim to none. And if they aren't the one's paying retirement benefits. Especially if money is going to be tight.

Do go into work and get everything in writing, and make sure someone wasn't calling as a joke.

[5150 Girl]

Yea, I know where you''re comming from to. I got removed on trumped up charges after I backed an attempt to get a union into my old TV station.
They told me that I was to profain. What?!?! THre wasn't a single person in my newsroom, News Director included, who couldn't cuss the paper off the walls when the things got hot!

[pj]

I just received a bad phone call.They fired you by phone?! Man, that is not right. I have to hire and fire as part of my job, and I always do it face to face. It's bad enough news to get, there's no reason to make the experience even worse. Your company has some cowards working for them.

[Cherry Lynn]

When I got fired it was with a phone call also. They did not have guts enough to do it face to face because they did not have a reason other than personal vendetta.

[Renee]

Barbara, sorry to hear of your situation. I had much the same happen a year and a half ago. Lost my job of 24 years because of the economy. It has actually been a blessing as I have found odd jobs when I want to work, and have even become my wife's office manager for her in-home business. You are right as now we dont have to worry about being seen and then questioned by a boss about what we were doing dressed up in the clothes that we prefer to wear. It is true what others have said that when one door closes another door opens up. In our case maybe it is the closet door. You are in better shape than I as I am only 58 and cant retire officially, but I too had some money put back. Make the best of your situation and enjoy your circumstances. Take the opportunity to dress when you want and let Barbara have a blast. I know that with your attitude you will be successful in whatever you decide to do. Good luck and let the lingerie fly.

[TxKimberly]

I am So sorry! Loosing my job is just about my biggest fear and it literally keeps me up at night some times.

I used to think that my company was above that sort of thing (getting rid of older and better paid people) but I have recently come to realize that many of the people the got rid of in this last down turn were that very variety. I know that when I got my review recently, my manager mentioned that there would be a modest pay increase. I told him to be sure it was modest because I didn't want him pricing me so high that I made an attractive target when it came time to clean house again.
I hope that you DO end up enjoying some of it as you say you may, and I wish you the very best of luck in what ever you decide to do.

[patriciatg2]

I deeply understand the emotion and feeling of being fired. I was told by my new 25 year old supervisor, that "you older employees take longer to learn to follow the rules but I'm here to help you." Then he told me I don't fit into the job", so as of this week I'm looking for a job too. I'm selling stuff on ebay, writing a history magazine article, working on applications, hugging my dog and cats, trying to eat right, being my en-femme self, and staying busy without beating myself up. Stay focused on yourself and find something you like to do. Take Care, Patriciatg2:)

[kelley789]

well hun i hpe it works out . keep your chin up !

[KinkdPink]

hope all goes well ^.^

[weekend woman]

I recently read that unemployment benefits were capped at 99 weeks. If you can get by without tapping SS that would get you to 65 and increase your benefit. The way you were let go was just wrong, so take the company for as much as possible.

[Barbara Jo]

Thanks for the support everybody. I really aprceiciate it and it makes all this a bit easier on my mind. :)

Yeah, I didn't really "fit in" either with my co- worker even though I did have a few who were friendy or, at least, tolerated me.

[Alice B]

I just had drinks with a friend that is in the same boat. He was able to show that this was a pattern with his company (also a large number of employees) and is filing a law suit of discrimination. You might consider this option. There are many lawyers that will take on such a case with out you having to pay. Good luck

[Samantha B L]

Barbara, I'm really sorry to hear about your job and I guess I'm torn between advising that you should take early SS retirement,which you can definately get,or if you should sue over your job. I do like your attitude about the business of CD'ing as you get older and not being concerned so much over what a lot of people think when it isn't any of their business in the first place. I'm in my mid-fifties and I've been thinking that way for the past 5 or 6 years as I get older.

[My Lady Marsea]

Take advantage of the opportunity and run. I had to like take SS less than a year ago at 63 as there was no more economy to work in. I got like 80% of my full 65 amount and in my case it pays all current monthly bills or wutever. I too have no friends or family to speak of and spend these AZ summer hot days like sooo totally bored. Although I wish it weren't so, I am a Army of one lol. I'm like looking though. Now you have time to expand yourself and who you are with out worrying about that signed paycheck lol. BTW the US Treasury (your new employer if you do SS) doesn't discriminate as to your lifestyle, mine comes the same time every month like regardless of what I'm wearing or who I see. Like you I have no medical problems but you might want to check into your VA benefits too if you like have them, I did and now I have medical and $8.00 co-pay which I never had before. Life will be good again, just hang in there girl.

[Barbara Jo]

Take advantage of the opportunity and run. I had to like take SS less than a year ago at 63 as there was no more economy to work in. I got like 80% of my full 65 amount and in my case it pays all current monthly bills or wutever. I too have no friends or family to speak of and spend these AZ summer hot days like sooo totally bored. Although I wish it weren't so, I am a Army of one lol. I'm like looking though. Now you have time to expand yourself and who you are with out worrying about that signed paycheck lol. BTW the US Treasury (your new employer if you do SS) doesn't discriminate as to your lifestyle, mine comes the same time every month like regardless of what I'm wearing or who I see. Like you I have no medical problems but you might want to check into your VA benefits too if you like have them, I did and now I have medical and $8.00 co-pay which I never had before. Life will be good again, just hang in there girl.

Yeah, I'm hanging in there. I'm a surviver and I'm a bit surprised I still have my sanity intact. :)

When I said I had no medical problems I'm ment none that I take medication for or are lfie threatehing.
Howver, I do have some serious issues (none that are CD/TS related) that effect my employability not to mention some resulting serious emotional issues that effect it as well.

So, tomorrow I will be visiting a ss attorney to determine if I have grounds to file for SSDI. The SSDI payments for me wouldl be just about equal to full ss retirement benefits at age 66 and wiil instantly qualify me for medicade.

I stlill wating for all this to sink in fully and also to discover how it all relates to my gender dysphoria and expanding my CDing.

[MsJanessa]

Sorry to hear that Barbara Jo.

If you were a member of a union, then let them work for you.

Hiring an attorney can be expensive, and I wouldn't want to pay one if the likelihood of getting my job back was slim to none. And if they aren't the one's paying retirement benefits. Especially if money is going to be tight.

Do go into work and get everything in writing, and make sure someone wasn't calling as a joke.

Actually an attorney probably couldnt get your job back but may be able to get you some money---anyway I know the feeling---after almost 13 years in my job--which paid close to 100,000 a year, my position was eliminated a year ago--June 2009--the good news is that they gave me 4 months before the ax fell to get a new job---and, although I had to move from a place where I had been most of my life, I did get a new job in DC--and the pay, although starting a little lower(but not much) will end up higher than my old job---so hang in there--this may be the start of something better and it certainly sounds like you are getting a chance to let your feminne side show through and BTW if that's you in your avatar you could probably get a job as model--xoxo Janessa

[Samantha Thomson]

hey barba that realy sucks yea alot of employers do that it not right but as you said it hard to prove it happen to my grandfather but he new they were trying so he taped them saying they are going to fire him for age so he won his case or they settled w him for several million $ but he said not the same like working and his coworkers

[MrKunk]

Don't waste money on an attorney take your life savings and enjoy what you can.
Maybe get a part time job at a place like Walmart and call it good.

[Kimberly Long]

I worked for a large chemical company. I was the department manager. One day they had a required meeting on retirement, this was for every employ over 55 years of age, went into the room and was handed a envelope and was told my employment was over. Was told the police officer would see me out of the building. The company advised the would pack up all my items in my office and ship them to me. Two weeks later, my desk and boxes of files arrived at my home. I was given a severance package, in it the letter stated if I went to a attorney I would lose all my package. I did see a attorney and was advised it would be an expensive fight and may not win.
It was very hard to take. After about six mounts I said dam it I got a good deal and try to live with it. It has now been over 10 years and I love my retirement and I am doing well. I do from time to time spend to much money at Lane Bryant, Kohl's and other stores. I now have the time to dress full time. I pray they you will find a way to make the most of this and get by well.
Love, Kimberly

[Vieja]

I have been fortunate, I retired from the army and then retired from Lockheed and have max SS. My wife and I live frugally by

choice since my wife is too feeble to want to go any where. We live well enough on retirement and SS so we don't have to

touch our nest egg. Of course if the market doesn't perk up the nest egg may get scrambled.

Vieja

[Katie Ellen]

Last October I was one of many 55 or older salaried workers let go from a major (now mostly government owned) auto company. They saved a lot of money by forcing us to leave prior to the magic age of 60. Pension amounts increase quite a bit if you wait until 60 to leave. Didn't matter that we were pushed out. I was personally a few months short.

We received no prior warning, a 30 sec. speech and 10 minutes to empty our desks before being escorted out by security. That's about a sec. per year of service.

You didn't hear about this on the national news. But hey, the government saved the US auto industry.

I have 2 kids in college, a house worth less than I paid for it 12 years ago and couldn't sell if I wanted to. I was a top achiever not a "hanger on". That's why I made what I did.

The government will pay to retrain me but I'll be 62 before that happens. From a 100K to maybe $10 an hour. It's a joke.

I'll take my unemployment, my small pension (that I paid for) and start spending my 401k a little earlier and a lot wiser.

It's going to be for the best. Katie's around a lot more and at my annual physical last week, my blood pressure was the lowest it's been in 30 years.

Hang in there, you're not alone!

[Paula Siemen]

Yeh......I've been out of work for the past 15 months....looking for re-employment in the same field architecture. I have almost 40 years of experience and two registrations. I was an achiever as well, earning my firm a significant bounus for meeting challenging deadlines (mostly through extensive overtime on my part)

I am a member of a peer networking group of many similartly experienced and capable professionals, mostly laid off the same time for the same reasons...the economy and its effect on the commercial construction market.

Anyway, I was APPALLED last week when I learned that a younger (less tan 40 year old) peer landed a high position with a major national/international firm in my area. Upon some simple questioning, I found that this individual did not even posess two of the major certifications required by our profession???????

What gives???? Could it be age descrimination. Certainly employers would rather have a highly experience and proven, registered professional in lieu of a young, cocky, wet behind the ears, pretty, Generation Y'er person. YA THINK?

Or is it we are all over the hill and our years of experience are now no longer deemed worth the same wage as a beginning, uncertified, non-prooven wipper-snapper.

Our country is now what we have ALLOWED it to BECOME and we will pay the price for it the rest of our lives!!!

[jocks54]

I just was terminated 4 weeks ago. I worked for 17 yrs for a non profit (big joke) used clothing store. Their namesake implies something they sure are not. I knew it was coming and was prepared. I cannot believe how much better I feel. I have lost weight because I am not eating due to stress. I am very very fortunate for alot of reasons. I have a partner whose insurance I can go on. Our modest mobile home is paid for and no outstanding bills. I dress as I want during these days of temporarily not working and that is spoiling me, because at some point I will have to find work. I am not old enough to collect SS. I am upset, but know that something good will come of this. It has to. I could scream discriminaton and get a lawyer, but it would cost more and why would i want to get that job back?
I am a very handy guy and live in a community where I could do some odd jobs. Only thing affected will be mss for later on. We will survive. Thanks to everyine hear for listening, what an awesome group of people you all are!

[Crysten]

I always tend to look at things in a positive light too. One door closes -- three more may open, and opportunities you never dreamed of may be waiting on the other side.

Good luck and best wishes!!!

[darla_g]

Sorry to hear that. That was especially harsh not getting the information in person. Good luck with everything.

[Lynn Marie]

Oddly enough, I recently have begun to decorate my apt in a much more feminine fashion. My bathroom is becomimg ultra feminine and I find myself carring less and less what others may think.
I'm actually quite at peace with myself at this point. and look forward to a new direction with my life.

Perhaps now I can experience new found happines

Thanks for letting reveal my siuation. :)

Although I am still working, I've found that my advancing years have allowed me to be at peace with myself and to enjoy who I am without worry or doubt or guilt. This is a pretty nice time to be alive and a nice time to be a CD. My advice is to collect your unemployment and SS and enjoy it in a new wardrobe!

[eluuzion]

terminating a 13 year employee with a phone call is not just unprofessional, it is downright foolish. Any HR admin or corportate attorney will tell you that is asking for trouble...including the possibility of someone showing up in a few hours with a weapon.

I was a corporate manager for many years. If you can sleep at all the night before a termination, you are just not a good manager. It should never be a decision made without extensive forethought and should rarely occur as a "complete surprise" for the employee.

If you are going to "act", do not delay. Time is critical in those matters. Sounds like you are on top of that end. The ABA can help with locating a Pro Bono attorney. If you just walk into your local labor board, they will be all over it in a day or so. Lots of forms, but once the action is entered, it proceeds with a life of it's own. Those guys are more intense than OSHA when they get a "lead"...lol

GoodLuck,

Remember, you are "gainfully unemployed", not "jobless"...hehehe

[Chickhe]

At least consult with a couple lawyers to see what your options are. It is worth it to try to negotiate a settlement with your former employer. I read one comment about a company threatening to cancel your package if you contact a lawyer...well, you have the right to do so and if a company threatens you your case gets even stronger. At worst, you can negotiate down to what the original offer was... its only reasonable (and a judge would award it). An employer is not allowed to intimidate you...but many try. They usually cave in when you stand your ground (assuming you have a strong case).

[KarenCDFL]

That just sucks.

I would definitely contact an EEOC Attorney.

A good EEOC Lawyer would just love to file a claim for age discrimination.

You should also file for unemployment if u have not already and state your feelings of discrimination when you do.

Damn Employers that do stuff like this should have their heads handed to them.

Good Luck!

[Niya W]

Don't waste money on an attorney take your life savings and enjoy what you can.
Maybe get a part time job at a place like Walmart and call it good.
Hun ?? If she sues most labor lawyers take it on contingency fee , same if she goes for ssdi. If she gets SSDI she gets the added benefit of medicare which is less then her paying for health care out if her pocket .